South Africa is home to some of the most exciting sports betting events in the world and sports betting has been legal throughout most of the country’s history. Additionally, in what is a sports-centric country bettors have access to several major horse racing, soccer, rugby, cricket, and golf events, which means there are plenty of options for them to choose from.
Johannesburg is a vibrant city that offers a variety of sports and entertainment options for locals and visitors alike. With so many betting sites in South Africa, Johannesburg has something to offer for every bettor looking for events to place a bet on. If you are a sports betting enthusiast, you might be interested in knowing the top Joburg events for this year. Below we highlight and discuss just a tiny fraction of the most exciting sports betting events that Joburgers can look forward to in the coming months.
Rugby Union
Played in 120 countries across the globe, rugby is a national sport and after soccer is the second most popularly played and followed in South Africa. With its long history and large, loyal fan base, it is more than just a game, it certainly is a symbol of unity and pride.
On numerous occasions, rugby brought international success and recognition to South African shores. As one of the sport’s leading proponents in the world the national team, the Springboks, won the sport’s premier competition, the Rugby World Cup, on three occasions, 1995, 2007 & 2019. The Springboks is also considered to be one of the most successful teams in the world.
Played at all levels nationwide, from school to professional, the game attracts millions of viewers, spectators, and bettors. Naturally betting on rugby is an extremely popular pastime for South Africans and Johannesburg has some of the best rugby facilities in the world.
Aside from the highly popular, Currie Cup interprovincial series, the World Rugby Championship, and the Six Nations are the two most prestigious competitions in the world, all three series are popular sources of interest for bettors who prefer futures betting. Match outcomes, points totals, handicaps, and first-try scorers are the most popular bets.
ICC Cricket
With a viewership of millions of followers around the world, cricket is the third most popular sport in South Africa, behind soccer and rugby, and is played nationally at all levels. Primarily organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport features a massive variety of series, tournaments, and formats to provide fans with non-stop, year-round action.
Despite the vast number of cricket competitions and series occurring around the world throughout the year, winning the World Test Championship, World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and T20 World Cup are seen as the pinnacle of success in world cricket.
Home to South Africa’s national team, the Proteas, Johannesburg’s Wanderers cricket stadium is well-known globally. Having witnessed some of the most historic international clashes, Wanderers is considered one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world.
Betting on cricket is a big deal in South Africa, cricket fans love to follow and support the Proteas, as well as other domestic and international leagues. Whether it's a Test match, a One Day International, or a T20, there's always something to bet on. According to some sources, over 50% of adults in South Africa regularly bet on sports online, and cricket is one of the most popular choices. Cricket fans can bet on a wide variety of outcomes, including match winners, batsmen or bowlers, toss winners, and much more.
Premier Soccer League (PSL)
The statistics show that South African soccer fandom is on par with that of the football-crazed United Kingdom, both of which are second only to Germany at 91%. Soccer (association football) is undoubtedly the most followed and played sport in the country, which also means it is the most wagered on sport in sports-crazy South Africa.
Aside from fan insanity following in the wake of any international appearance by the Bafana Bafana, the sixteen teams in the annual PSL championship lead the way in the country’s popularity stakes. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is SA’s top professional league and the largest annual soccer event. The PSL sees 16 teams competing for the league title and is also an essential qualifier for continental competitions. The competitive season runs from August to May with each team playing 30 matches.
The PSL also organizes three further cup competitions: the MTN 8, Carling / Telkom Knockout, and Nedbank Cup. It is only logical that the capital Johannesburg, as the largest, most densely populated city in the country plays with the most and best sports facilities plays host a great part of the action. This creates a vast treasure trove of sports betting events and opportunities.
Durban July Handicap
The Durban July Handicap race is one of the most prestigious and popular horse racing events in South Africa. Held annually on the first Saturday of July at Durban’s Greyville Racecourse, KwaZulu-Natal, the race attracts a large, diverse spectating crowd. Attendees thoroughly enjoy its festive atmosphere, hugely popular fashion parade, and a wide variety of other entertainment, for most attendees that naturally includes one of the country’s favourite pastimes, sports betting opportunities.
The race, open to horses aged three years and older, covers a distance of 2,200 metres on a turf surface. Dating back to 1897, it is rich in both history and tradition, it was first run as the Durban Turf Club Handicap. Since these early days the race produced numerous memorable moments and venerable champions, such as the likes of Sea Cottage, Politician, El Picha, and Do It Again. The race, well-known for its tough, challenging nature, demands high levels of speed, stamina, and strategy from both horse and jockey. It is often referred to as "Africa's Greatest Horseracing Event".
The Joburg Open
First played in 2007 at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa, The Joburg Open is a premier golfing event co-sanctioned by both the European and Sunshine Tours. The tournament also forms part of the Race to Dubai, which determines the season-long rankings of European Tour players.
The tournament attracts some of the world’s best golfers from around the world, players compete on two courses: an East and West course. The field is cut after two rounds, and the final two rounds are played on the East course, which is longer and more challenging than the West course. The Joburg Open has produced some memorable champions, such as Charl Schwartzel, who won the event three times in 2010, 2011 and 2016, and Branden Grace, who shot a record-breaking 62 in the final round to win in 2012.
With a prize pool exceeding €1.3 million the Joburg Open is one of the richest events on the African continent. The event starts annually in November and showcases some of the most challenging and scenic courses in the country. As one of the major betting events of the year, you can bet on your favourite golfer/s or outcome via a massive variety of sports betting markets and specials.
In Summary
South Africa's lively sports betting industry has something for everyone, whether you're a professional punter, a sports fanatic, or a casual gambler who enjoys the chance to win a little extra cash. South Africa is a betting paradise for soccer, rugby, and cricket fans. You may watch great matches and win large, adding excitement to your favorite game.
