FirstBet Review

FirstBet at a glance 

Introducing FirstBet

FirstBet was launched in Cape Town in 2016 and, for over a decade, has provided South African punters with the very best betting experience. FirstBet offers a comprehensive sportsbook, local and international horse racing, as well as a vast array of live casino-style games and international lotteries. 

Licensed and regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, FirstBet ensures that their customers can rest assured when using their platform. Whether you are a newbie punter or a veteran, you will have no issues navigating their website and finding the games or events you are looking for. This review will cover everything from starting your journey with FirstBet to transferring funds into and out of your account and the markets on offer. 

How to register with FirstBet

Enter your personal details to register with FirstBet

In order to access the sportsbook and casino at FirstBet, you will need to create an account with them. Registering with FirstBet is straightforward and will only take a couple of minutes. Here’s how you can register with FirstBet:

• Log onto the website by clicking the link: https://firstbet.co.za/. 
• On the homepage, click the ‘Join’ button located at the top right corner.
• Fill in your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, ID number, cellphone number, and password.
• Enter your mobile number and email address to receive an OTP for verification.
• Read and accept the terms and conditions, and that you are not a robot, by clicking the checkboxes.
• Enter the OTP received and click the ‘Create My Account’ button to complete your FirstBet registration.

How to login with FirstBet

Enter your email or mobile number and password to log into your FirstBet account

Once you have created your account, you will be able to log in to FirstBet to access your betting account. The phone number or email address and password you created during account registration are used for logging in. If you have forgotten your password, simply click on the ‘Recover It’ banner to be redirected to either recover your password or create a new one. 

How to FICA with FirstBet

Before you start your betting journey with FirstBet, you will need to complete your FICA application. All betting sites require FICA approval before any withdrawals can be made. The best way to handle FICA verification is to submit the necessary documents before making your first deposit. That way, there are no delays when you need to withdraw your winnings. 

To complete your FICA verification, you will need to upload a copy of your ID and proof of residence in your name (not older than 3 months). These documents can be submitted by uploading them under your profile page. Alternatively, the documents can be emailed to FirstBet at [email protected]. The FICA verification should be processed within 24 hours, and you will receive an SMS once your documents have passed review.

FirstBet Bonuses and Promotions

Welcome Bonus

FirstBet sign-up offer for new players

The FirstBet welcome bonus is one of the largest welcome bonuses on offer in Mzansi. All new FirstBet sign-ups are rewarded with a 100% match deposit bonus up to R10,000. There are two options that the deposit match can be used on:

• Option 1: a R10,000 bonus bet that can be used on sports, horse racing or lucky numbers. To qualify for the bonus bet, you will need to wager your first deposit 5x at odds of 9/10 (1.90) for single bets or multiple bets where each leg is 5/10 (1.50) or higher. The maximum real money payout is capped at R50,000.
• Option 2: 100 bonus free spins that can be used on select Pragmatic Play games. To qualify for the FirstBet bonus free spins, you will need to wager your first deposit 20x across any game that falls under the Bet Spins menu. The maximum real money payout is capped at R3,000.

Please note that you can choose only one option, and the minimum deposit required to qualify for the promotion is R50. After you have completed the wagering requirements, you can email FirstBet at [email protected] to claim your bonus. You have 30 days to complete the wagering terms and 7 days to use the bonus funds.

Sports and Casino Promotions 

Multi Bet Bonus

FirstBet offers an acca boost for each leg added to your multi-leg accas

One of the favourite pastimes for the South African punter is the weekend footie acca. FirstBet rewards players with a little extra when they add extra legs to their multi-leg football bets. FirstBet offers an odds boost on a multi-bet with 2 selections or more. The boost bonus starts as 2% for two legs and up to an amazing 150% for multi bets with 50 selections at odds of 2/10 (1.20) for each leg. Bonuses are forfeited on any bet that is cashed out.

2Up Promotion

FirstBet pays out when your team goes up by two goals

We all hate the dreaded agony of seeing your team take an early two or three-goal advantage, only for the opposition to claw their way back and get a result. FirstBet 2Up promotion ensures players can rest easy when their team takes a two-goal lead, as they payout on all pre-match moneyline bets on select leagues.

