The Best Online Betting Sites 2025

Africa’s betting scene is buzzing, from Kenya to Nigeria, South Africa to Ghana, but with so many options, how do you pick the right one? We get it, you want great odds, sweet bonuses, and withdrawals that don’t take forever.

So, which betting platform is the best for you? Well, that depends. Are you crazy about football? A live betting fan? Or just here for the biggest bonuses? We’ve tested the top betting platforms so you don’t have to, and in this guide, we’ll make sure you find your perfect betting match.

Almost every time you turn on the TV or open a web page, there’s a fresh bookmaker ad waiting for you. These platforms are popping up everywhere, all promising to offer you the best possible sports betting experience. But in this time and age, you can’t just take their word for it. We certainly don’t, and that’s why we take our time to review every bookie we find interesting.

Wondering how we review our list of betting sites? Let’s walk you through some of the factors we consider during our checks.

• Licensing and security: This is the first thing we consider when reviewing a sportsbook, as it determines if a player can safely share their personal details and funds with the platform. It is also one of the guarantees that the bookie will actually pay out winnings. So, we make sure to confirm the licence. Whether it’s a local or foreign one, it’s important that it was issued by a reputable gambling authority. We then review the available security features, from encryption to firewalls and two-factor authentication.
• Variety of sports and markets: A sportsbook’s main draw is its betting markets. How many sports can punters bet on? What are the available markets? Options like match winner, total goals, and handicap are pretty common, but can bettors wager on player or team props? We also confirm the quality of outright and live betting markets.
• Betting odds and margins: After confirming the sports and markets are available, we go further to test the quality of the odds. Margins refer to the percentage a bookie takes from every market, and the higher they are, the lower the quality of the odds. We make sure to calculate the payout rates and margins on popular sports and markets, as we want you to always get the best value for your bets.
• Bonuses and promotions: It all starts with the welcome bonus, as it’s a great way to start playing at a bookmaker without spending much of your own funds. But we don’t just look at the bonus numbers; we also read through the terms and conditions. Trust us, you don’t want to be stuck with a bad bonus, as you might even spend more of your own money trying to clear the wagering requirements. Aside from the welcome bonus, we look for cashbacks, reload packages, and special programs for loyal players.
• Payment methods and withdrawal speed: Fast and secure payments are key to successful betting sessions. You want to be able to fund your account quickly and cash out your winnings without stress. To do that, you’ll need top betting sites with an excellent range of payment options. Banking policy is another factor we consider, as we don’t rate casinos with bettors paying high fees for deposits and withdrawals.
• User experience (desktop & mobile): A good user interface lets you easily find and place bets on your favourite markets. If you enjoy live betting, you’ll understand how important it is. The experience should also be great across multiple devices, browsers, and apps.

1xBet

Since its debut in 2007, 1xBet has gone on to launch in several countries around the world. Today, it’s one of the best international betting sites in Africa and a prime destination for punters seeking highly competitive odds and an extensive range of betting markets. These bettors also get to experience peak mobile gaming on the dedicated apps, as well as generous promotions like the 200% welcome bonus up to 20000 KES for Kenyans and the 300% first deposit bonus up to ₦600,000 for Nigerians.

22Bet

If you need a local bookmaker with an international reputation and attractive bonus features, you really should consider checking out 22bet. The platform shines because of its simple user interface, making it popular among both beginner and veteran punters. Those who enjoy betting on esports and virtual sports will also find an extensive collection of markets on 22bet, ranging from DOTA to Apex Legends and Counter-Strike 2. A 100% bonus up to 1,000 GHS also awaits new Ghanaian players, as well as a 100% bonus up to 19000 KES for Kenyans.

MelBet

It’s always great to play at betting sites with domestic licences, because it’s easier to reach out to your regulator if you have an issue with the bookmaker. While you’re unlikely to encounter any such issues at Melbet, the platform still boasts local licences in most of the regions in which it operates. It’s also one of the few bookmakers that lets you place bets directly on the Telegram app and offers amazing promotions for regular players, like multibet cashback up to 20% for Nigerian punters.

