EnglishPlayabets is a reputable online gambling site in South Africa which has been online since 2014. It provides customers with sportsbook and casino section, along with various BetGames, Virtual Games and Lucky Numbers.
Playabets is licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator and is a safe and secure place for your personal information and transactions. The payment methods target South Africans and are both fast and convenient. Customer support is available 24/7 and you have different options for contacting including Whatsapp.
Let’s dive in our Playabets review and see what else this platform has to offer.
What’s to Like About Playabets
Playabets is an established gambling platform with a lot to offer. What I liked the most was the straightforward design, although it reminds me a bit of Easybet. Except for a few similarities, Playabets provides a clean layout that is easy to get used to.
Something not very common in South African sportsbooks is the presence of both horse racing and dog racing sections at Playabets. Additionally, I found all of the popular sports like football, cricket, rugby, tennis and basketball to be at one click away.
Another thing that most South African online bookmakers lack, and Playabets offers, is a dedicated mobile app for Android devices. I also enjoyed the welcome bonus that I received after making a qualifying deposit.
Although Playabets might sound like the perfect sportsbook, unfortunately, it isn’t. Here is what I liked and didn’t like:
- Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus
- South African-oriented payment gateways
- Useful statistics section
- Numerous ongoing promotions
- Various betting features like cashout and bet builder
- Cons
- No live streaming
- No iOS app
- Underwhelming sports variety
Playabets Betting Sections
Even though Playabet is mainly known as an online sportsbook, it has a lot more to offer. Here are the main betting sections you will find once you load playabets.co.za
- Sports – The Sports section is where you will find all of the available sports leagues and pre-match bets at Playabets.
- Vegas Games – In this section, you will find all of the available casino games, including live dealer titles, game shows, scratch cards, and card games.
- Aviator – Clicking on this tab will lead you to the Aviator game – probably the most popular crash game in the past couple of years.
- Lucky Numbers – The Lucky Numbers section includes all of the available lotteries, which can be found at Playabets.co.za.
- Betgames – In this category, players can find various live games like Lucky 7, Wheel of Fortune,e and Dice Duel.
- Horse Racing – The Host Racing section hosts all of the horse racing events and markets at Playabets.
- Dog Racing – Similarly to the Horse Racing category, the Dog Racing one is home to all of the greyhound and HD Dogs fixtures.
- Virtual Games – The Virtual Games section is home to various games such as Spin & Win, Keno, and Winner’s Wheel.
Playabets Sports Betting
The sports betting section of Playabets is a joy to use. I really appreciated the site’s new simplistic layout. On the left, you will find all of the available sports, along with the countries for each sport from which there are fixtures.
The center of the screen is where you will find everything regarding the sport you have chosen from the navigation on the left. The tabs here include Highlights, Upcoming (fixtures), Live, Specials, Outrights and Statistics.
Honestly, the variety of sports is decent. I have seen many online sportsbooks with a larger number of sports. Even so, you will find all the popular ones, such as football, tennis, baseball, cricket, rugby, basketball, horse racing, and dog racing. If you like some sports that are not so popular, then you can only choose from futsal, water polo, kabadon, squash, and beach volleyball.
When it comes to placing a bet, the process is straightforward. Simply choose the sport, then the fixture and the market. After that, tap on the odds you want to bet on, and they will be automatically added to your betting slip. From there, choose the bet amount and click on the green Place a Bet button.
You will also have the option to book your bet once you have prepared your betting slip. To do that, simply click on the Book a Bet button and a new window with a special code will pop up. You can use this temporary ticket in any Playabets branch for the next 48 hours.
- American Football
- Aussie Rules
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Biathlon
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Darts
- Football
- Futsal
- Handball
- Ice Hockey
- MMA
- Rugby
- Snooker
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Bandy
- Cross Country Skiing
- Floorball
- Golf
- Water Polo
- Bowls
Playabets Betting Odds
To put it simply, the odds at Playabets are fair. Most notably, the odds are higher, or at least competitive, when it comes to big events or fixtures. In all other cases, there are events that offer higher odds than other South African sportsbooks and events that have not-so-compelling odds.