Birthday Bonus Spins

FirstBet offers 50 bonus spins on your birthday

Start your birthday off well with FirstBet’s 50 bonus spins. The bonus spins are allocated automatically to your account on your birthday. Please note that you will need to deposit and bet at least R100 in the preceding 21 days of your birthday to qualify for the bonus. The bonus spins are only valid for 24 hours, and the maximum winnings are capped at R1,000.

FirstBet Operations in SA

FirstBet has been present in South Africa’s betting scene for over a decade, and it comes as no surprise that they are amongst the best bookmakers in South Africa. They cover all the bases that the average punter looks for: a comprehensive sportsbook with 30 sporting codes, a vast array of casino games and a massive coverage of lotteries. FirstBet has attracted a vast number of players to their site thanks to their easy-to-use interface and straightforward betting.

Betting Options

Sports Betting 

Soccer has always been the most talked-about sport in Mzansi, and it is one of the first things punters look for in a betting site. FirstBet offers players a wide range of leagues, tournaments, and competitions from around the globe, including local favourites such as the PSL, EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and UCL. 

Rugby fans are also in for a treat as FirstBet also offers a wide range of rugby events, including Super Rugby and the United Rugby Championship (URC). Cricket punters are in for a treat as all the T20 leagues, from the IPL to the BBL, have in-depth betting markets. The tennis market at FirstBet is also vast, with the Men’s ATP Tour and the Women’s WTA Tour extensively covered, offering great odds and in-depth markets for all these matches.

If you want FirstBet predictions and booking codes with detailed research on all betting markets, then TopBets is the best option. At TopBets, we pride ourselves on offering reliable betting predictions. Our free Telegram channel and WhatsApp channel are designed to provide you with the best tips and insights to help you make informed betting decisions.

Live Betting 

FirstBet offers an expansive in-play market that often rivals their pre-match market across all major sports. We liked the FirstBet live betting platform and were pleased to find hundreds of available betting markets for all events, including soccer, rugby, and cricket. You can place live bets on several markets, including match winners, goal lines and handicap betting. 

Horse Racing

Horse Racing has quickly become one of the most-watched events, with South Africa hosting daily races. FirstBet offers daily horse racing events from around the globe, including events from the UK and the USA. Players can place win or place bets using either fixed, SP, or tote odds. 

Casino Games 

Online casino gaming has quickly grown in popularity among South Africans. The FirstBet casino offers a wide range of popular titles, including slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack. The FirstBet online casino offers hundreds of exciting casino games from top software developers, including Pragmatic Play, Evolution Games, and Betgames. We tried most games, and all of them loaded quickly, with no buffering or lag between spins. To enjoy a comprehensive gaming experience, we advise trying a bit of all genres. 

Online Lotteries 

FirstBet offers an expansive array of worldwide lotteries. However, bets placed with FirstBet are not placed with these international lotteries, but are placed on the outcomes of the selected lotteries. In essence, you are not buying a ticket to the lottery like a Lotto ticket, but are taking a fixed odds bet on a selected number/s to be drawn. 

Aviator

Aviator has become the most-played casino game in South Africa, and it’s no surprise that more betting sites are offering crash games like Aviator. You can find the Aviator game at FirstBet on the home page. We enjoyed the Aviator gameplay, and it functions similarly to playing at other online casinos in South Africa. 

However, the game is challenging to play, as the plane can fly away at any time, abruptly ending the round. One way to minimise losses is to use both betting boxes, one for your small multipliers and the other for the bigger multipliers. Utilise the auto-bet features, such as auto-cashout and auto-play, as these tools enhance the gameplay experience. 

FirstBet Deposits and Withdrawals

FirstBet Deposit Options

FirstBet offers all the standard banking methods for deposits you would expect from a South African bookie. These include: OZOW, Visa/Mastercard, EFT, Vouchers, and bank transfers. Most deposit methods are instant, while some bank transfers could take up to 24 hours to reflect, depending on the bank that you use. Here is a step-by-step method to deposit funds into your FirstBet account:

• Log in to your FirstBet account
• Click on the ‘Deposit’ button in the bottom menu
• Scroll and select your desired payment method 
• Enter the amount you wish to deposit
• Press the ‘Deposit’ button to complete transferring funds into your FirstBet account

If your deposit shows an error, contact FirstBet’s support team using the live chat or email them at [email protected]. 

