Hollywoodbets vs Supabets

The short answer

Hollywoodbets and Supabets are the two local bookmakers most South Africans compare first. Both have walk-in branches, both offer Lucky Numbers, virtuals and soccer, and both are licensed by provincial boards. Hollywoodbets holds licences in five provinces; Supabets is licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.

The differences are in the details: Hollywoodbets is stronger on horse racing and payout speed, while Supabets offers more bonus money to new players.

Who should pick which

Hollywoodbets fits you if you:

• bet on horse racing, local or international (it is the biggest racing book in the country)
• want to deposit as little as R5
• want your withdrawals the same day
• use a basic phone, since Hollywoodbets also works over USSD

Supabets fits you if you:

• want the largest no-deposit sign-up offer of the two
• plan to deposit regularly and want matched bonuses on your first three deposits
• bet on accumulators and want a bonus of up to 125% on winning slips
• prefer paying with SnapScan

Bonuses and terms

Supabets’ sign-up gives you a choice of a R50 free bet or 100 free spins, with no deposit:

Supabets

SA licensed

7.7/10

Sign-up bonus · sports

Free betR50

Wagering

3x

Min deposit

No deposit

Expiry

15 days

Min odds

3

18+New players · T&Cs apply

Claim bonus

That’s followed by deposit matches up to a combined R5,000 over your first three deposits, at 5x wagering. Supabets also pays 10% weekly cashback on net casino losses and runs the Multi Bet Bonus on accas.

Hollywoodbets’ sign-up deal is smaller: a R25 free bet plus 50 free spins on Spina Zonke games.

Hollywoodbets

SA licensed

8.2/10

Sign-up bonus · sports

Free betR25

Wagering

1x

Min deposit

No deposit

Expiry

1 day

Max cashout

R1,200

Min odds

1.5

18+New players · T&Cs apply

Claim bonus

Where Hollywoodbets shines is ongoing promotions for bettors. Money Back Soccer returns up to 10 times your stake (to a maximum of R5,000) in qualifying situations, the Soccer Bonus Bonanza adds extra winnings on accas, and Irish Objection refunds racing bets when your horse loses after an objection. There’s no large deposit match, which some players see as a plus: fewer wagering requirements to work through.

Payments and payouts

Both are built around South African banking. Hollywoodbets accepts Ozow, FNB eWallet, 1Voucher and EFT, with a R5 minimum and payouts quoted at 1-4 hours. Supabets accepts Ozow, EFT, vouchers and SnapScan, with a R10 minimum and payouts quoted at 24 hours.

At both, you need to complete FICA (ID and proof of address) before your first withdrawal. Upload the documents on sign-up so your first payout isn’t delayed.

Casino and betting product

Sports. Hollywoodbets has the deeper horse racing coverage, with local and international meetings and racing-specific promotions. Supabets is a solid soccer book with good PSL coverage and a strong multibet promotion. Both offer Lucky Numbers and virtual sports.

Casino. The two lobbies are close in content. Both carry the local favourites, including Hot Hot Fruit, Lantern Luck and Slime Party. Supabets lists around 1,000 games against Hollywoodbets’ roughly 500, but Hollywoodbets’ Spina Zonke section is the better-known brand.

Mobile. Hollywoodbets has apps for Android and iOS, plus USSD. Supabets has an Android app and a mobile site for iPhone users.

Verdict

Supabets wins for new players chasing bonus value: double the free sign-up bet and matched deposits up to R5,000. Hollywoodbets wins for racing fans and anyone who values fast payouts and tiny deposits.

Many South Africans hold an account at both, which is fine as long as you track your total spending. Set a deposit limit at each, and call the NRGP on 0800 006 008 if betting stops being fun. See how both rank on our best betting sites list, or compare racing books on the horse racing betting page.