Lottostar vs Hollywoodbets South Africa 2026: Which Is Better?

By BetSorted Team · March 31, 2026 · 11 min read

This is a comparison that comes up surprisingly often: Lottostar or Hollywoodbets? On the surface they're very different beasts. Lottostar is a specialist — built from the ground up around Lucky Numbers, international lotto draws, and virtual games. Hollywoodbets is South Africa's biggest bookmaker, covering everything from PSL football and horse racing to casino slots and Lucky Numbers.

So why compare them at all? Because a huge number of SA punters play Lucky Numbers as their primary form of betting. And if that's you, the question is real: do you stick with the specialist, or go with the all-rounder that also happens to offer Lucky Numbers?

We've used both platforms extensively. Here's the honest breakdown — where each one wins, where each one falls short, and which one deserves your money depending on what you actually bet on.

Quick Comparison — Lottostar vs Hollywoodbets at a Glance

The table tells the story pretty quickly: Hollywoodbets wins more categories overall. But look at that Lucky Numbers row — that's where Lottostar earns its keep.

Welcome Bonus — Different Approaches

Lottostar's bonus is bigger on paper — up to R500 — but it's a deposit match that must be used on Lucky Numbers. If that's what you're here for, great. If not, it's less useful than it sounds.

Hollywoodbets takes the simpler route: R25 free, no deposit, use it on anything. The ongoing promotions are also stronger — the Phakathi and Top Bet specials are genuinely popular with SA punters, and multi-bet boosts add real value if you're building accumulators.

Edge: Draw — Lottostar's bonus is better for Lucky Numbers players. Hollywoodbets' bonus is more flexible and the ongoing promos are stronger overall.

Lucky Numbers — The Main Event

This is the section that matters most for this comparison. If you're choosing between Lottostar and Hollywoodbets, there's a good chance Lucky Numbers is your thing. So let's go deep.

Range of Draws

Lottostar offers 60+ international lottery draws — from the obvious ones (UK 49s, SA Daily Lotto, US Powerball) to draws from Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Russia, and smaller markets. It's the widest selection of any SA-licensed platform. Our Lucky Numbers bookmaker ranking puts Lottostar at or near the top for draw range.

Hollywoodbets covers 30+ draws, which is still solid — you get UK 49s, Ireland, Greece, and the popular draws that most SA punters actually bet on. But if you want the more obscure international draws, Lottostar has them and Hollywoodbets doesn't.

Edge: Lottostar Winner — significantly more draws. If variety matters, Lottostar is the clear pick.

Payouts

This is where it gets interesting. Lottostar tends to offer slightly higher payouts on certain Lucky Numbers outcomes — particularly on single-number bets and smaller combinations. The differences aren't massive (we're talking a few rands per hundred), but they compound over time if you're a regular player.

Hollywoodbets' Lucky Numbers payouts are competitive and fair, but they're not trying to be the best in this specific category. Their margins are spread across a much bigger product range.

Edge: Lottostar Winner — slightly better Lucky Numbers payouts on average.

New to Lucky Numbers? Read our Lucky Numbers betting guide to understand how draws, odds, and payouts work.

Sports Betting — No Contest

Let's be honest here: if you're comparing sports betting, this isn't a fair fight. Hollywoodbets is one of the most comprehensive sportsbooks in South Africa. Lottostar barely qualifies as a sportsbook.

Hollywoodbets covers 40+ sports with deep market depth on football, rugby, cricket, horse racing, tennis, and more. Their live betting is strong, their accumulator tools are mature, and their odds are competitive across the board. If you're building multi-bets, use our accumulator calculator to check your potential payout.

Lottostar's sports offering is an afterthought at best. A handful of pre-match markets on major events — nothing that would tempt a serious sports bettor. This isn't a criticism; Lottostar was never built to be a sportsbook.

Edge: Hollywoodbets Winner — it's like comparing a food truck to a full restaurant. Both feed you, but only one has a menu.

Virtual Games — Closer Than You'd Think

Both platforms offer virtual games — instant-result sports simulations and number-based games that run every few minutes. This is actually where Lottostar holds up well.

Lottostar's virtual games section includes virtual football, horse racing, dog racing, and various number games. It's well-integrated and feels like a natural extension of their Lucky Numbers product. The games load quickly and the results are frequent — you're never waiting long for the next draw.

Hollywoodbets also offers virtual sports, including their popular Lucky Numbers-adjacent products and virtual football. Their selection is good, though virtual games are just one slice of a much bigger platform.

Edge: Lottostar Winner — slightly better variety and a platform designed specifically for this type of betting. But it's close.

Casino & Slots

Hollywoodbets has built out a genuinely impressive casino section — 800+ games from major providers, including live dealer tables (roulette, blackjack, baccarat), hundreds of slots, Aviator, and bet games. It's competitive with dedicated online casinos.

Lottostar has a casino offering too — slots, table games, and some instant-win titles. It's decent but smaller in scope. If casino gaming is a priority, Hollywoodbets has more variety and better provider coverage.

