Alright, after spending some time on ScoreBet, let’s just say it’s a very mixed bag. The South African platform is available for both online and offline betting, giving you the choice between the classic experience or betting from the comfort of one’s couch. There is just so much going on here, so let’s take you through the whole thing, with no sugarcoating as usual.
Signup: As Usual
First off, let’s talk about signing up. ScoreBet requires you to fill in all the usual suspects, including phone number, email, full name, password, etc. So far, so good. Then, of course, there is the FICA verification, which is a requirement for all licensed betting sites in South Africa. You have to upload a copy of your ID and proof of address. It is not the worst thing that could happen, but it is somewhat akin to waiting in line at the bank – you know it’s necessary, but you’d rather be elsewhere doing something else. Don’t think about trying to get out of it. If you don’t have FICA on file, then you don’t get full access to withdrawals – and that’s something that you want.
Sportsbook: More Than Just Football
Now, if you are into sports betting, this is where ScoreBet really opens up. But, and we say this as football fans, there is more to life than placing a bet on the next big match. Yes, football betting is everywhere on the platform, but the bookie spreads the love to cricket, rugby, tennis, and even the ultra-niche sports that you catch at 2 am on cable TV – we’re looking at you, table tennis.
The layout of the sportsbook is pretty slick. You got your odds right in front of you – be it for a quick punt on the match-winner or getting fancy with a multi-bet across several sports. And let’s be real, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of putting your money on an underdog and watching them slowly work their way up to victory.
Horse Racing
If you are into horse racing, there’s an entire category for you here. They list races in the UK, France, and other countries, and we found the odds to be reasonably competitive. Whether you go for a safe bet or back a horse with the coolest name – yes, we have done that – it is all there for you to enjoy. And with quick options to place your bet and track the results, even a newbie can jump in with confidence.
Bonuses: Rather Decent
Now we get to the bonuses – where things start to get interesting. ScoreBet has an R20 sign-up bonus when you make that first deposit – the minimum for which is R10 – and that’ll show up in your account within 48 hours. Of course, that sounds great. The catch with this is it’s a free bet, so you won’t be able to cash out the actual bonus – just the winnings. And if you’re already fantasizing about spending those winnings on something fun, then rein your horses in. You will have to make at least one deposit of R50 before you can withdraw anything. Tiny hoops to jump through, but, hey – the money is free at the end.
Oh, and there is also an R50 FICA bonus, which falls into your account once you’ve uploaded your documents and passed the FICA test. Of course, similar rules apply: bet it, win it, and then withdraw it, assuming you meet all their withdrawal terms. The First Deposit Bonus is a bit more robust: a 20% match up to R2000. But again, don’t expect to just pocket this. You’ll need to roll over your bonus at least twice with odds of 2/1 or greater. It’s doable, but nothing comes easy in the world of bonuses.
Slots and Live Casino
Let’s be realistic here, sports betting is loads of fun and all that, but slots? That is where it gets magical. We literally had a blast trying out ScoreBet’s collection of games, such as Wolf Gold and Cash Ultimate. These aren’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill spins with some flashy graphics and, if the stars are aligned in your direction, a little bit of money headed to your pocket.
Then, of course, there’s the section of the live casino; and, well, it’s addictive. We spent more time than we’d like to admit playing Crazy Time and Sweet Bonanza Candyland. It’s like going to a casino but without all the pressure of a dealer staring at you. And the best part? You can play these games anywhere, whether you are chilling at home or sneaking in a quick bet at lunch. We won’t judge.
Lucky Numbers
We’re not saying that the lottery is everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like the idea of betting on draws from all over the world, then this section is for you. You can have a crack at Russia Gosloto and US PowerBall, with things barely gettig any more exciting than the latter one. You can bet up to 10 times on different draws, giving you a whole load of opportunities to hopefully hit it big. Just remember, though, this is a high-risk endevoure, so don’t go betting the house.
Deposits & Withdrawals: Plenty of Options
We tried a few different methods to get money in and out of our ScoreBet accounts, and it’s pretty smooth sailing across the board. You’ve got EFT, Card payments, Mobile money, and even Vouchers if you like to keep things old-school. The how-to’s on depositing and withdrawing instructions are laid out, quite literally, step by step, so that one doesn’t get lost. We liked the EFT instant option for withdrawals the best, of course-especially nice to see your winnings pop up right away.
Customer Support
As far as customer support goes, ScoreBet won’t leave you hanging. You can reach out via WhatsApp – there are multiple numbers, including +27 60 951 6427 – or throw them an email at support@scorebet.co.za if the need arises. We had a couple of questions to ask regarding the bonuses; the team responded quickly, so no complaints here.
Conclusion: Should You Bet on ScoreBet?
If you’re looking for a platform that does a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, at least check out ScoreBet. It is not perfect, but honestly, what is? The bonuses are great once you’re willing to put in a bit of work. The sportsbook is varied, and the slots and live casino make it pretty easy to have some fun.