Best Betting Sites with Welcome Bonuses in South Africa

The best betting sites with welcome bonuses in South Africa offer free bets starting at R25 or they match the amount of the new player’s first deposit. These bonuses come with achievable wagering requirements such as minimum odds of .05 and a validity period that can stretch up to 30 days. 

Welcome bonuses are how betting sites reward new customers and help them start on the right foot. They come in the form of free bets or matched deposit funds. Depending on the sportsbook’s requirements, you may need to simply sign up to get the bonus or you may be required to make a first deposit and bet your qualifying deposit several times, to unlock the bonus.

We handpicked the 10 best bookmakers that offer generous welcome bonuses with favorable conditions and give new customers ample time to claim these offers.

Betting Sites with Welcome Bonuses Reviewed

1. Hollywoodbets – Best Welcome Bonus Overall

Our list of best betting sites with welcome bonuses is topped by Hollywoodbets, thanks to their sign up offer of R25 in free bets. The only catch is you must use it within 24 hours of creating your account. It’s a pretty fair offer, considering you receive the bonus with no financial commitment upfront.

We like how there are no ridiculous bonus usage restrictions other than that you must wager it only once on odds of 0.5 or greater. We especially like how you can use the bonus on any sporting event you desire. Hollywoodbets only asks that you don’t wager the bonus in two markets of the same event.

2. Easybet – Get Up to R1,550 Using Familiar Payment Methods

The next best betting site with a welcome bonus is Easybet which offers a welcome package worth up to R1,550. This welcome offer is split into 2 parts: a free bet bonus of R50 and a 150% deposit match bonus of up to R1,500. Your R50 is added once you sign up, and the deposit match bonus is activated when you fund your account with at least R50.

You’ll receive your bonus within 2 hours of making your deposit. Easybet also makes it, well, easy for their customers to fund their accounts as popular South African payment platforms like Peach, Ozow, and Capitec Pay are available on their site. 

We also applaud the bookie for allowing a workable minimum deposit for the deposit bonus and providing familiar payment options in SA. You’re to wager your bonus funds 4x, which is in line with the industry standards.

3. Playabets – Exclusive 100% Deposit Match, R25 Free Bet and 25 Free Spins

The third spot on our list of best betting sites with welcome bonuses goes to Playabets because of their exclusive offer that you can only get here. New customers get a series of bonuses starting with a free bet worth R25 plus 25 free spins just for signing up. That’s followed by a 100%  deposit bonus of up to R2,000.

While this bonus package isn’t available on the Playabets promotions page, you can get it by signing up with our link below. A R50 qualifying deposit unlocks the deposit bonus, otherwise, you can deposit the full bonus amount of R2,000 if your pockets allow. You need to roll over your deposit once on bets with odds 2.0.

The deposit is to be wagered once and the bonus 4x. Essentially that sets the overall playthrough conditions at 5x, which is not over the top. While Playabets restricts the markets you can place wagers on, it pretty much looks like you can wager on almost every sporting event, so no complaints there.

4. World Sports Betting – Up to R20,000 First Deposit Match

It’s not surprising to see that our list of top betting sites with welcome bonuses has World Sports Betting thanks to their first deposit offer that reaches as high as R20,000. On top of that, WSB also gives new players a bonus of R50 just for signing up. We appreciate the ease of receiving the R50 bonus since it's automatically added to your account within minutes of registration. You get an SMS notification as soon as your funds hit, so you don't keep checking the site every two minutes.

As for the deposit bonus, most bookies only offer up to R1,000. WSB’s R20,000 pretty much blows all the competition out of the water. A reasonable R50 deposit is needed to access this bonus. The 5x sports wagering conditions are fair, too, considering the maximum bonus amount.

5. Supabets – Good Return with Low 3x Wagering

A R50 free bet is on the table for new signups who join Supabets, making it one of our top betting sites with a free registration bonus in South Africa. You’re to roll over this bonus 3x before you can withdraw. From there you can move on to the deposit bonus capped at R5,000.

