1Win Review

Is 1Win Legal in South Africa?

The legal question tops every smart bettor's checklist, and rightly so. Before you place your first bet, you need to know where you stand legally. The reality? South Africa's online gambling landscape sits in what many experts call a "gray area" – not black, not white, but somewhere in between.

Curacao License and Local Compliance

1Win operates under a Curacao eGaming license, which serves as the foundation of their legal operation. This international license validates 1Win's legitimacy and guarantees fair play for all customers. More importantly, it ensures the platform adheres to global standards of fairness, transparency, and security.

Here's what matters for South African players: the Curacao license permits 1Win to provide services in South Africa while maintaining compliance with international gambling standards. The platform has also received endorsements from reputable groups such as Casino Analyzer and Casino Mentor, further strengthening its credibility.

When it comes to protecting your account, 1Win doesn't mess around. Their security measures include:

• One registration per customer
• Withdrawals processed only to cards or e-wallets registered under the account owner's name
• Encrypted sessions to minimize data leakage risks
• Phone number verification
• Account freezing protocols for suspicious activity

These protocols demonstrate 1Win's commitment to providing a safe betting environment for South African players.

What South African Players Should Know

South Africa's gambling laws are strict, but online betting through international sites like 1Win falls into that gray area we mentioned. Many South Africans continue to use 1Win without significant legal issues.

The National Gambling Board (NGB) serves as the primary regulatory authority overseeing gambling activities in South Africa. However, international platforms operating under licenses from jurisdictions like Curacao can still welcome South African players. 1Win accommodates South African users by allowing them to bet in South African Rand (ZAR), making the platform more accessible locally.

There's no explicit law prohibiting South Africans from using foreign-based bookmakers, even though 1Win doesn't hold a license from the South African government directly. This regulatory gap has enabled platforms like 1Win to continue operating while South African users enjoy their services.

The Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and the Betting Act 1953 regulate most forms of gambling in South Africa, but these regulations don't specifically address online gambling. International platforms can operate in this undefined space while South African authorities work to update regulations.

Tax and Legal Considerations for Winnings

Your tax obligations depend on how you gamble. For most casual players who gamble occasionally for fun while maintaining other employment, gambling winnings are not taxable in South Africa but should still be declared as non-taxable income in your tax return.

The game changes if gambling becomes your primary source of income as a "professional" gambler with no other job. SARS will consider this a profit-making scheme. Under such circumstances, your winnings become subject to normal income tax, and you'll need to declare both winnings and losses in your tax returns.

Keep an eye on potential changes ahead. In the 2011 Budget Speech, then Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan proposed implementing a 15% withholding tax on gambling winnings exceeding R25,000, effective from April 2012. Though this proposal hasn't been implemented yet due to industry opposition and administrative complexities, it remains a possibility for future tax frameworks.

The numbers show why the government might act soon. South Africans spent R1.1 trillion in the local gambling industry between April 2023 and March 2024. Gross gambling revenue rose by 25.7% to R59.3 billion during this period, with sports betting contributing two-thirds of total revenue. These figures highlight why the government might consider new taxation approaches in the coming years.

Remember: you're personally responsible for reporting your winnings according to South African tax laws, regardless of where the betting platform is based.

1Win Sports and Casino Games for ZA Players

When it comes to game variety, 1Win doesn't mess around. We're talking about one of the most extensive gaming portfolios available to South African players in 2025. Thousands of betting markets meet an impressive casino collection – the kind of setup that keeps both sports bettors and casino enthusiasts happy.

Popular Sports: Rugby, Cricket, Soccer

Rugby coverage at 1Win hits all the right notes for South African fans. You'll find betting options for both Rugby League and Rugby Union running simultaneously. The platform covers the tournaments that matter most – Six Nations Cup, English Premiership, Top 14 from France, European Nations Cup, and of course, the World Cup.

What sets 1Win apart? The betting markets go deep. We're talking main outcomes, forfeits, totals, half-time performance bets, and individual player scores. Whether you're backing the Springboks or fancy a punt on an underdog, the options are there.

Cricket enthusiasts get the full treatment across all major formats. Test matches, ODIs, and T20 tournaments all feature prominently. The Indian Premier League takes center stage alongside domestic and international fixtures. Each event comes loaded with multiple betting markets, giving you plenty of ways to back your cricket knowledge.

Soccer remains the bread and butter of 1Win's sportsbook. Over 1,000 betting markets daily means you'll never run short of options. The coverage includes:

• English Premier League
• Spanish La Liga
• Italian Serie A
• German Bundesliga
• French Ligue 1
• UEFA Champions League and Europa League

Don't expect just basic match outcomes either. Handicaps, totals, exact score predictions, and statistical bets give both newcomers and seasoned punters plenty to work with.

