Betting Sites with Welcome Bonus in South Africa in 2025

Here’s our curated list of betting sites with welcome bonuses:

• 1xBet
• Melbet
• Betwinner
• 22bet
• Afropari
• 1win
• Sportingbet

Below, we take a closer look at what each of these top betting sites with welcome bonuses offers to new players.

1xBet Welcome Bonus

1xBet is a popular bookmaker that has been operating since 2007. In addition to a wide range of pre-match and live sports bets (including esports), the site also offers Toto, an online casino (featuring slots and live dealer games), and other forms of gambling entertainment.

The 1xbet welcome bonus is 200% on the first deposit—up to 3000 ZAR. This offer is valid for sports betting.

To receive the cash reward, you need to register, complete the Personal Profile section in your account, verify your phone number, and agree to receive the bonus. The gift will be credited after you deposit at least 20 ZAR into your main betting account.

To transfer the bonus funds to your main balance, you’ll need to wager them. This process consists of two parts. The first half must be wagered in the 1xBet sportsbook. You’ll need to place accumulator bets totalling five times the bonus amount. Each bet must include at least three selections with odds of 1.40 or higher. The second half must be wagered on 1xGames slots with a 30x wagering requirement.

You have 30 days from the moment of registration to complete the full wagering. The maximum amount that can be transferred to your main balance cannot exceed the initial bonus value.

Melbet Welcome Bonus

Melbet is an international bookmaker that has been accepting bets since 2015. Its sportsbook features hundreds of events across dozens of sports and esports disciplines. Players from South Africa can also bet on virtual sports, financial markets, politics, and more. The platform additionally offers an online casino, sports pool betting, poker, and instant games.

The Melbet welcome bonus is activated after a minimum deposit of 18.75 ZAR and amounts to up to 100% of the deposit. The maximum bonus amount is equivalent to 100 USD. That is, with the maximum top-up within the discount, the bettor can receive a bonus of up to 1875 ZAR (the equivalent of 100 USD at the current exchange rate).

To claim the bonus, you must give your consent, provide the required personal information, and verify your mobile number via an SMS code. To wager the bonus funds, you need to place bets on sports or esports totaling five times the bonus amount. Only accumulator bets with three or more selections and a minimum odds of 1.40 per selection are eligible.

You have 30 days from the date of registration to complete the wagering. The transferable amount to your main account cannot exceed the original bonus value.

Betwinner Welcome Bonus

Betwinner is another well-known international betting platform. The bookmaker has been operating since 2007, with online betting services available since 2016. Players from South Africa are offered an impressively diverse sportsbook, featuring hundreds of sports, esports, and other betting markets. The entertainment section also includes pools, slots, live casino games, poker, and lotteries.

Every newly registered user can claim the Betwinner welcome bonus. To receive it, you simply need to fill in your personal details in your account, verify your phone number, and confirm your agreement to receive the bonus. 100% for the first deposit — up to 2155 ZAR.

The minimum deposit required is 21.55 ZAR (equivalent to 1 EUR). The bonus funds must be wagered 5 times on accumulator bets. Each bet slip must contain at least 3 selections with odds of 1.40 or higher. You have 30 days from the registration date to activate and complete the wagering of the welcome bonus. The amount paid out in real money cannot exceed the original bonus value.

22bet Welcome Bonus

22bet has been an active betting platform since 2017. In the sportsbook section, you’ll find a wide variety of bets on sports, esports, virtual competitions, and more. The Live section allows users to bet on matches already in progress. The platform also includes a casino, poker room, and sports pool.

Players from South Africa are eligible for the 22bet welcome bonus after making their first deposit. To receive it, you need to register and deposit at least 1 EUR (converted to ZAR or another available currency at the current rate). 100% for the first deposit — up to 2550 ZAR.

To activate the bonus, you must first submit your personal details. The funds will be credited automatically after your first deposit, as long as you haven’t opted out of special offers. Before depositing, you must also select the sports bonus account as the destination for the funds.

You have 7 days to wager the 22bet bonus. The awarded amount must be wagered 5 times on accumulator bets with at least 3 selections, each having odds of 1.40 or higher. Only funds from the bonus balance can be used during wagering. If the requirements are met, the remaining amount, up to the original bonus value, will be transferred to your main account.

