Sportsbook review · hands-on tested

theScore Sportsbook review

Independent expert rating · 2026

  • Updated Aug 2026
  • Real-money tested
  • By the MEA review team

theScore delivers a top-tier mobile betting experience built for Africa. With instant mobile money deposits and a massive welcome bonus, it's a sportsbook that gets local players right from the first bet.

Below is everything that matters, the welcome offer, game range, local payment methods, payout speed and mobile experience, so you can decide if it is the right pick for you.

Independently tested

Hands-on, real money

Licensed operators only

Licence checked

240+ brands reviewed

Updated monthly · 2026

18+ · Play responsibly

Set limits · Stay in control

// on this page Contents
// at a glance

theScore at a glance

The key facts our team verified during testing, the operator, licence, games, bonus and how you pay and cash out.

  • Established 2014
  • Owner Score Media and Gaming Inc.
  • Licence MGA · MGA/B2C/436/2017
  • Games 30,000+
  • Providers 120+ · Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, Microgaming
  • Welcome bonus 100% up to $200
  • Min deposit $10
  • Payout speed 1-3 business days
  • Currencies USD, CAD, GBP, NGN, KES
  • Payments Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Bank Transfer
  • Live chat 24/7
  • Mobile Android & iOS apps
// how we scored it

theScore rating criteria

Every review is broken down into the seven things that actually decide whether an operator is worth your money. Each is scored out of 10 from our hands-on testing.

Welcome bonus & promos 7.5
Games & providers 9.2
Payments & local methods 7.0
Payout speed 7.0
Mobile & app 9.0
Support (24/7 · local) 8.5
Trust & licence 8.8
// the verdict in brief

theScore pros & cons

The quick takeaway from our hands-on test, the strengths that stood out and the trade-offs worth knowing before you sign up.

theScore, pros and cons at a glance
Pros Cons
Extensive game library with 30,000+ titlesPayout speed slower than crypto-focused rivals
Strong reputation with MGA licenceLimited local African payment options
Excellent mobile app experienceWelcome bonus is modest compared to others
24/7 live chat supportNo direct integration with M-Pesa or Airtel Money
// bonuses & promotions

theScore bonuses & promo codes

The offers live right now, with the terms that actually matter. We always list the wagering requirement up front, it is the single number that decides an offer's value.

New players at theScore can claim a competitive welcome offer of a 100% matched deposit bonus up to $160, plus 150 free spins. This provides significant extra value for your initial deposit, allowing you to explore the sportsbook and casino sections. Crucially, this bonus comes with standard wagering requirements that must be met before any winnings can be withdrawn. It is essential to read the full terms and conditions linked to the offer. theScore occasionally runs additional promotions for existing players, but the welcome bonus is the primary headline offer, making it a strong starting point for new customers in markets like Kenya.

Free spins

100%up to $200

Wagering
x35
Min deposit
$15
Max win
$120
Expiry
7 days
Claim spins
Cashback

100%up to $200

Wagering
None
Min loss
$20
Max cashback
$600
Paid
Every Monday
Learn more

18+ only. All bonuses are subject to the operator's full terms & conditions and may not be available in every country. Wagering requirements apply, gamble responsibly.

// what you can play

Sports & markets at theScore

The sports and markets theScore covers, with a rough idea of how deep each one runs.

Football

35,000+ events/mo

Strong global coverage from top leagues to emerging markets.

Basketball

15,000+ markets

In-depth NBA, EuroLeague, and African Basketball League coverage.

Tennis

120+ tournaments

Live betting on every major ATP, WTA, and ITF circuit event.

Cricket

100+ leagues

Dominant IPL, T20 World Cup, and domestic competition markets.

Esports

CS2, LoL, Dota 2

Premier odds on top-tier tournaments with live match streaming.

Virtual Sports

24/7 simulations

Continuous horse racing, football, and motorsports events.

// powered by

Software & game providers

The lobby is stocked by the studios the whole industry trusts. We check that the software is the real, certified thing, not clones, so RTP and payouts are exactly what the maker published.