Betano

Betano might be new to the African online betting space, but they are a bookmaker that has made a reputable name for themselves in international betting waters. One of the highlights of this bookmaker is its betting app. Of all the betting sites we’ve reviewed, the Betano app stands out as one of the best. The interface is clean, navigation is smooth, and pages really load fast. They also have a robust sportsbook, and for Nigerian bettors looking to wager on entertainment and political events, Betano should be your go-to site.

Betwinner

This is another site you can’t leave out when discussing the best betting platforms in Africa. Like the other big names in the game, Betwinner has opted for domestic licences, locally operating in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. The South African version of the site is licenced by the Curacao Government.

But away from licensing, Betwinner excels in its range of betting markets. While you’re sure to find extensive betting options for all major sports and esports, the bookmaker takes things to the next level. It’s one of the few bookmakers out there with markets for mobile games like Subway Surfers. The site even lets you place bets on the weather in international airports.

Paripesa

Paripesa boasts some of the lowest margins among betting sites in Africa. If you’re a fan of football betting, particularly the popular competitions, you can enjoy payout rates as high as 97%. This is on par with even the best international bookmakers. You also get to play at one of the top betting sites with a bonus on registration, as Paripesa offers new players a 100% bonus up to 14000 KES when they create a new account. The offer is just as generous in other African countries.

Afropari

It might not be a name you hear all too often, given its recent status, but if you’re on the lookout for new bookies with modern betting features, you really must give Afropari a try. It’s one of the highly rated live betting sites that boasts a multi-live and detailed stats page, perfect for live betting fans. There’s also the cashout option to save your bet slip at any time. As a new bookie, Afropari is also very generous, offering a 200% bonus to new punters and similar amazing deals for bettors in other countries.

Bet9ja

Some people really do enjoy keeping it simple when it comes to online betting. If you’re the type of punter who just wants to play at a trusted site with a great reputation, consider opening a Bet9ja account. It’s only available to Nigerian punters, who get to experience a wide sports coverage, especially for local leagues, and live streams of popular events. Bet9ja also has multiple versions of its betting sites, allowing you to access the platform regardless of the capabilities of your device.

SportyBet

SportyBet might have narrowly missed our top 10 betting sites list due to its lack of standard welcome packages for new players, but it doesn’t take anything away from the fact that it’s currently one of the fastest-growing bookmakers in Africa. It’s one of the most downloaded betting apps in Nigeria and for good reason. Not only do punters get to experience a sleek platform with betting features like FlexCut, Bet Builder, and 2Up Early Payout, but they also enjoy live streams of mainstream sports events.

SportyBet also has a reputation for partnering with local payment providers in the countries in which it operates, allowing punters to complete quick and safe deposits and withdrawals without stress.

Betway

Whether it’s on a football shirt as sponsors or from a friend, the chances that you’ve come across this bookmaker are pretty high, as it's been around for quite a while. Betway is one of the best betting sites in the world and has maintained that status for over a decade. What you can expect from them is reliability, as they boast local licences in every country they operate. They are also famous for their multi-bet win boost promotion, which can increase your winnings on acca bets by up to 700% in certain regions. Betway customer support is excellent and available through live chat, social media, phone, and email. However, only South Africans, Nigerians, and Ghanians can enjoy the bookmaker, as it is not available in Kenya.

BetKing

It’s always amazing when a bookmaker has both a land-based and online presence. In addition to giving punters a fresh way to place bets, fund accounts, and collect winnings, it also adds to the bookies’ reputation. BetKing is a Nigeria-only bookmaker that offers you all this, plus a host of features like Korrect Boost for better accumulator payouts, Bet Builder, half-time Early Payout, cashout, and FlexiCUT. The platform even lets you place bets with as little as ₦10.