1win Welcome Bonus

1win is a popular bookmaker with an international platform welcoming players from dozens of countries around the globe. The company has been operating since 2016. Players in South Africa can place bets on all major sports, as well as Esports, Virtual Sports, Fantasy Sports, Trading, and much more. The platform also features thousands of casino games and the opportunity to play in a poker room.

The 1win welcome bonus comes in the form of a multi-part cash bonus package. +500% for the first deposit — up to 11630 ZAR.

On your first deposit, you receive a 200% bonus, followed by 150%, 100%, and 50% on your next three deposits. Before claiming the bonus, you need to agree to the offer and provide all the required personal information. The bonus must be wagered in the online casino.

Funds stored in your bonus account will be transferred to your main balance in the form of cashback. If you end a day with a loss on casino slots, you'll receive 1% to 20% of the bonus amount the following day. The percentage depends on how much you've lost.

The bookmaker also offers a welcome bonus no-deposit edition, and not just one. New users can instantly receive 300 1win Coins simply for allowing push notifications (100 Coins) and installing the mobile app (200 Coins). These coins are part of the platform’s loyalty program and can be exchanged for real money. However, it’s better not to rush into redeeming them — the exchange rate improves as your status level increases.

Afropari Welcome Bonus

Afropari is a company focused on players from African countries. The platform was launched in 2023 and has quickly gained popularity. Like other international bookmakers, Afropari doesn’t stop at just sports and esports betting — it also offers online casino games and other forms of gambling entertainment.

Players from South Africa can claim an Afropari welcome bonus after making their first deposit. 300% for the first deposit — up to 4280 ZAR.

Before making your first deposit, you must provide all the required personal details, verify your phone number, and agree to receive the bonus. The bonus funds must be wagered with an x8 wagering requirement on accumulator bets that include at least 6 selections, each with odds of 2.30 or higher. Up to 100% of the original bonus amount can be transferred to your main balance. You have 30 days from the date of registration to meet the wagering requirements.

Sportingbet Welcome Bonus

Sportingbet is a UK-based gambling operator, originally registered in 1997. The brand has been operating in South Africa since 2008, holding a valid license from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, which ensures full legality for local players. The company offers both pre-match and live sports betting, along with a selection of online casino games.

The Sportingbet welcome bonus available to new users consists of three parts. You can activate it within 3 days of registering and verifying your identity. 225% for the first deposit — up to 3000 ZAR and 300 FS. By applying the Sportingbet welcome bonus code TRIPLEWELCOMEBONUS1, you can unlock improved bonus conditions.

To receive the first bonus, you need to deposit at least 50 ZAR. This amount will be doubled (100%) up to 1000 ZAR, plus you’ll get 100 free spins. If the player makes a second deposit within 48 hours, they’ll receive an extra 50% bonus (up to 1000 ZAR) + 100 free spins. A third deposit, no later than 48 hours after the second, brings another 75% bonus (up to 1000 ZAR) + 100 free spins.

You have 60 days to meet the wagering requirements. The total value of sports bets must be 10 times the cash bonus amount, with a minimum odds requirement of 1.7. Your real money balance is used first; bonus funds can only be wagered once the real balance reaches zero.

Almost every bookmaker worldwide, including those operating in South Africa, offers a welcome bonus. The top betting sites with welcome bonuses aim to make these offers as appealing as possible, so there’s always plenty to choose from.

Naturally, a welcome bonus doesn’t guarantee instant profit for the new user. But the key point is that it can be turned into real money. In any case, you get the chance to place real bets on the house, often by making only a small deposit or even just by registering.

South African bookmakers may offer several separate incentives for new players. For example, rewards for account verification and a bonus for the first deposit. On platforms where a sportsbook is combined with an online casino, players can often choose between casino or sports-related promotions.

When building our list of betting sites with welcome bonuses in South Africa, we focused on the following aspects:

• Bonus claim conditions. Most bookmakers offer a bonus after the first deposit. You'll need to register and deposit at least the minimum required amount.
• Bonus size. The bigger the offer, the more potential value it holds. Some bookmakers offer packages, including casino bonuses, expanding your options.
• Withdrawal conditions. No bookmaker allows immediate withdrawal of the bonus — if they did, they’d be charities. The easier the wagering requirements, the better it is for the player.

To claim new player bonuses from betting sites, you only need to register and meet the conditions of the promotion.

