When you look at these established platforms, you see their track record, transparent practices, and usually better dispute resolution. Bettors often choose them because they want reliability, a history of timely payouts, and a name that has survived through challenges.
If you are looking for such an experience, check out our ranking of the oldest betting sites available in Zambia.
Bolabet Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus becomes available to new users immediately after registration and their first deposit with real money of at least 10 ZMW. The bonus is credited for use in placing bets with a minimum total odds of 8.00, and the full amount must be wagered four times. The bonus can only be activated once per account
Melbet Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus becomes available after depositing from 13 ZMW. Valid for 30 days, this offer applies to slot machines and requires a x5 playthrough. After the wagering is complete, winnings can be cashed out as real funds
1Win Welcome Bonus
New players who deposit at least 20 ZMW receive a deposit bonus of up to 500%, usable exclusively on video slots. Wagering is set at x5, and winnings can be withdrawn as real cash after completing the playthrough requirement
betPawa Welcome Bonus
Players who register and make their first deposit of 1 ZMW or more can claim a first deposit bonus credited as real money for use on bets with odds of 2.00 or higher. The bonus amount must be wagered five times to withdraw any winnings to their account. The bonus is also available through the mobile version
Bolabet - Bookmaker with First Betting Shops in Zambia
Betika started operations in 2005. The platform quickly obtained a local gaming license and became known for opening the first betting shops in Zambia. Betika has sponsored several local football clubs and organised events that brought attention across Zambia. The bookmaker has received recognition from local betting communities and won a few regional awards celebrating safe and responsible gaming.
Melbet - Oldest Bookie in The World Available in Zambia
Melbet opened its doors to the public back in 2012 and operates under a global Curacao eGaming license. With headquarters based in Cyprus, Melbet sponsors many major football tournaments and sports teams in Europe and the Commonwealth. The brand has earned a reputation for high standards and has picked up several global awards by adapting quickly to the needs of international bettors, including players from Zambia.
1Win - Old Betting Site That Went Through Massive Rebranding
Founded in 2016, 1Win originally entered the market under a different name. By 2018, the company underwent a major rebranding, updating its look, improving the betting platform, and focusing strongly on mobile gaming and fast registration. The changes added modern features, making the site much easier to use and navigate than before.
Betpawa - Bookmaker With Oldest Online Presence in Zambia
Betpawa launched locally in 2014, holding one of the first Zambian betting licenses for online platforms. The site has supported Zambian sports through sponsorship deals and has been acknowledged at national events for driving the growth of online betting. Betpawa is often recognised for its simple layout and straightforward approach, which appeals to both new and experienced Zambian bettors.
Our Criteria For Choosing the Oldest Betting Sites
We consider several factors when ranking the oldest bookmakers, making sure to keep these rankings updated every year. Experience and consistency count for a lot in this fast-moving market.
Longevity in the market
We check how many years each bookmaker has been active. Long operation often marks stability and resilience.
Physical presence and infrastructure
We look into the number of physical betting shops, offices, and how many people work for the company in Zambia and abroad.
User and expert feedback
We regularly read what experienced players and industry experts write on forums and social media about these platforms.
Player community size
A larger active client base is a positive sign that a bookmaker is both trusted and popular among bettors.
Investments in the community
We review sponsorships and advertising campaigns, including support of sports teams and social initiatives by the bookmaker.
Old Bookmaker Sites Pros and Cons
Choosing an established bookmaker often brings a sense of security, but not everything about old sites is perfect. Some features that made these bookmakers successful in the past can become areas for improvement as the market changes.
Advantages
- Safe betting, responsible gaming principles.
- Physical offices and betting shops.
- Guaranteed payouts.
- Swift and multi-channel customer support.
- Bonuses for regular sports bettors.
Disadvantages
- Smaller bonuses to newcomers, as they already have many bettors.
- Might not have the latest mobile features.
- Fewer eSports betting options.
FAQ
Both new and old bookmakers have something unique to offer, but old bookmakers tend to provide a long-standing reputation. They can give you extra peace of mind, but you might miss out on some innovative features that new sites develop faster.
Years of operation help you judge reliability, but it is not the only factor. Some old bookmakers in Zambia can fall behind with updates or customer service, while some newer ones can match or even exceed them by adopting new technologies quickly.
Registering with an old Zambian betting site is usually straightforward. Such sites may require full verification and identification, but you only need to provide standard documents such as a government ID and a recent photo.
Most old betting platforms still focus mostly on bank cards and mobile money. Some have started adding cryptocurrency deposit options, but you should always first check available payment methods in the cashier section before attempting to deposit with crypto.