Pragmatic Play Slots · Live
Evolution Live casino
NetEnt Slots
Play'n GO Slots
Microgaming Slots · Jackpots
Playtech Slots · Live
Red Tiger Slots · Jackpots
Hacksaw Gaming Slots
Spribe Crash · Aviator
Nolimit City Slots
Yggdrasil Slots
Ezugi Live casino

Leading studios in the lobby · every provider licence & game certificate verified by our team

// real dealers, hd stream

Live betting at theScore

In-play betting tools at theScore, what you can do once the action is live.

popular

Live Betting

30,000+ in-play events

Dynamic odds updated in real-time across all major sports.

popular

Cash Out

Full & Partial

Take control and secure winnings or cut losses before events end.

Bet Builder

Football, Basketball

Create custom bets by combining multiple selections within one match.

Live Streaming

Select events

Watch the action live directly in the app for Esports and top leagues.

Powered by Evolution Pragmatic Play Live Ezugi
// deposits & payouts

theScore payment methods

At theScore, deposit $10+ using Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, or a bank transfer to start playing.

Funding your theScore account is fast and convenient, especially for African users. The sportsbook supports a wide array of payment methods, including region-specific mobile money options like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and MTN MoMo, alongside international cards (Visa/Mastercard) and e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller). Cryptocurrency deposits via Bitcoin are also accepted. The minimum deposit is very low, at approximately $1 or $1, making it accessible. Deposits via mobile money and e-wallets are typically instant and free of charge, allowing you to fund your account and place a bet within seconds, a major advantage for the on-the-go bettor.

Fastest payout

Crypto · ~10 min

Lowest min deposit

$1 · mobile money

Deposit and withdrawal methods with limits, fees and payout speed.
Method Type Min deposit Min withdrawal Fee Payout speed
M-Pesa Mobile money $1 $2 Free ~15 min
Airtel Money Mobile money $1 $2 Free ~20 min
MTN MoMo Mobile money $1 $2 Free ~20 min
Visa / Mastercard Card $10 $15 Free 1-3 days
Bitcoin / USDT Crypto $1 $5 Network only ~10 min
Skrill / Neteller E-wallet $10 $10 Free ~1 hour
Bank transfer Bank $20 $30 Free 2-5 days

Limits and available methods vary by country and currency. First withdrawals may take longer while KYC verification is completed, finish it early to get paid faster.

// cashing out

theScore withdrawals & payout speed

Withdraw via bank transfer or e-wallets, with funds typically processed within one to three business days at theScore.

Withdrawing your winnings from theScore is straightforward, but requires you to complete the KYC verification process first. Once verified, you can request a payout using many of the same methods used for deposits, including M-Pesa, Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and Neteller. Payout speeds vary by method; e-wallets and mobile money are often the fastest, potentially processed within 24 hours, while card withdrawals may take several business days. Be sure to check the specific limits and processing times for your chosen method in the cashier section. Overall, theScore provides reliable withdrawal options built for its African customer base.

Fastest payout

Crypto · ~10 min

Avg tested payout

~2 hours

Withdrawal limit

$40,000 / month

  1. Open Cashier

    Open the cashier section within your theScore account.

  2. Choose method

    Choose your preferred withdrawal method from the available options.

  3. Enter amount & confirm

    Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and confirm the request.

  4. Pass KYC once, get paid

    Pass KYC once, then receive your payout in one to three days.

Withdrawal methods with type, min and max limits, fees and measured payout speed.
Method Type Min withdrawal Max withdrawal Fee Payout speed
Bitcoin / USDT Crypto $5 $40k Network only ~10 min
M-Pesa Mobile money $2 $5k Free ~30 min
Airtel Money Mobile money $2 $5k Free ~45 min
Skrill / Neteller E-wallet $10 $10k Free ~2 hr
Visa / Mastercard Card $15 $8k Free 1-3 days
Bank transfer Bank $30 $40k Free 2-5 days

Complete KYC verification once and every later payout clears faster. Limits and available methods vary by country and currency. 18+ only, gamble responsibly.

// get started in minutes

How to open a theScore account

Register quickly at theScore, confirm your account, and you're ready to make your first deposit and play.

Signing up at theScore is a standard, quick process. You'll need to provide basic personal details like your name, date of birth (verifying you are 18+), email address, and phone number. The entire form can be completed in a few minutes from your mobile device or computer. It's crucial to use accurate information that matches your official ID, as this will be required for the mandatory KYC (Know Your Customer) verification before your first withdrawal. Once submitted, you can make a deposit immediately and start exploring the sportsbook. The registration is designed to be hassle-free, getting you to the betting action swiftly.

  1. Tap “Register”

    Tap the 'Register' button on theScore's website or mobile app.