Casino Games: Slots, Live Dealers, Table Games

The casino side of 1Win is where things get seriously impressive. Partnerships with over 118 software providers have created a library of more than 17,000 games. That's not just quantity for the sake of it – we're talking about one of the most comprehensive gaming platforms you'll find.

Slots dominate with over 9,000 titles from the heavy hitters: Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Betsoft. Themes run the gamut from classic fruit machines to history, arcades, simulators, and progressive jackpots. The average RTP sits at a competitive 95% – not the best we've seen, but fair enough for most players.

Table game fans won't feel left out. Multiple variants of blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat fill out the collection. But here's where 1Win really shines: the live casino section packs over 465 games from top developers like Evolution Gaming, Vivo Gaming, and Pragmatic Play Live.

The live dealer numbers speak for themselves:

• 250+ blackjack variants
• 240+ roulette variations
• Multiple baccarat tables
• Interactive game shows

Those professional dealers operate from proper studios with authentic casino equipment. With more than 200 live game tables running, you get that land-based casino atmosphere without leaving home.

Esports and Virtual Sports Availability

Esports betting has found its place at 1Win, especially for South Africa's growing competitive gaming scene. Major titles like Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Starcraft II all get coverage. The platform features international tournaments including The International for Dota 2, ESL Pro League for CS2, and regional competitions.

CS2 fans can back teams in prestigious tournaments like ESL Masters España and LPL Pro League. Dota 2 and League of Legends supporters have access to events like ESL Meisterschaft, Moon Asian Arena, and the World Championship (Worlds).

Virtual sports round out the offering, providing 24/7 betting opportunities when real-world events aren't running. It's a comprehensive approach that ensures South African players always have markets to explore, whether you're into traditional sports, casino games, or the latest competitive gaming trends.

1Win Bonuses and Cashback Offers in 2025

Here's where 1Win really shines for South African players. While many platforms throw around flashy bonus numbers, 1Win backs up the hype with genuinely competitive offers that make sense for serious bettors.

Welcome Bonus: 200% up to R3000

Let's break down what this welcome package actually means for your bankroll. That 200% match on your first deposit essentially triples your starting funds. Deposit R1000, and you'll have R3000 to play with – not bad for starters.

But here's the clever part: 1Win spreads the value across your first four deposits rather than front-loading everything:

Deposit	Bonus Percentage
First	200%
Second	150%
Third	100%
Fourth	50%

The minimum deposit to trigger this bonus sits at R700, though we've seen promotional offers that let you start with just R50. Stack up all four deposits, and you're looking at potential bonus funds worth up to R14,000 ZAR – that's serious value by any measure.

Editor's tip: Use promo code "1WREIDA" during registration to claim this offer. What sets 1Win apart is their unique wagering system that automatically moves bonus funds to your main account based on previous day's losses – anywhere from 1% to 20% depending on the amount.

Weekly Cashback: Up to 10% on Losses

Smart players know that cashback programs separate good platforms from great ones. 1Win's weekly cashback starts at 10%, but active players can push that up to 30% on their casino losses.

The calculation is straightforward: only your net losses from real money bets in the Slots section count toward the weekly tally. No funny business with bonus funds or winning spins – just clean, simple math based on actual losses.

What makes this cashback special? Every Monday, funds land directly in your main account with zero wagering requirements. You can withdraw it immediately or use it for more bets – your choice. Most competitors force you to play through cashback before you can touch it.

Accumulator Boosts and Loyalty Rewards

1Win's Express Bonus rewards players who like building bigger accumulators. The more selections you add, the higher your potential bonus:

• 5 events: +7% bonus on net profit
• 6 events: +8% bonus
• 7 events: +9% bonus
• 8 events: +10% bonus
• 9 events: +11% bonus
• 10 events: +12% bonus
• 11+ events: +15% bonus

Each selection needs minimum odds of 1.30 to qualify. Here's a practical example: bet R1,000 on an 11-event accumulator with final odds of 50. Normally, you'd win R50,000 in net profit. With the 15% Express Bonus, you get an extra R7,500, bringing your total winnings to R57,500.

The loyalty program runs on 1Win Coins, which you earn regardless of whether you win or lose. These coins accumulate from both casino games and sports bets, then convert to real money bonuses – it's passive income for regular players.