To illustrate this, I have prepared a table with random fixtures from the most popular sports.
| Sport | Match | Playabets | Hollywoodbets | Betfred | Betway | Easybet |
| Soccer | VfB Stuttgart vs Union Berlin / 1 X 2 | 1.75 3.80 4.67 | 0.75 2.40 3.70 | 0.75 2.80 3.70 | 1.75 3.80 4.70 | 0.75 2.70 3.60 |
| Tennis | Gimenez vs Sanchez | 3.35 1.22 | 2.90 1.15 | 2.85 1.35 | 3.50 1.15 | 2.80 1.50 |
| Basketball | Toronto Raptors vs Indiana Pacers | 2.21 1.65 | 1.18 0.63 | 1.21 0.65 | 2.22 1.64 | 1.25 0.70 |
| Cricket | Rwanda vs Nigeria | 3.60 1.28 | 2.55 1.15 | 3.30 1.35 | 2.70 1.20 | 3.55 1.30 |
| American Football | Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers | 1. 53 2.46 | 1.10 2.30 | 1.15 2.24 | 1.60 2.50 | 1.20 2.30 |
Except for their fair and competitive odds, Playabets offers a good variety of odds formats. By default, the site is set to use decimal odds. However, you can change that from the top right corner. The other options include fractional, American, and net decimal.
- Licensed Betting Platform
- Reputable and Famous Brand
- Useful Betting Features
- High odds in the sportsbook
- Cashout option for punters
- Lots of promotions
- Complex betting experience
- Many additional betting options
- Cool betting features
- Wide range of payment methods
- 100% Legal brand
- Downloadable apps for Android & iOS
- Native Brand
- Competitive Odds
- Excellent Betting Features
Playabets Sports Betting Markets
Even though Playabets provides a rather small number of sports, the odds, and the betting markets are what make a sportsbook stand out. As we already discovered in our test, Playabets offers fair and competitive odds, but what about the markets?
The number and variety of betting markets depend on the sport. Popular sports tend to offer more betting markets than not-so-famous sports.
- Soccer – 1X2, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, Handicap, Over / Under
- Cricket – Match Winner, Over/Under, Prop Bets, Draw No Bet, Number of Runs
- Rugby – First Try Scorer, Match Result, Handicap, Total Points Over/Under, Half Time/ Full Time
- Basketball – Over / Under Points, Match Winner, Quarter Winner, Handicap, Player Props
- Horse Racing – Each Way Bet, Placepot Bet, Trixie Bet, Heinz, Flag Bet
Live Betting Section
Clicking on the tab Live will lead you to the Live Betting section of Playabets. Beneath the tab, you will see all of the sports for which there are running fixtures at the moment.
Other than that, the design of the in-play section follows the overall site design and navigating is easy. What I discovered during my test is that the odds refresh rather fast, and I did not experience any problems with the system taking my wager.
All in all, Playabets offers a well-thought-out live betting section with a decent number of sports and betting markets. One thing that could make the in-play betting section almost perfect is the live streaming feature, which I hope Playabets will implement sooner rather than later.
Useful Betting Features
What makes Playabets stand out from most South African sportsbooks is the array of betting features it offers. These can make your winning possibilities even bigger or help you reduce the losses.
The cash out feature at Playabets gives you the chance to close your bet before your bet is settled, helping you reduce your loss. When I saw that things were not going according to my predictions, I used the cash out feature and saved around 80% of my initial bet amount.
Book a bet is a neat feature that is tremendously popular in South Africa. It gives you the chance to reserve your bet from the online sportsbook and then place it later at a betting shop.
To do so, simply choose the fixture and then click on the desired market. This will add the wager to your betting slip from where you can click on the Book a Bet button. Doing so will open a new window where you will see a code that you must use when you are at the physical shop.