We like that you don’t have to deposit funds to claim the R50 bonus. You have 15 days to meet the low wagering conditions, making it a feasible bonus. We also like how the deposit bonus is spread over three deposits, giving you a chance to boost your bankroll on more than one occasion. Like the no-deposit bonus, the match deposit bonus also expires in 15 days. However, the odds go up to 5 times, so it’ll take slightly longer to get a payout.

6. Betway – 30-day Validity with High Deposit

How could our rundown of best betting sites with welcome bonuses not include Betway when there’s a lot to like about their first deposit bonus that reaches as high as R1,000? For one, the wagering conditions are set to 3x, while most operators impose 4x. You’ll be able to cash out your winnings sooner.

Add to that, you have 30 days to use the bonus. That’s more than enough time to enjoy the bonus with no pressure reducing the margin of error. Our only qualms with the deal are the high qualifying deposit of at least R100 and the minimum odds of 3.0, double that of several betting sites on this list.

7. LulaBet – R50 Free Bet Flexibility

Deserving to be called one of the best betting sites in South Africa with a free registration bonus is Lulabet. Unlike others, Lulabet gives new players much flexibility when it comes to using the welcome bonus. It puts a free bet worth R50 on the table for new players who place their first bet of the same amount. Players are free to place wagers on pre-match and in-play sporting events. 

We like how you can use your qualifying bet and free bonus bet on any sport. Plus, we appreciate how you have 30 days to deposit after registration to make a qualifying wager. It's a fair deal that you receive the bonus only after your real money wagers settle. Lulabet gives you 7 days to use the free bet, though, which isn’t unreasonable.

8. GBets – Win up to R10,000 from R25 No Deposit Bonus

Next on the list of best betting sites with welcome bonuses is Gbets which gifts new players a free bet worth R25 without requiring a first deposit. You need to place an R25 qualifying bet to activate this bonus and wager it with odds of at least 1.50.

The GBets free bet bonus has lenient terms for the most part. You must wager the bonus only once before you can cash out any winnings. It would have been great if GBets didn't give players only 48 hours to use the bonus. However, considering the low wagering conditions, it's doable. The maximum you can win from the bonus is R10, 000 which is fair since the bonus is only R25.

9. 10bet – Big Bonus, Double the Odds

A deposit welcome bonus of up to R3,000 awaits new punters who register with 10Bet, earning this bookie a place on our list of top betting sites with welcome offers. You must deposit at least R20 and play it once at odds of 1.5 to unlock the bonus. With your deposit and the bonus, you're to play the funds 5x using odds 2.0 or bigger before you can withdraw.

While the maximum bonus can reach up to R3,000, the bonus does have double the restrictions. You must go through the wagering twice using different sets of odds. While the minimum odds requirement is higher than the competition’s, the maximum bonus amount easily makes up for it. We’ll also cut 10Bet some slack for giving us 30 days to use the bonus before it’s revoked from your account.

10. BoyleSports – High Minimum Deposit but Easy Wagering Requirements

Wrapping up our rundown of the best bookmaker welcome bonuses is Boylesports thanks to their 100% first deposit match up to R1,000 (plus 25 free spins on casino slots). You can place the qualifying bet on any sport and play it through 3 times. Wagers are to be placed using minimum odds of 2.50 or more. If you decide to place multi-wagers, you must do so on odds of 1.90 and above.

While our main gripe is the rather high R100 minimum deposit requirement, meeting the play through conditions after that is a breeze. First, we like how you have the liberty to choose between single and multi-wagers. Some sportsbooks only allow single wagers with their deals. The wagering requirements are low, which is another plus, so you can convert bonuses into winnings quicker. Finally, you have 30 days to use the bonus, which is ample time to obtain real value from the deal.

How to Claim Your Welcome Bonus?

Make sure you meet these simple requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old (required in South Africa)
• Not already registered on the betting site

Here's what you'll need to sign up:

• Your full name (as it appears on your ID)
• Your current address
• Your date of birth
• Your South African ID number
• A source of income (for security purposes)

Follow these steps to claim your bonus:

1. Sign up
2. Verify your account (via email or SMS)
3. Make a deposit if needed
4. Activate your bonus on the promotions page
5. Start betting!