Refer-a-Friend and VIP Program

Bring friends to 1Win and earn a 20% bonus when they register and deposit at least R96. Simple referral system that builds your network while padding your bankroll.

High-volume players get VIP treatment with priority support, personalized bonuses, and faster withdrawals. Weekly leaderboard contests add another layer, rewarding the most active bettors with real cash prizes based on bet size and odds.

Remember, gambling should be seen as entertainment rather than a guaranteed income stream. These bonuses enhance your experience and extend your playing time, but they're designed to complement responsible betting habits, not replace sound bankroll management.

Payment Methods for South African Users in 1Win

Getting your money in and out smoothly makes all the difference between a great betting experience and a frustrating one. We've tested every payment method available to South African players on 1Win, and here's what you need to know.

Supported Deposit Options: Cards, Crypto, Mobile Money

Traditional banking remains the go-to choice for most South African players. Visa and Mastercard deposits process instantly with no additional fees, making them reliable options for quick account funding. Your funds appear immediately after confirmation, so you can start betting without delay.

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts have plenty of options to choose from. 1Win supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether (available in ERC20, TRC20, and BEP20 versions), BNB, BUSD, USDC, Litecoin, Monero, Bitcoin Cash, Dash, Doge, ZCash, Ripple, and Stellar. These digital currencies offer enhanced privacy and often faster international transfers compared to traditional banking methods.

E-wallet users can take advantage of several convenient options:

• Perfect Money
• Swiffy Eft
• Mybux (minimum deposit just R17)
• MoneyGo
• Neosurf
• AstroPay

Mobile payment solutions have become increasingly popular among South African players, especially those who prefer transacting directly through their phones. These methods work particularly well if you don't have easy access to traditional banking.

Withdrawal Times: E-wallets vs Bank Transfers

When it comes to cashing out your winnings, speed matters. 1Win processes all withdrawal requests within 24 hours without charging additional fees. The actual time you receive your funds depends on your chosen payment method.

E-wallets typically offer the fastest cashout times:

• Perfect Money: 24-48 hours
• AstroPay: Instant to several hours
• Neosurf: Instant to several hours

Bank card withdrawals take a bit longer:

• Visa/Mastercard: Up to 12 hours

Cryptocurrency withdrawals usually complete within 24-48 hours, though blockchain network conditions can affect timing.

Editor's tip: Choose e-wallets for the fastest withdrawals, especially if you're planning to cash out winnings regularly.

Minimum Deposit and Withdrawal Limits

Bankroll management starts with understanding the platform's financial limits. 1Win's minimum deposits vary by payment method:

• Visa/Mastercard: R170
• Mybux: R17
• Perfect Money: R85
• Cryptocurrencies: R170

Minimum withdrawal amounts are set at R255 for most methods, except Monero which requires R510. Maximum limits vary significantly:

• E-wallets (Perfect Money): Up to R17,000
• Cryptocurrencies: Between R170,000 (most options) and R425,000 (USDC)
• Cards: Withdrawals capped at R17,000

The platform maintains strict verification policies to ensure secure transactions. You can only withdraw funds to payment methods registered under your account name. This security measure protects both you and the platform from fraud.

Remember, all financial transactions use encrypted sessions to protect your sensitive information during deposits and withdrawals. Larger withdrawals may require additional documentation as part of 1Win's verification process.

Mobile App and Betting on the 1Win

Mobile betting has become the norm for South African players, and 1Win delivers with both dedicated apps and a solid mobile website. The numbers speak for themselves – 85% of registered users actively use the 1Win app, which tells you something about the quality of their mobile experience.

How to Download the 1Win App (Android & iOS)

Getting the 1Win app on your Android device is straightforward:

• Visit the official 1Win website via your mobile browser
• Scroll to the bottom and tap the Android download icon
• Enable "installation from unknown sources" in your security settings
• Download the APK file (approximately 50MB)
• Open the downloaded file and complete installation

iPhone users have a slightly different process:

• Access the 1Win website through Safari browser
• Tap the "App for iOS" button
• Click the Share button and select "Add to Home Screen"
• Tap "Add" to create the app icon

The iOS version requires just 11KB of space and works with iOS 11 or later, making it incredibly lightweight compared to most betting apps. That's less storage than a single photo on your phone.

App vs Mobile Site: Which is Better?

The 1Win app offers several advantages over the mobile website:

Feature	App	Mobile Site
Loading Speed	Faster due to optimization	Potentially slower
Data Usage	Less data consumption	Higher data usage
Battery Life	More efficient	Higher battery drain
Push Notifications	Available	Not available
Storage Required	50MB (Android)/11KB (iOS)	None

The app's optimized performance makes it ideal for live betting, primarily because it responds faster to odds changes and streams more smoothly during crucial moments.

