List of Horse Racing Betting Sites in South Africa 2025
How We Evaluate Horse Racing Bookmakers
Our analysis focuses on a detailed evaluation process to assess the essential features of each racebook:
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Odds
We focus on the competitiveness of odds available for important South African and overseas races. Our analysis includes the margins applied, as these directly influence potential returns for punters. -
Race Coverage
Our experts assess the extent of race coverage provided by bookmakers, prioritising those that feature prominent local events (such as the Durban July and Summer Cup) and significant international races. -
Reputation
All horse racing betting websites are checked for licensing status, confirmed by local regulators, to ensure compliance and operational integrity. -
Promotions
We list horse racing welcome bonus sites that boost newcomers’ bankrolls under fair conditions. We also evaluate ongoing promotions such as the Best Odds Guaranteed, Extra Places, refund if your jockey finishes 2nd or 3rd and more. -
Features
We review specialised features such as Cash Out options and Live streaming availability. -
Live Betting
Our team examines the scope of In-Play options, assessing the number of markets, odds changes and access to real-time statistics. -
Mobile Apps
The assessment includes an analysis of mobile applications and responsive websites. The focus is on functionality and usability. -
Payment Methods
We consider the variety and reliability of deposit and withdrawal methods, ensuring they are well-suited to the needs of South African bettors.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in South Africa
Hollywoodbets — All Tracks in One Place
Recognised as one of the prominent horse racing bookmakers in South Africa, offering a wide array of international races from regions such as South Africa, Australia, France, Canada, Ireland, and Japan. The platform provides a variety of bet types, including Exacta, Swinger, Trifecta, Quartet, and Double. New customers can take advantage of a R25 no-deposit bonus. The availability of Live streaming and a Cash Out option for selected events is also a plus.
World Sports Betting — Many Promotions
Offers a broad selection of horse racing events, featuring approximately 100 races daily from 10 different countries, including South Africa, France, and Australia. The bookmaker’s R50 No-Deposit Bonus for new customers and additional promos in the Racing section such as Objection Refund, Donkey Luck, Free Fall and insurance on 5-leg accumulators. Live betting options are also available.
Sunbet — Best Odds
Provides access to over 450 horse racing events daily, encompassing competitions from Australia, India, Japan, and South Africa. The bookmaker features a variety of promotions tailored for horse racing bettors, including a 100% welcome offer on the first deposit, up to R1,000. Sunbet boasts an easy-to-use interface and has a loyalty programme for regular punters. Additionally, it is known for having some of the best-fixed odds on the market.
Sportingbet — Simple and Clear Interface
The platform offers hundreds of daily races from venues like Durbanville, Del Mar and Fairview, as well as markets for significant upcoming tournaments. Meetings in Ireland and the UK are listed in a separate tab. New users can benefit from a triple welcome refund on their first three deposits, up to R3,000. The bookmaker also has a convenient website and mobile app, both of which are covered in detail in our Sportingbet review.
Bet.co.za — Generous Welcome Offer
Features over 300 horse racing events daily, covering both local and international races. The bookmaker offers a “Future” section for upcoming races scheduled months in advance. New customers can access a 100% bonus on their first deposit, up to R5,000. The extra amount must be wagered 6 times with single stake min odds of 1.70 and multi-bet min odds of 2.20.
Types of Bets on Horse Racing
Here’s an overview of the most popular types available at South African online horse racing betting sites:
- Win: The simplest bet, predicting which horse will finish first.
- Place: A bet on a horse to finish either first or second (in some races, this extends to third place).
- Show: Available in some international markets, this is a bet on a horse to finish in the top three.
- Exacta: Predicting the first and second-place finishers in exact order.
- Quinella: Similar to Exacta, but the order doesn’t matter.
- Trifecta: Picking the first three finishers in exact order.
- Superfecta: Selecting the first four finishers in correct order.
- Double: Picking the winners of two consecutive races.
- Pick 3 (or more): Selecting winners in three or more consecutive races.
- Each-Way: A combination of Win and Place bets.
- Swinger: A bet on two horses to finish in the top three in any order.
Many South African horse racing betting websites also offer exotic bets like “Quartet” (first four in order) and “Jackpot” (picking winners in four designated races).
Popular Horse Racing Tournaments
South African horse racing betting sites offer a variety of betting options across local and international horse racing events, which are listed below:
| Domestic | International |
|---|---|
| Durban July
South Africa’s premier horse race, held annually at Greyville Racecourse |
Melbourne Cup
Australia’s most famous race, often called “the race that stops a nation.” |
| J&B Met
A Grade 1 race at Kenilworth Racecourse, known for its fashion and social scene |
Royal Ascot
A prestigious five-day meeting in the UK, featuring top-class racing. |
| Summer Cup
Johannesburg’s biggest race day, hosted at Turffontein Racecourse |
Kentucky Derby
The first leg of the American Triple Crown, known for its pageantry. |
| Gold Cup
A stamina-testing Grade 1 race, part of the Champions Season |
Dubai World Cup
One of the world’s richest horse races, held in the UAE. |
Hints for Horse Racing Betting
For improved results, follow these expert tips:
- Study Form: Analyse past performances, taking into account factors such as recent results, breed age and weight, track and weather conditions, and jockey-trainer combinations.
- Understand Track Bias: Some tracks favour certain running styles or post positions. Recognising these patterns can give you an edge.
- Consider Weight: In handicap races, pay attention to the weights assigned to each horse and how it might affect their performance, especially at longer distances.
- Watch the Odds: Significant odds movements can indicate insider confidence or concerns about a horse’s chances. If you’re not in the business, you’re better off walking past.
- Follow Your Budget: Never chase losses with larger amounts.
- Use Promotions: Look for bookmaker offers like Best Odds Guaranteed or Extra Places on each-way bets. Even if you don’t win, you’ll expand your expertise.
- Specialise: Focus on specific types of races or tracks to develop deeper expertise.
Remember, while these tips can improve your chances, there is no guarantee that you will succeed in a specific race. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.
Choosing a Horse Racing Bookmaker
When choosing the best bookmakers for horse racing in South Africa, look for reliable Live streaming, competitive odds, and support for preferred payment options. The best horse racing betting sites provide extensive race coverage, attractive bonuses, intuitive interfaces, and mobile apps. Effective customer support and responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion, are also important. Well, or try starting with our top 5.
