TAB Online Betting – A Complete Review

Tab Online
3.8 / 5
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play.tabonline.co.za

If you’ve spent any time betting in South Africa, TAB is probably a name you’ve heard tossed around. Known for its horse racing roots, TAB has been around long enough to feel like a staple. But as they say, old dogs sometimes need new tricks. We dug into TAB’s platform to see if it lives up to its reputation, or if it’s just hanging on to the glory days.

Registration

Signing up on TAB is about as detailed as filling out a tax return—okay, maybe not that bad, but it’s certainly not the fastest we’ve encountered. You will need your full name, South African ID, contact number, and even your source of funds. We get it, compliance is key, but for sure, this part isn’t for the impatient.

And the password requirements? Let’s just say that’s no cakewalk either. You need uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. it’s almost like you’re being asked to crack some sort of code. But then again, at least then you can rest assured that once you finally get through, your account is pretty much safer. There is something rather strangely reassuring about knowing that your password may very well stop even a determined hacker dead in his tracks.

Horse Racing Betting Paradise

The moment you land at TAB, you understand that the website is all about horse racing. From Hollywoodbets Durbanville to international events like Kempton and Woodbine, options are galore. And the bet types up for offer–from a Win and a Place to a Trifecta–you name it, means one is spoiled for choice. We had a good time trying out some bets during a rainy weekend, and it really does feel like a horse racing enthusiast’s dream. The amount of coverage is impressive-the number of various events they cover is high, and we found ourselves gravitating toward their daily picks more often than we expected.

However, if you are into other sports, you can’t expect the same depth. It’s a good soccer section, but very pool-betting-oriented. Think Soccer 6 and Soccer 13. These pools can result in massive returns, but for us who like our regular pre-match or live odds, it feels a bit incomplete. Recent growth for events like the English Premier League or La Liga gets solid attention here, but if you’re looking for that live in-depth sportsbook feel you might be left wanting more.

Pool Betting Explained: Keep it Simple

There are extremely low wagering minimums with TAB, and we love them for that. At only R1 to get a bet online, you can get on without risking your shirt. We enjoyed our time just tossing a few rands at horses and getting some nice small collections.

Horse racing certainly has one big plus: there are so many types of bets available, from the simple win bet to getting fancy with an Exacta or Trifecta. The pools system is unique in offering chances of bigger wins should you play your cards correctly. It is pretty evident this format is not going to be everybody’s cup of tea, especially if you are one of those people who are accustomed to fixed odds.

Soccer and Rugby: More Pools Than Odds

If you are more into pool betting, well, TAB’s got you covered, especially if your game is soccer. The Soccer 6 and Soccer 13 pools can amass some pretty hefty payouts, and with low buy-ins like as little as R1, it’s for anyone. We tried the Soccer 13 pool on a Saturday morning and felt that thrill when the prize pool hit the millions–though spoiler alert–we didn’t win. But that’s part of the game, isn’t it?

But rugby fans are also in luck-sort of. Yes, TAB offers rugby pools but doesn’t get to the nit and grit like some of the newer sportsbooks. It is more set it and forget it than follow every scrum and conversion. In-depth in-match statistics and live updates are not expected, so this one is for the punters who like placing a bet and checking it later.

Customer Support

Ever get that feeling like you’re just screaming into the void? That’s sort of what the customer care section of TAB feels like. You can contact them via message form, or you can give them a ring at 0861 444 822, but don’t hold your breath. When we contacted them, the response time wasn’t exactly lightning-fast. To their credit, though, they did get back to us. We recommend a little patience.

Conclusion: The Verdict

TAB is a site comfortable with who its audience is – horse racing enthusiasts and pool bettors. So, if flashy bonuses or modern sportsbooks with live betting are what you’re looking for, then this probably isn’t for you. But if the races are your thing – or perhaps soccer pools – TAB feels like home. Not trying to be something it’s not, and we kind of respect that.

All in all, we left feeling like TAB is solid but could most definitely use a little more modern flair. For now, it’s sticking to its strengths, and that’s just fine—especially if you’re the type of punter who likes things a little old-school.

FAQ

What's the minimum bet at TAB?
You can place a bet for as little as R1 online, which is great if you're not looking to spend big.
Does TAB offer live betting?
No, TAB sticks to pool betting. If in-play markets are what you seek you'll have to look elsewhere.
How do I contact customer support?
You can either fill out a contact form if you visit their website, or you can call them on 0861 444 822. Be prepared for a bit of a wait for anyone to get back to you, though.
Can I bet on anything other than horse racing?
Yes, soccer and rugby pools are available, but they're not as in-depth as you may expect on other sites.
Do you have any bonuses or promotions?
TAB does not really push their bonuses hard. Instead, they work with a lot of prize pools with some significant offerings within their soccer betting.