As far as betting sites go, the South African market is not exactly in short supply. Between giants like 1xBet and Hollywoodbets, the competition is steep. OneBet enters the fray with a mix of sports betting, casino games, and some intriguing promotions. Regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, it checks the legitimacy box–but does it offer enough to carve out its place among the big players? Let’s dive into it.
Registration: Simple, as Long as You’re Ready
Getting signed up with OneBet is like getting into a relationship: it’s easy to get in as long as you bring something to the table. It’s standard in this regard: punch in the details, such as your name, phone number, e-mail, and ID number, and you’re halfway there. If you want to really rush things, you can do this by linking up from Google. This is South Africa, however, which means you’ll need to get through the FICA compliance process. Translation–get those ID and proof of residence out ready.
One of us made the rookie mistake of trying to register mid-rugby match. As always, we recommend doing the paperwork beforehand. Imagine frantically searching for a bank statement while simultaneously screaming at the TV. If you’ve got your ducks in a row, it’s a smooth process.
Sportsbook: Comprehensive but Could Use Some Polish
OneBet’s sportsbook isn’t bad, carrying most of the staples: soccer, rugby, cricket, basketball, and tennis. There’s even an OK lineup for esports nuts who like CS:GO and Dota 2. The outright star of the show, though, is soccer. They really cover everything: from PSL matches and Champions League showdowns to some very obscure leagues.
We tried a wager on a PSL match between Sundowns versus Kaizer Chiefs–a real nail-biter. The odds were competitive but didn’t quite match the flair provided by PariPesa. Where OneBet does shine, however, is in its depth of markets. From your classic “Match Winner” right through to quirkier options like “Which Team Scores First” or even “Total Goals in First Half,” there’s so much to keep things interesting.
Still, for a stats geek like some of us, the complete dearth of in-depth match insight can leave you wanting more. Especially considering competitors like Hollywoodbets, which provide a sleeker feel with live stats and streaming options that are simply a godsend to hardcore enthusiasts.
Promotions
This is where OneBet really flexes its muscles—or at least tries to. The promotions are plentiful, but the devil’s in the details.
- 100X Money Back Bonus
The long and the short of it is: if one leg of your multi lets you down, you can get up to 100 times your stake returned, depending on the odds of the remaining selections. It’s a pretty ambitious offer, but the odds requirements are pretty steep. For example, to reach that wonderful 100x return, the remaining odds would have to be greater than 1,000. That’s great for adrenaline junkies, but the more casual punter might find this one a little more a pipe dream than a decent prospect.
- 300% Deposit Bonus
Triple your deposit sounds enticing, doesn’t it? The catch? A six-times playthrough requirement on odds of 2 or higher. If you’re a soccer multi-bet fan, this could be worth a shot, but don’t expect to cash out anytime soon unless you’re extremely strategic—or just plain lucky.
- R20 Free Bet for New Users
It’s like a handshake deal. It’s a nice gesture, but it does carry a six-times rollover with a maximum payout of R700. Think of this more as a teaser to get your feet wet rather than as a serious bankroll booster.
- Bring a Buddy
Finally, a promotion we liked. Share your referral link with your friend, and once they deposit at least R20, you get R50 in promo credits. The best thing? No rollover requirements. Just use it on six-leg multi-bets with minimum odds of 1.5 per leg, and you’re good to go.
While creative, the promotions can often feel like trying to thread a needle with boxing gloves on. High minimum wagering requirements and odds thresholds mean they’re certainly better suited for seasoned bettors than newcomers.
Casino Games: A Small but Punchy Selection
The casino section at OneBet is small, yet it packs a decent punch. Powered by Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, and 3 Oaks, the slots vary just enough to keep things interesting. Of the highlights we tried, including:
- Book of Wizard: Very magical, feeling much like a Harry Potter spin-off, minus the Hogwarts tuition fees.
- SuperLotto Games: If you’re feeling lucky and wishing not to commit to the long haul, this is for you.
- Roulette by Endorphina is also a classic game with a twist that is pretty authentic and entertaining.
The live games section proves to be a pleasant surprise, and options such as Live Lotto, TVBet, and Twain Sports add some variety to otherwise more mundane casino games. The variation in the library is not mind-blowing, but good enough for people who want to kill some time between sports bets.
Lucky Numbers
If you’re into lotteries, then your golden ticket is the Lucky Numbers section at OneBet. With global draws such as UK49s, Greece Extra, and Ireland Daily Millions, it offers an international taste of lottery excitement from the comfort of your own home. It is also a feature not provided by every platform, which gives OneBet a slight edge for lottery lovers.
Payment Methods: Adequate yet Limited
Deposits at OneBet are pretty easy, with options like Visa, Mastercard, and FlashSwitch. The minimum deposit of R100 is quite reasonable for both casual players and more serious punters. Withdrawals are limited to bank transfers and can be slow, especially over weekends.
We tested a withdrawal on a Friday night, and it indeed did not process until the following Monday. Adding e-wallet options such as Skrill or Neteller would speed up and ease withdrawals–a must for players who want fast access to their winnings.
Betting Features: Room for Improvement
OneBet does boast some decent features: things like Boosted Odds for selected matches and weekly 10% Cashback on sports losses. These are nice touches, but don’t integrate into the site in the same way that, for example, Betway does so slickly and user-friendly.
The Horse Racing section works, but it is not something out of the ordinary. It covers both local and international tracks, while markets include “Win” and “Exacta,” among others. However, this section seriously lacks value for more serious racing enthusiasts without live streaming or detailed statistics.
Conclusion: Great Potential but Not Quite There Yet
OneBet is a site of great potential, from its diverse sportsbook and creative promotions to its casino games that have enough variations not to get stale too fast. The Lucky Numbers section stands out and fills in the niche for a very particular type of punter that’s often overlooked.
That said, it is clear that OneBet still has its growing pains. The huge wagering requirements for the promotions and a lack of a dedicated mobile app are the major drawbacks, especially with heavyweights like 1xBet and Hollywoodbets in the same market. Casual punters will find it adequate, but serious players may soon start to crave a bit more polish and accessibility.
So, is OneBet worth a shot? Absolutely, but go in with realistic expectations–it is not going to change the world of bets, yet it is quite a decent alternative for people who want to try something new.