Linebet

Linebet stands out right away with its modern green-themed design and a huge selection of over 1,000 sports events every day, even more than what 1Win offers. It also has an attractive promo that doubles your first deposit, so you can start betting on big events like the NBA, the Champions League, and World Cup qualifiers in Africa with a head start. And with 57 ways to deposit money is super convenient for users from all over the world.

In addition to football, Linebet covers more than 30 eSports games, including Dota2, Call of Duty, Dead or Alive, and StarCraft 2. It also gives you great odds on football, tennis, and eSports. Licensed in Curaçao, this top football betting site works smoothly on mobile devices, with a version that fits any phone screen. Licensed in Curaçao, this top football betting site works smoothly on mobile devices, with a version that fits any device.

1Win

You can’t downplay the importance of a great user interface when selecting betting sites. This is one of the areas where 1Win shines, as the platform is designed to give you the most seamless betting experience ever. You can access the site from any country and even download the mobile apps, but punters outside Nigeria will have to deal with the international version of the site. Nevertheless, 1Win remains a platform with top odds and a remarkably robust casino library filled with crash games like Aviator, slots, live dealers, and so many more.

MegaPari

A licence from the Anjouan Gambling Board is not something you come across very often, so we took extra caution while reviewing MegaPari. It turns out that the site is really exceptional and even has prestigious awards like a SIGMA award for best sportsbook to back its claims. But it doesn’t end there, we found over 1000 live sports broadcasts and features like AdvanceBet and Mega Boost. The promotions are also generous, with a 200% bonus up to 31400 KES available for new bettors in Kenya.

SportingBet

Like Betway, SportingBet is a bookmaker with a strong presence in South Africa. With a licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), it’s one of the most trusted bookies in the country and only operates there. It has everything punters need for an amazing time: a 100% bonus up to R1,000, numerous payment options like Ozow, EFT, and 1Voucher, and dedicated mobile apps. Bettors can also enjoy the Edit My Bet feature, Bet Builder, and top odds on Rugby Union and Rugby League events.

WinWin

Backed by the Curaçao government, WinWin is another international bookie looking to make a name for itself on the continent. While it doesn’t offer anything you wouldn’t find at our other recommended sites, it’s one of the few platforms that’s available in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. It also offers unique bonuses for each of these platforms, with Nigerian punters being able to claim a 100% bonus up to ₦180,000.

WinWin also boasts an impressive collection of esports offerings, with over 40 supported games, hundreds of daily live broadcasts, and thousands of betting markets. A standout feature of this bookie is that it lets players create accounts in seconds using the One-click registration option. No KYC is required at first, but you’ll need to enter some details before completing payments.

XpariBet

Ghanians seeking international betting sites with no tax should definitely check out XpariBet. It’s a name that has been popping up around the industry in recent times, and it’s all thanks to the quality of their promotions, particularly the welcome bonus, where new players can receive up to 12,921 KES with real low wagering requirements. The platform is also easy to use, with lots of live streaming options, especially for esports events. You can even download the Android app for a more personal betting experience.

Nigeria

Online betting has been live and legal in Nigeria since 2005 following the passage of the National Lottery Act. The market is regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, which grants licences and permits to local and international bookmakers, respectively.

Bet9ja was one of the first online bookmakers to launch in the country and is currently among the most popular platforms. Other leading bookmakers include SportyBet, 1xBet, and BetKing. These sites are all licensed locally by the NLRC.

Kenya

Kenya was one of the first African countries to legalize sports betting with the Betting Lotteries and Gaming Act in 1966. In the early 2020s, the sector underwent a revamp that led to the establishment of the Betting Control and Licensing Board.

Since then, various bookmakers have flooded the country with a licence from the BCLB. You’ll need to be at least 18 to open a bookmaker account, and you don’t have to worry about any taxes. 22bet and Betwinner are among the best online betting sites in Kenya.