Live Betting and Push Notifications

Live betting through the 1Win app provides real-time updates on ongoing matches, with dedicated sections for sports like football, tennis, and basketball. You can identify available livestreams by looking for the small TV icon next to events.

Push notifications deliver significant value, offering players a ZAR 360.01 bonus just for enabling them. To activate this reward:

• Install the 1Win app
• Login to your account
• Navigate to account settings
• Opt-in to receive notifications
• Receive your ZAR 360.01 bonus

These notifications keep you informed about the latest odds, promotions, and payment updates, all customizable to your preferences. This notification bonus is exclusively available through the mobile app, making it a compelling reason to download rather than using the browser version.

Customer Support and Responsible Gambling Tools for 1Win Players

Great bonuses and games mean nothing if you can't get help when you need it. That's why we tested 1Win's customer support extensively and examined their responsible gambling tools to see if they actually protect players.

Live Chat, Email, and Social Media Support

1Win offers 24/7 customer support, and our testing showed they generally deliver on this promise. The live chat feature impressed us most – we consistently connected to real agents within minutes during our tests. No chatbots or automated responses, just actual people who could help solve problems.

Email support takes longer, with response times averaging up to three days. Still, it's useful for complex issues that need detailed explanations or document sharing. You can reach them at [email protected]. South African players also have access to phone support at 8(800)301-77-89.

Here's something useful: 1Win provides specialized email addresses for different types of issues:

• Technical problems: [email protected]
• Security concerns: [email protected]
• Payment questions: [email protected]
• Business inquiries: [email protected]

This setup helps you get your query to the right department faster, which we found reduces overall resolution time.

Deposit Limits and Self-Exclusion Options

1Win takes responsible gambling seriously, offering several tools to help you stay in control. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits, which is essential for managing your bankroll effectively. These limits prevent impulsive spending during losing streaks – something every serious bettor should consider using.

The self-exclusion feature allows you to temporarily lock your account. It's straightforward to activate and can be a lifesaver if you feel your gambling is getting out of hand.

Reality Checks and Account Closure

1Win's responsible gambling tools include automated notifications that remind you how long you've been playing. These session alerts might seem annoying, but they're actually helpful for maintaining perspective during extended gaming sessions.

The self-exclusion period can last up to one year. During this time, you can't deposit funds or play games – the platform enforces this strictly.

1Win also partners with organizations that help players dealing with gambling addiction. South African players can access the National Responsible Gambling Program, which provides counseling and support for both players and their families.

Editor's tip: Don't wait until gambling becomes a problem to use these tools. Setting deposit limits and session reminders from the start helps maintain a healthy relationship with betting.

Conclusion

After putting 1Win through our rigorous testing process, here's what South African players need to know: this platform delivers on most of its promises, but it's not without considerations.

The standout feature remains that 200% welcome bonus up to R3000. Combined with weekly cashback rates reaching 30% for active players, 1Win creates genuine value that goes beyond flashy marketing. Our experts particularly appreciate the no-wagering-requirement cashback – a rarity in today's market that lets you withdraw or play immediately.

What impressed us most? The sheer scope of betting options. Over 17,000 casino games from 118 providers, plus comprehensive coverage of rugby, cricket, and soccer markets that South African players actually want. The esports section covering Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 tournaments shows they're thinking ahead, not just following trends.

The mobile experience deserves special mention. With 85% of users choosing the app over the website, 1Win clearly got something right. The iOS version's tiny 11KB footprint particularly stands out – perfect for South African players managing data costs.

However, let's be honest about the regulatory landscape. While 1Win operates under a Curacao license and maintains that 8.6 Safety Index score, South Africa's gambling laws remain complex. The platform sits in a legal gray area that many international sites occupy, but players should understand this reality.

Payment flexibility covers most bases – from traditional cards to cryptocurrencies – though withdrawal times vary significantly. E-wallets process fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. The R255 minimum withdrawal threshold seems reasonable compared to industry standards.

Customer support through 24/7 live chat provides reassurance, and the responsible gambling tools offer practical safeguards. These features matter more than many players realize initially.

So, should you choose 1Win? If you're seeking a well-rounded betting experience with competitive bonuses and extensive game selection, it merits serious consideration. The platform balances comprehensive options with player protection measures effectively.

Remember, gambling should be seen as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Set your limits, understand the risks, and only bet what you can afford to lose.