Sign-up bonuses offered by bookmakers in South Africa generally fall into two categories: deposit bonuses and no-deposit bonuses. The first type requires a deposit to claim the offer, while the second can be triggered simply by registering, completing verification, or installing an app. Here are the main forms of sign-up incentives:

• Deposit bonus. These bonuses are stored in a separate bonus wallet and cannot be withdrawn directly. To convert them into real cash, players must meet the wagering conditions outlined in the promotion. Once the requirements are fulfilled, the funds are transferred to the main balance and become the player’s property. Some of the top South African betting sites offer welcome bonuses worth several thousand rand for a first deposit.
• Free Bets. Instead of bonus cash, some bookmakers offer free bets, which let you place a wager using the bookmaker’s money. You just need to make your prediction, fill out the bet slip as required, and activate the bonus. These offers are often given after a first deposit, a qualifying bet, or, in some cases, even without a deposit. Free bets in South Africa often don’t require wagering if your bet wins, but this depends on the specific terms of each offer.
• No-Deposit Bonuses. These are funds given by betting sites with welcome bonuses without a deposit. A sign-up bonus with no deposit is relatively rare but does exist — more often, the reward comes after verifying contact info or completing full account verification. This type of bonus is usually given in the form of free bets or free spins (if the platform includes a casino). In general, a no-deposit welcome bonus is more modest compared to deposit-based offers.

Welcome Bonus as a Starting Point in the Loyalty Program

Many South African betting sites feature a loyalty program that automatically includes everyone who completes registration. Players receive ongoing rewards for completing various tasks and reaching new levels. The welcome bonus often serves as the entry point to the loyalty program, just like with 1win. This means that in addition to receiving a separate first-time bonus, players also begin progressing toward future perks and incentives right from the start.

RatingBet is the go-to platform for detailed information about the best betting sites with free welcome bonuses. For each popular South African bookmaker, the site provides in-depth reviews with descriptions of the latest offers. Visitors can follow direct links to their chosen site and copy valid promo codes instantly.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to claiming a welcome bonus via the RatingBet website:

1. Choose a bonus offer or copy a promo code from RatingBet and follow the link to the bookmaker’s website.
2. Register an account on the betting platform.
3. Activate the bonus and apply the promo code — this can typically be done during registration or later via your account dashboard.
4. Complete verification, if required by the bookmaker.
5. Fulfill the bonus conditions, which usually involve making a deposit.

If you’re looking for betting apps with free bets or bonus cash, you’ll need to install the app first. The Android app is typically available via an APK file on the bookmaker’s site, while Apple users can download the app directly from the App Store.

Keep in mind: the welcome bonus in the app is only available if you haven’t claimed it on the desktop site yet. In this case, you’ll need to register through the app or log in to your existing account to meet the bonus conditions (e.g., deposit or verification). Some bookmakers even offer an extra reward for installing the mobile app.

Re-registering for new bonuses or for any other reason is prohibited. All gaming platforms allow only one account per user. If a violation is detected, the client's accounts will be blocked. In the best case, access to the platform will simply be denied, and in the worst case, the funds in all accounts will be confiscated.

South African betting sites with sign-up bonuses allow individuals who are 18 years or older to play for real money. Each bookmaker has its own registration process. In some cases, a simple form needs to be filled out, while others may require a phone number and/or email verification immediately.

The process of receiving the welcome bonus is also influenced by the account verification rules. Some bookmakers do not require immediate document submission, relying initially on written data. In other cases, identity and contact verification are required to start playing for money, as well as to activate a no-deposit bonus.

Details of the Welcome Bonus Offer

No-deposit bonuses are rarely offered by online bookmakers with sign-up bonuses. However, some betting platforms reward new players with:

• Opening an account
• Verifying phone numbers and email addresses
• Completing full verification
• Installing the app

These no-deposit bonuses are typically small, often in the form of free bets. Bookmakers with integrated casinos may offer free spins on slot machines.

The requirements for receiving a deposit-based reward usually depend on the amount. In some cases, a fixed percentage is added to the deposit (e.g., +100% up to a maximum limit). There are also deposit match bonus sites where the percentage increases depending on the amount (e.g., +100% up to 1000 ZAR and 125% over 1000 ZAR). Bonuses are often boosted if a deposit is made immediately after registration, typically within 30 minutes or an hour. Some bookmakers offer additional incentives for deposits made via specific payment methods. Deposit bonuses can sometimes apply to several initial deposits.

