Why Bet365 Is Not Allowed in South Africa

Why Bet365 Is Not Allowed in South Africa

Bet365 is a big name in sports betting around the world. But in South Africa, you can’t use it legally. The main reason is simple: Bet365 does not have a licence to operate here. South Africa has strict rules for online betting, and only companies with a local licence can take bets from South Africans.

The National Gambling Board checks every betting site. If a company wants to offer betting in South Africa, it must get a licence from a local gambling board. Bet365 hasn’t done this, so they can’t legally let South Africans open accounts or place bets.

How South African Gambling Laws Work

Online betting is legal in South Africa, but only if the betting site has a licence from a South African province. This means the site must follow local rules, pay taxes, and protect players. If a site doesn’t have a licence, it is blocked by banks and internet providers.

These rules are there to stop illegal gambling, protect people from scams, and make sure the government gets its share of tax. If you use an unlicensed site like Bet365, you could lose your money and have no way to complain if something goes wrong.

What Changed in 2025?

In 2025, the rules got even stricter. The government made it harder for foreign betting sites to accept South African players. Banks now block payments to and from unlicensed betting sites. This means you can’t use your South African bank card or EFT to deposit or withdraw money with Bet365.

Internet providers also block access to websites that are not licensed. So even if you try to visit Bet365, you might see a message saying the site is not available in your country.

Where Is Bet365 Allowed and Not Allowed?

Bet365 is legal in many countries, like the UK, Australia, and some African countries such as Kenya and Nigeria. But it is not allowed in South Africa, France, the USA (most states), and a few other places. In these countries, the laws are strict, or Bet365 has not applied for a licence.

In South Africa, only local betting sites with a licence can operate. Examples are Hollywoodbets, Betway, and Supabets. These sites follow South African laws and are safe to use.

What Happens If You Try to Use Bet365 in South Africa?

If you try to sign up or bet on Bet365 from South Africa, you will run into problems. The website will block you, or your payments won’t go through. If you somehow get around the blocks, you risk losing your money. If Bet365 finds out you are from South Africa, they can close your account and keep your winnings.

Some people try to use VPNs to hide their location, but this is risky. If Bet365 finds out, they will close your account. You also can’t use your South African bank card, so getting your money in or out is very hard.

Common Mistakes People Make

Trying to use Bet365 with a VPN and getting their account closed

Depositing money with a foreign card and losing access to their funds

Thinking Bet365 is legal just because it’s famous

Not reading the rules and getting blocked by their bank

Using friends’ details to open an account and getting banned

What Are Your Options for Online Betting?

You can still bet online in South Africa, but you must use a site with a local licence. These sites are checked by the government, so your money is safer. You can use your South African bank card, and if there’s a problem, you can complain to the gambling board.

Some popular legal betting sites in South Africa are Hollywoodbets, Betway, Supabets, and Sportingbet. They offer sports betting, live betting, and even casino games. You can sign up with your ID, deposit money with your bank card or EFT, and withdraw your winnings easily.

Comparison Table: Bet365 vs Local South African Betting Sites

Feature	Bet365 (in SA)	Local Licensed Sites
Legal to use?	No	Yes
Can use SA bank card?	No	Yes
Withdraw winnings easily?	No	Yes
Help if there’s a problem?	No	Yes
Blocked by banks?	Yes	No

Real Example: What Happens If You Try to Use Bet365

Say you try to open a Bet365 account from Joburg. You use your South African ID and bank card. The site blocks your registration, or your payment fails. If you use a VPN and manage to deposit R1,000, Bet365 can still see your real location when you try to withdraw. They can close your account and keep your money. You have no way to complain or get your cash back.

Now, if you use a local site like Hollywoodbets, you sign up with your ID, deposit R1,000, and place your bets. If you win, you can withdraw your money to your bank account in 2 to 3 days. If there’s a problem, you can call the gambling board for help.

Why Does the Law Work This Way?

The government wants to protect South Africans from scams and make sure betting companies pay tax. If a site is not licensed, it can disappear with your money. Licensed sites must follow rules, pay out winnings, and help if there’s a problem. This keeps things fair and safe for everyone.

If you use an unlicensed site, you risk losing your money, getting no help, and even breaking the law. It’s just not worth it.

Key Takeaways

Bet365 is not allowed in South Africa because it does not have a local licence. The law is strict, and banks block payments to unlicensed sites. If you want to bet online, use a legal South African site. It’s safer, easier, and you can get help if you need it.

Don’t risk your money on sites that are not allowed. Stick to local betting sites and enjoy your game without stress.