Tip: Some sites offer no-deposit bonuses, but always check the specific terms for your chosen site.

Our 7-Factor Rating for Best Welcome Bonuses Betting Sites Explained

In order to come up with this list of the best betting sites with welcome bonuses, we evaluated the sites based on factors such as bonus amount, validity period, and odds requirement.

• Bonus Value and Type: Betting sites that offer a bonus upon sign up, without even requiring new players to make a first deposit give new players great value. For example, Hollywoodbets earned full marks for giving new customers R25 with their no-deposit offer.
• Wagering Requirements: Lower requirements and low minimum odds mean easier cash withdrawals- something that Gbets and Hollywoodbets can offer new customers. But while Gbet’s 1x rollover beats the average 4x playthrough, Hollywoodbets comes out on top with absolutely zero rollover, not to mention having odds as low as 0.5. 
• Validity Period: Having a full month to fulfil the welcome bonuses’ terms and conditions makes it easier for you to strategically plan how to wager your welcome bonus and maximise your winnings. While several betting sites on this list offer bonuses that expire in 7 days, both Betway and 10bet’s 30-day window deserve the top score here.
• Minimum Deposit/Bet Amount: Welcome bonuses that come with a high minimum deposit and first bet amount tend to have a lower score as they may not be the best option for budget-conscious bettors. On the other hand, Hollywoodbets wins this category because they don’t require any minimum first deposits to access the free bet. 
• Odds Requirements: We look for reasonable minimum odds in the neighborhood of 1.20 to 2.00 but Hollywoodbets does one better by setting their free bet minimum odds at 0.5. On the other hand, Betway scores quite low in this category with their minimum odds threshold of 3.0.
• Reputation and Licensing: We opt for trusted betting sites that are licensed by provincial regulators like the Eastern Cape Gambling Board and the Western Cape Gambling and Betting Board. While every betting site on this list holds at least 1 license, Hollywoodbets holds 5 licenses (out of the 9 provincial licensing boards), cementing its reputation as the most trusted and legitimate betting site.
• Customer Support: All 10 sites on our list offer Live Customer Chat in case new players need help with receiving their welcome bonuses. Interestingly enough, WSB goes one further by listing 3 telephone numbers to reach their customer service and another set of 3 mobile numbers to access their Whatsapp chat. 

Betting Sites with Welcome Bonus Final Thoughts

Hollywoodbets is the top betting site that offers a welcome bonus thanks to its R25 free bet bonus that requires no minimum deposit, has low wagering requirements, and gives new players ample time to meet those easy terms. Easybet and Playabets round up the top 3 because they offer a welcome package of free bets and first deposit bonuses that come with favourable deposit and wagering conditions to new customers. 

Now for new customers that can afford to shell out more funds for a higher return, WSB’s welcome bonus of up to R20,000 is the best option when it comes to first deposit offers. Only Supabet’s maximum offer of up to R5,000 can come close, but not quite close, to that. 

Best Welcome Bonus Betting Sites FAQs

1. Do welcome bonuses apply to new users only?

Yes, welcome bonuses apply only to new users who open an account with the sports betting sites for the first time. Betting sites offer welcome bonuses to encourage new users to sign up. The welcome bonuses come in the form of free bets or matched deposit bonuses. 

2. Can we withdraw the welcome bonus immediately?

No, welcome bonuses cannot be withdrawn immediately like a cash bonus. You can only withdraw the welcome bonus after following the terms and conditions and fulfilling the wagering requirements outlined by the betting site. 

3. Are there any restrictions for claiming welcome bonuses?

Yes, welcome bonuses come with a set of restrictions and terms and conditions that include player eligibility, minimum odds, rollover requirements, and expiry dates. If you fail to abide by these restrictions, the betting site will not grant you the bonus. 

4. How do we claim a sign-up bonus at a betting site?

To claim a sign-up bonus from a betting site, you have to create an account with your personal details, make a first deposit, receive the bonus, wager the bonus based on the betting site's requirements, and withdraw the winnings you have earned using the sign up bonus.