Ghana

Similar to their West African sisters, Ghana didn’t have a regulated sports betting market until the early 2000s when the Gaming Act of 2005 was passed. Today, the sector is under the control of the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG), which issues licences to operators.

Before you can register an account on any Ghanaian sportsbook, you must be at least 18 years old. The bookies are also mandated to withhold 10% of your gross winnings on every bet and remit it to the government.

22bet leads the way as one of the most trusted betting sites in Ghana and is followed by top platforms like Betway, Melbet, and 1xBet.

South Africa

South Africa has a legal online betting market regulated by the National Gaming Board and provincial regulators, but runs a tight ship compared to other African countries. The NGB doesn’t issue permits or licences to offshore operators, and unlike other jurisdictions that target mainly the operators, bettors who wager on these unlicenced platforms in South Africa can face serious consequences.

The good thing is that the NGB and various provincial regulators have licenced a wide range of bookmakers, so you won’t have trouble finding premium local betting sites as long as you’re over 18. 1xBet, Sportingbet and Betway rank high in the list of online bookmakers with a great reputation in South Africa.

As the sports betting market in Africa continues to grow, so does the number of bookmakers. In the last few years, we’ve had several bookies launch in multiple countries and slowly attract hundreds of players.

Bettors are attracted to these new betting sites mostly because of their modern betting features and sleek user interface. Even better, you stand to enjoy better promotions on these platforms as they look to outshine already existing sites. You also get odds with lower margins, which means better payout rates on your bets. When you add this to the availability of mobile betting apps for both Android and iOS users, you’d understand why these new betting sites are quickly gaining popularity. Here are some of the best sports betting sites that haven’t been around long in the game.

• Betano
• Afropari
• WinWin
• Xparibet

When it comes to choosing a betting site, it really all falls down to the things you value most. Yes, a bookmaker could offer amazing odds, a great interface, and generous promotions, but not suitable payment options for you, making it difficult to complete payments. You might also be looking for specific features like betting sites with cash out or bet builder.

So when making your choice, always consider your key factors. We’ve highlighted some of the main highlights bettors look for in a bookie and listed the best bookmakers where you can find them.

Some punters only bet on sports they enjoy watching, and seeing as football is one of the most popular sports in Africa, there’s always a demand for the best football betting sites. 1xBet is currently our best football betting site, and this is mainly down to the range of its sports and markets and the competitiveness of its odds.

Paripesa is another top betting site for football betting fans, with extensive markets like match winner, handicap, player specials, total goals, and more. Here are other great platforms for football betting:

• Betano
• Betwinner
• SportyBet
• SportingBet

Betting sites with registration bonuses are ideal because they let you start placing bets on several sports events without spending much of your own money. If the promo has fair wagering requirements, you can even withdraw a decent amount from the bonus funds. Here’s a table showing the bookmakers with the best welcome bonuses.

It’s not unusual to want to know which betting site has the highest odds. After all, the better the odds, the higher your potential payout. We calculated the quality of odds for top betting sites, and 1xBet came out on top as our best odds site with payout rates as high as 98% on popular football markets. Paripesa also ranks high with rates up to 97% and is joined by Betano, SportyBet, and MelBet.

The best site for betting is one that offers you a complete experience, and this includes fast and reliable deposits and withdrawals. It’s also important that the site offers local payment options, so players can complete transactions easily with their domestic currency.

SportyBet and Betway lead the way for the best gambling sites with diverse payment methods. Bet9ja also offers a wide variety of options, as well as Betano and SportingBet. This table compares payment methods across top betting sites.

Not everyone has constant access to a personal computer, and even those who do might not fancy placing bets with. This is why it’s important that the best online betting site has a well-designed mobile platform and dedicated app. Frankly, it’s even easier to bet on your phone as you can quickly deposit, place bets, and even watch live streams. Bookies with the best app for betting include:

• 1xBet
• Betano
• SportyBet
• Bet9ja
• SportingBet
• Betway