Push notifications are perfect for those of us who want to always keep up with all the news from a sportsbook. At Playabets, push notifications will inform you about ongoing promotions and the inclusion of new features and games you can take part in.
The Bet Builder feature is new to Playabets, but it works as expected. It gives you the chance to select multiple selections from one event and create a bet.
To use it, you must choose the sport and fixture you want to wager on. If the fixture offers the feature, it will be shown as a tab. Needless to say, using the Bet Builder was convenient, and I was happy I could increase my potential win wagering on the same event.
Playabets Horse Racing & Dog Racing
Due to their importance and popularity, Playabets has decided to place the horse racing and dog racing sections in the main navigation at the top of the homepage. The horse racing section offers users fixtures from all around the world. Thus, you can wager on races from the UK, South Africa, Australia, the USA, and Europe.
The number of markets is sufficient, and the odds are competitive. The layout is also easy on the eyes, making Playabets a preferable place for South Africans who like betting on horses.
The dog racing section consists of two categories: greyhound races and HD Dogs. The first one includes all greyhound races from the UK, Australia, and the USA. The second one offers dog races from Coventry every three minutes and has the following markets: Winner, Forecast and Tricast.
Playabets Tips
Although Playabets is a superb online sportsbook, there are some tips you can use to gain the most out of your play.
Use the promotions to the maximum
Using all of the available bonuses is a perfect way to play more with less. Thus, even if your bet loses or you do not have luck with your favorite slot, your bank account won’t be harmed.
Follow Playabets on social networks
From time to time, Playabets announces some special promotions or games on their special media accounts, with X being the most common. These give you the chance to earn extra without spending a dime.
Don’t be shy about contacting customer support
Even though Playabets is a reputable gambling site, problems may occur. Whether your withdrawal takes longer than expected or you have found that the odds in the live betting section update slowly, don’t hesitate to contact the customer care team.
Visit the nearest Playabets betting shop near you
Online betting is more convenient than visiting the nearest betting shop near you. However, sometimes, it is better to visit one of Playabets’ physical shops: that way, you might learn useful information or stumble upon a promotion that only exists in the betting shops.
Playabets Casino & Live Casino
Like every respected online gambling platform, Playabets has prepared a casino section called Vegas Games. Users who want to play casino games will have some of the most popular titles available.
If slots are what you fancy, then Playabets has some great titles in its library. Be prepared to try your luck on slot games like Gates of Olympus, Sugar Rush, Sweet Bonanza and Cash Volt. Keep in mind, though, that the number of slots is rather decent. There are a lot of sportsbooks with richer casino games libraries.
The small number of games applies to the live casino section of Playabets, too. The section has around 40 titles, but at least they include casino classics like live roulette, live blackjac,k and live baccarat. In addition, players will be able to try out their luck on live games like Lightning Dice, Dream Catcher, and Sweet Bonanza Candy Land.
Last but not least, Playabets also offers a decent number of scratch cards, along with probably the most famous crash game at the moment: Aviator.
Additional Betting Sections
Except for a super sportsbook and a decent casino, Playabets has some additional betting sections that are worth mentioning.
PlayaBets Lucky Numbers – The Lucky Numbers section at Playabets is home to lotteries from around the world. Thus, you can place bets on lotteries from Russia, Greece, Spain, the UK, Ghana, the US, Canada, and Australia. These include Pick 4, 5 Balls, 6 Balls, and & 7 Balls lottery,s which is enough to satisfy most users.
Virtual Sports – The Virtual Games section provides players with some intriguing games on which they can wager. These include Spin 7 Win, Rapid Spin & Win, Keno, Keno Rapid, and Winner’s Wheel. Overall, the variety isn’t huge but sufficient for most users who like to interleave their gaming sessions.
How to Sign Up at Playabets?
The registration process and the subsequent Playabets login process are fast and convenient. I did not face any difficulties while I was signing up, and I was prepared to complete the FICA process once my registration was done.