Using a Promo Code

Many betting sites with free welcome bonuses allow you to improve the offer using a promo code. Typically, this applies to the first deposit reward. Providing the correct code can increase the monetary bonus. On platforms where the bookmaker is integrated with an online casino, free spins for slot machines might be added to the bonus.

You can usually apply a promo code for the welcome bonus during registration. Simply paste the copied code from RatingBet into the relevant field and activate it. Generally, this can also be done after logging into the account in a special section. The key is to enter the code before making a deposit. Occasionally, some platforms allow you to apply the code directly on the deposit page.

If you encounter issues with claiming the welcome bonus or have other questions, you can always contact the bookmaker’s support team. Almost all South African sportsbooks with deposit bonuses offer 24/7 online chat, where operators are available at any time. The contact section also provides email addresses, phone numbers, and other communication channels.

Before accepting sportsbook welcome offers, it's essential to carefully read their terms and conditions. To get real value from the bonus, you must meet all the requirements of the promotion. When wagering a monetary bonus, you may need to bet an amount several times greater than the potential reward. This is not a problem for active players, but some newcomers may find this challenging. Free bets typically do not require wagering, but there may be significant restrictions on the terms of the bet. More details on this follow.

Wagering Bonus Funds

Most South African bookmakers offer a sign-up welcome bonus in the form of bonus funds. These funds can be transferred from an additional balance to the main one if the following wagering requirements are met:

• Wager. This is the number by which the bonus is multiplied to calculate the minimum amount of bets required.
• Time Frame. After the bonus is activated, the player has a certain number of days to place the required amount of bets.
• Bet Type. The terms usually specify the type of bet (singles/accumulators, pre-match or live), the required number of selections in the coupon, the minimum odds, and the maximum bet.
• Additional Conditions. A common limitation is on withdrawing funds during the active bonus period, meaning that the promotion will be automatically cancelled and results reset if a withdrawal request is made.

Some betting sites with welcome bonuses extend their offer to include casino games. For instance, when wagering the bonus on 1xBet, half of the bets must be placed on sports, while the remaining part must be wagered on slot machines in the 1xGames section. Occasionally, free spins for slot machines are added to the bonus funds. Winnings from such spins are usually credited to the main balance, but in most cases, they also need to be wagered.

Bonus funds can be used to place bets alongside your own funds when fulfilling the wagering requirements. Any winnings generated with these funds are directed to the additional balance, so the amount stored there can increase significantly. For this reason, bookmakers set limits. Typically, the transfer to the main account cannot exceed the value of the bonus, but there are some cases where the limits are more favorable.

Using Free Bets

South African betting sites with welcome bonuses in the form of free bets typically do not require players to wager the winnings. In such cases, the entire credited amount, except for the gift's nominal value, is immediately transferred to the main account. However, free bets can only be applied if the following betting standards are met:

• Mode — pre-match, live, or no restrictions;
• Type — single or accumulator;
• Sport type — a specific sport/eSports discipline or no restrictions;
• Minimum number of selections for accumulators.
• Minimum odds.

Free bet promotions for newcomers may require a qualifying bet. Essentially, this serves as insurance for the debut bet. If the bet wins, the client will start their relationship with the bookmaker successfully. If the prediction is incorrect, the player will be able to make another bet at the bookmaker’s expense. If the free bet’s terms stipulate that winnings are credited to an additional balance, these funds must be wagered according to the scheme described for bonus funds.

Withdrawing Bonuses

Funds on the main account of the bookmaker can always be withdrawn, but with welcome bonuses, additional restrictions often apply. This is particularly true for no-deposit gifts like free bets or free spins that do not require wagering. To withdraw the winnings earned from these, players must make a deposit and place at least the minimum required bets using their own funds.

A wagered bonus can usually be withdrawn immediately, but some bookmakers require it to be fully wagered before withdrawal. If not, the bonus may be cancelled. In general, when making withdrawals, many bookmakers charge a commission for players they deem insufficiently active since the last deposit. Occasionally, such withdrawal requests are even declined. To avoid this unpleasant situation, it's essential to carefully read the terms and conditions.

A welcome bonus is not a free gift given just for signing up. It is designed to encourage the player to make bets at the bookmaker’s platform. But that's precisely why such platforms exist. If you're not ready to start playing actively right away, you can simply ignore the bonus. One thing is certain: any welcome offer from the best betting companies in South Africa allows you to earn real money. The rest are just details.