Edge: Hollywoodbets Winner — significantly larger casino with more game variety and live dealer options.

Mobile App & User Experience

Lottostar Mobile

Lottostar offers an Android APK download from their website plus a mobile-optimised site that works well on any phone browser. The interface is clean and purpose-built: Lucky Numbers draws are front and centre, and you can place a bet in three taps. There's no clutter because there's no sprawling sportsbook to navigate around. For what it does, the experience is smooth.

Hollywoodbets Mobile

Hollywoodbets has apps for both Android and iOS — one of the few SA bookmakers available on the Apple App Store. The app is polished, handles the full range of products (sports, casino, Lucky Numbers, virtuals), and supports features like cash-out, live betting, and push notifications for results. The mobile site is also excellent.

The downside? With so many products, the Hollywoodbets app can feel overwhelming if all you want to do is play Lucky Numbers. It takes a few more taps to get where you're going compared to Lottostar's streamlined approach.

Edge: Hollywoodbets Winner — iOS availability, more features, and a more polished app overall. But Lottostar's simplicity is genuinely appealing if Lucky Numbers is your only interest.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Deposit Methods

Both cover the deposit methods that matter to SA punters — EFT, instant EFT, vouchers, and card payments. The big difference is Hollywoodbets' 100+ physical branches where you can deposit (and withdraw) cash in person. For punters who prefer handling cash or don't have a bank card, this is a major advantage.

Withdrawal Speed

Hollywoodbets is one of the fastest-paying bookmakers in SA. Most withdrawals land in your account within 12-24 hours, and same-day payouts are common for verified accounts. You can also collect cash at a branch — instant.

Lottostar processes withdrawals in 24-48 hours, which is standard for the industry. No complaints about reliability, but it's not in the same league as Hollywoodbets for speed.

Edge: Hollywoodbets Winner — faster payouts plus the option to collect cash at a branch.

FICA Verification

Both bookmakers require FICA verification before you can withdraw — this is a legal requirement in South Africa, not a bookmaker choice. You'll need your SA ID, proof of address, and proof of banking.

Hollywoodbets' FICA process is well-oiled at this point — they handle huge volumes and most verifications complete within a few hours. You can even verify at a branch in person.

Lottostar's FICA process is straightforward but sometimes slower — reports of 24-48 hours for approval aren't uncommon, especially during peak periods. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing before your first withdrawal.

Edge: Hollywoodbets Winner — faster, smoother FICA process with in-person option.

Customer Support

Both offer the full suite of digital support channels and both respond reasonably quickly. Hollywoodbets has the edge thanks to its branch network — if you have an issue, you can walk into a shop and speak to someone face-to-face. For older punters or anyone who prefers human interaction, that matters.

Edge: Hollywoodbets Winner — same digital support, plus physical branches.

Who Should Choose Lottostar?

• Lucky Numbers enthusiasts — 60+ draws, better payouts, and a platform designed specifically for lotto-style betting.
• International lottery fans — draws from countries that other SA bookmakers don't cover.
• Virtual games players — strong selection of instant-result games and virtual sports.
• Punters who want simplicity — no distractions, no sprawling sportsbook. Open the app, pick your numbers, done.
• Anyone chasing the best Lucky Numbers value — Lottostar's payouts tend to be slightly higher on average.

Who Should Choose Hollywoodbets?

• Sports bettors — 40+ sports, deep markets, live betting, cash-out, multi-bet boosts. It's not even close.
• All-rounders — want sports, Lucky Numbers, casino, and virtuals in one place? Hollywoodbets has it all.
• Casino players — 800+ games, live dealer, Aviator, and more.
• Punters who value fast payouts — 12-24 hour withdrawals and cash collection at branches.
• Anyone who wants an iOS app — Lottostar doesn't have one; Hollywoodbets does.
• Cash-first bettors — deposit and withdraw at 100+ branches across SA.

Related Comparisons

• Lottostar Full Review 2026
• Hollywoodbets Full Review 2026
• Best Bookmaker for Lucky Numbers SA
• Lucky Numbers Betting Guide
• Gbets vs Hollywoodbets
• Best Betting Bonuses SA 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lottostar or Hollywoodbets better for Lucky Numbers?

Lottostar wins on Lucky Numbers specifically. More draws (60+ vs 30+), slightly better payouts, and an interface built entirely around lotto-style betting. Hollywoodbets' Lucky Numbers is solid but it's one product among many.

Which has faster payouts?

Hollywoodbets — most withdrawals process within 12-24 hours, and you can collect cash at a branch. Lottostar takes 24-48 hours, which is standard but slower.

Can I bet on sports with Lottostar?

Lottostar's sports offering is very limited. If sports betting matters to you — PSL, rugby, cricket, horse racing — Hollywoodbets is the clear choice. Lottostar is built for Lucky Numbers and virtual games, not traditional sports.

Are both Lottostar and Hollywoodbets legal in South Africa?

Yes. Lottostar is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling Board and Hollywoodbets holds licenses from the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming Board and several other provincial boards. Both operate fully legally and are regulated in South Africa.