Playabets Registration Bonus
The Playabets bonus is for all new players who have opened an account and met the minimum deposit requirement. The wagering requirements are relatively easy, and the time period to meet them is generous.
- Max. Amount: R2000
- Percentage: 100%
- Min. Deposit: R50
- Min. Odds: 2.00
- Wagering: 6x
Payment Methods
Playabets offers trusted and convenient payment gateways which include debit and credit cards, along with various vouchers and eWallets. All in all, the variety of payment methods is not on par with other South African sportsbooks, but I am sure that Playabets will expand their portfolio.
| Payment Method | Deposit Minimum | Deposit Maximum | Time for Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Visa | R20 | R100,000 | Instant |
 MasterCard | R20 | R100,000 | Instant |
 Bank Wire Transfer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
 FNB eWallet | N/A | N/A | N/A |
 OTT Vouchers | R1 | R100,000 | Instant |
 1VOUCHER | R1 | R100,000 | Instant |
 Zapper | R10 | R100,000 | Instant |
 Ozow | R10 | R100,000 | Instant |
 Blu Voucher | R1 | R100,000 | Instant |
 EFT Secure | R10 | R100,000 | Instant |
 SnapScan | R10 | R100,000 | Instant |
 Playa Bets Branch | R10 | R100,000 | Instant |
| Payment Method | Withdrawal Minimum | Withdrawal Maximum | Time for Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| MasterCard | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank Wire Transfer | R50 | - | up to 48 h |
| FNB eWallet | R100 | R25 000/month | up to 48 h |
| OTT Vouchers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 1VOUCHER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Zapper | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ozow | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Blu Voucher | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| EFT Secure | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SnapScan | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Playa Bets Branch | R50 | R100 | Instant |
Playabets License
Playabets is a trustworthy online gambling platform with a valid license from the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator in South Africa. The number of the license is 9-2-1-09689 and it guarantees that in a case of a dispute users are protected by the fairness of the law.
More Info About Playabets
Althoug playabets.co.za was launched in 2014 and the platform is a relatively new player on the South African gambling scene, the company has been in the industry long before that. They have owned numerous betting shops in KZN beforehand and are currently running one of the most successful online sportsbooks in the country.
Playabets Contacts
Here are your available options in case you will need help from the customer support team of Playabets:
- Live Chat
- Email – support@playabets.co.za
- Telephone number – 087 057 5292 (08705PLAYA)
- Whatsapp number for messages – 0788001018
In case you will want to follow the sportsbook on social medias and not miss anything new, here are their channels:
Playabets Customer Support Service
The customer support team of Playabets is on a very high level. I had a small issue with wagering my bonus funds, so I decided to reach out for support via Whatsapp. The support agent replied i na matter of minutes and was able to resolve my case.
One thing that I liked was the fact that the support team is available 24/7. In case you contact them through Whatsapp outside of business hours, however, be sure to use this number: 078 800 1018.
Playabets Mobile – Android and iOS Apps
Playabets have developed a dedicated app for Android devices with a separate iOS app coming soon. To download the apk file, you must visit the official site and click on the Mobile Application tab, which can be found at the top of the homepage.
Overall, both the mobile site and the Playabets app are intuitive and easy-to-use. They do not lack any features, and are fast enough for everyday use.
FAQ
Is Playabets legit?
Yes, Playabets is legit due to its license from the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. Furthermore, the people behind the platform have decades of experience in the betting industry.
Are the positive Playabets reviews unbiased?
Yes, most of them are. After all, there is a good chunk of 1 star reviews which showcases that there are some unsatisfied customers.
Is Playabets a good choice for horse racing bets?
Yes, Playabets is a perfect choice for placing horse racing bets. The dedicated section offers races from around the world, including the UK, the US and Australia.
Does Playabets offer live streaming?
No, unfortunately Playabets does not offer live streaming. We hope that the sportsbook will add the feature in the near future and cement their place as one of South Africa’s best online sportsbooks.
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