Why South African Bettors Are Switching Between Betting Apps

For those who regularly bet on sports like soccer, rugby union and cricket, odds tend to vary between betting sites, and players are starting to pay attention.

While some bettors are making changes based on promotions and a basic understanding of odds, experienced bettors are using multiple apps intentionally.

SportsBoom analyses the new trend of South African players utilising multiple betting apps and the changes in how odds, value and risk are being perceived.

Why odds differ among locally licensed bookmakers

In betting, odds suggest how likely an outcome is (such as a PSL team winning a specific game) and how much a bettor will receive for a correct prediction.

In general, lower odds represent an outcome that is more likely, while higher odds indicate an outcome less likely to happen, with a larger possible payout.

Bookmaker odds generally vary based on a concept known as margin or overround, where operators factor in a fee to ensure they remain profitable.

Bookmaker prices can also be affected by risk in domestic and global markets, variances in client bases, and reactions to major news such as transfers.

Differences in odds are based on multiple factors and should not be seen as ‘evidence’ of one bookmaker being better, or that operator's odds are ‘safer’.

Why bettors trust in using multiple betting apps

The common belief that multiple betting apps can improve a player’s chances is grounded in certain behavioural factors.

One of the key aspects is a sense of control, where using multiple platforms feels less passive, although outcomes are still driven by probability.

Bettors also often misread the difference in bookmakers as better chances of winning, when in reality, higher odds only reflect a better price.

Another behavioural factor influencing the use of multiple betting apps is the belief that switching platforms can help bettors recover quicker.

What many overlook is the reality that moving to another licensed bookmaker only affects pricing, with the risk factors remaining the same.

Bettors also tend to forget the many losses that came before winning, and prefer multi-app betting because they remember wins more clearly.

Another often overlooked factor is the normalisation of using multiple apps due to influences of social media and marketing of bookmaker platforms.

Multiple betting apps and why logic does not always follow

The common claim from bookmakers and insiders is that comparing odds can boost value over time, but this does not guarantee better winning chances, reduce inherent risk, or promise more favourable short-term outcomes.

In a South African betting context, comparing platforms can help players find lower margins and ensure more value on successful wagers, although this must be measured against the perceived ‘edge’ bettors are chasing.

Betting must also always take place within the locally licensed regulatory framework, guided by the oversight of the National Gambling Board ^[1] and the provincial licensing authorities such as the Gauteng Gambling Board ^[2].

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation ^[3] also offers free counselling and treatment for players struggling with problem betting, as well as their families.

Using multiple betting apps: a real-world example

Consider the following hypothetical example:

A bettor who wagers regularly on the PSL initially frequented a single operator, but noticed differences in odds and payout speed with other bookmakers.

On a particular weekend, with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates meeting in the Soweto Derby, he splits bets across three apps to utilise promotional offers and maximise potential.

However, the bettor struggles to track his spending across multiple accounts and platforms, and switching apps during matches leads to more impulsive decisions.

This example underlines how South African bettors may expose themselves to irresponsible habits and risk, even if they perceive multi-app betting positively.