FirstBet Withdrawal Options

Before you can make a withdrawal from your FirstBet account, you will need to be FICA verified. We recommend submitting your FICA documents in advance to avoid any delays when making withdrawals. There are no withdrawal fees, and withdrawals are processed within 48 hours. Please note that any deposited funds will need to be wagered one time before a withdrawal can be made. Here is a step-by-step method to withdraw funds from your FirstBet account:

• Log in to your FirstBet account
• Navigate to the withdrawals portal under your profile
• Select your withdrawal method
• Enter the amount you would like to withdraw
• Click ‘Withdraw’ to complete transferring funds out of your FirstBet account

Customer Support at FirstBet

FirstBet’s customer service is available across multiple platforms, making it easy for players to access their support team. We tried their telephonic support and had our query professionally resolved by a well-trained agent. You can reach out to them with any questions, such as changing your banking details or inquiring about promotions. 

Unfortunately, you can only contact FirstBet from 08:30 to 17:30 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekends and public holidays. If you require any assistance, you can contact FirstBet customer service through:

• Email: [email protected]   
• Telephone: 021 300 6856 – Available from 08:30 to 17:30 only on weekdays
• WhatsApp: +27 68 323 3139
• Live Chat

FirstBet Mobile App

FirstBet offers their players a dedicated mobile app that is enjoyable to use, featuring a sleek design and user interface, and is currently available on Android, iOS, and Huawei devices. The FirstBet app is user-friendly and offers a fast, secure and tailor-made experience for the South African punter. It offers the same speed and ease of use as the main site, and also features the full range of casino games and sportsbook. To download the FirstBet mobile app, you can follow these steps:

• Click the ‘Get the FirstBet App’ on the top right corner of the homepage.
• Click on the FirstBet Mobile App that is compatible with your device.
• The APK file for the app will download to your device. 
• Install the app, and you will be able to access your FirstBet account.

FirstBet Security and Fairness

FirstBet is licensed to operate in South Africa, regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. The site uses advanced security measures, encryption technology, Random Number Generators for all casino games, an encrypted banking platform for all transactions and password-secured betting accounts for players. SSL is used to protect your sensitive information that is sent and received, including personal information and credit/debit card details.

FirstBet – Why do we like the brand?

FirstBet covers all bases of what the South African bettor would expect from a bookie. Their site is superbly designed, and they offer a comprehensive sportsbook with a wide array of casino games, horse racing and worldwide lotteries. Their sports promotions are really good and should keep loyal punters. Their customer support is also top-notch, and their agents are friendly and informative. 

FirstBet – What we disliked about the brand?

The main drawback of FirstBet is their wagering requirements for their deposit bonuses. While offering a high first deposit match of R10,000, only allowing players to claim the bonus after completing the wagering terms leaves much to be desired. Most players look forward to deposit matches to bolster their funds. With long-standing bookmakers offering deposit matches directly after players deposit funds into their accounts, FirstBet may need to reconsider this policy if it wants to attract new players. 

Comparison of FirstBet with Hollywoodbets and Betway

Summary of FirstBet

It comes as no surprise to see FirstBet enter their second decade as a South African betting site, offering a large sportsbook with expansive betting markets and a vast array of casino games. FirstBet’s casino and sports promotions are tailor-made for the South African punter; however, their welcome bonuses are lacklustre, making it difficult to attract new players. They will need to review their welcome bonuses, especially the wagering terms, before claiming the bonus.

FirstBet Q&A

Q: Is FirstBet a legit betting site? 

A: Yes, FirstBet is a legal betting site in South Africa as it is licensed and regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board.

Q: Does FirstBet offer a deposit bonus?  

A: Yes, FirstBet offers a 100% Welcome Bonus Deposit Match up to R10,000 on your first deposit. 

Q: How long does a FirstBet withdrawal take to payout?  

A: Withdrawals from FirstBet are usually processed within 48 hours. However, delays can occur due to bank transfer times.

Q: How do I delete my FirstBet account? 

A: To delete your FirstBet account, you can request the deletion of your account by phoning FirstBet at 021 300 6856 or emailing FirstBet via [email protected]