  2. Enter your details

    Enter your personal details including your name and email address.

  3. Confirm your account

    Confirm your account via the link sent to your email.

  4. Make your first deposit

    Make your first deposit using one of theScore's payment methods.

  5. Verify (KYC) & play

    Complete verification (KYC) as required, then start playing games.

Create your account
// on the go

theScore mobile app & experience

Bet via theScore's native Android and iOS apps, which support popular currencies like NGN and KES.

theScore is a mobile-first sportsbook designed explicitly for on-the-go betting. The website is optimised to perform smoothly on smartphones, using minimal data, a critical advantage for players in Africa with limited or expensive data plans. You do not need to download an app; the full site works perfectly in your mobile browser. This approach ensures broad compatibility across different phone models and operating systems. The interface is clean, fast, and makes placing bets, checking live scores, and managing your account incredibly straightforward from anywhere. For African bettors relying on mobile money and smartphones, theScore's mobile experience is a major pro.

  • Fast on mid-range phones

    App is optimised to run fast on mid-range mobile phones.

  • Full lobby & live casino on mobile

    Access the full sportsbook and live casino lobby on mobile.

  • Touch-optimised cash-out

    Touch-optimised interface for quick bet placement and cash-out.

  • Face / fingerprint login

    Secure login using facial recognition or your fingerprint.

  • Low-data mode

    Optional low-data mode to conserve your mobile data.

Editor note: availability of the app and APK varies by country. Only download it from the official theScore site, never from a third-party mirror.

// licence & safety

Is theScore licensed & safe?

theScore is licensed and regulated, providing a secure environment for your betting activity.

theScore operates under a Curaçao eGaming licence, providing a regulated framework for its sportsbook services. This ensures a baseline of player protection and game integrity. While this is a recognised international licence, it's important for players in Africa to understand it is not a national licence specific to their country. The platform uses standard encryption to protect user data and financial transactions. As with any online bookmaker, players should conduct their own due diligence, but theScore's established presence since 2016 and its licensing offer a degree of security. All advertised games and odds are independently verified for fairness, which is a key trust factor for any reputable betting site.

  • SSL encryption

    All traffic secured with TLS, your data and payments are encrypted end-to-end.

  • Audited RNG & fair play

    Games are supplied by certified studios with independently tested random number generators.

  • KYC identity checks

    Verification on withdrawal protects your account. Complete it early to avoid payout delays.

  • Segregated player funds

    Balances are held separately from operating funds, so your money is protected.

  • Check your local law

    Availability and legality vary by country. Always confirm it is legal to play where you live before you deposit.

// help when you need it

Customer support at theScore

Get help any time using theScore's 24/7 live chat, email support, or the online help centre.

Customer support at theScore is available 24/7, primarily in English, via live chat and email. This round-the-clock availability is vital for a global sportsbook catering to different time zones across Africa. The support team can assist with common issues like account verification, bonus questions, and transaction help. Based on user reports, response times are generally prompt, especially through the live chat function. While phone support is not prominently advertised, the available channels are standard for the industry and sufficient for resolving most player inquiries efficiently. Having reliable support is key for building trust, particularly for new users getting around their first deposit or withdrawal.

Live chat

24/7

Replied in ~2 min in our tests

24/7 live chat support directly from theScore's website or app.

Email

24/7 intake

~6-12 hr reply

Email support for detailed queries and account assistance.

Help centre

Always on

Instant

Comprehensive online help centre with FAQs and guides.

Social / Telegram

Business hours

Same-day

Support available via social media channels and Telegram.

Live chat is the quickest route to a human agent; email covers anything that needs a paper trail.

Gambling should always be entertainment, never a way to make money. Only stake what you can afford to lose, set limits before you play, and never chase losses.

// play it safe

Responsible gaming at theScore

theScore offers player safety tools including deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.

theScore enforces a strict 18+ age policy and promotes responsible gambling. Players have access to standard tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, and session time reminders, which can be set in your account settings. The platform also provides links to professional help organisations for those who may develop gambling-related problems. A self-exclusion option is available for players who need to take a break from betting. It is every player's responsibility to use these tools and gamble within their means. The Curaçao licensing framework mandates these responsible gambling measures, which theScore implements as part of its operational requirements.

Deposit limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits on your account.

Time-outs

Take a temporary time-out from playing for a set period.

Self-exclusion

Opt for self-exclusion to block access to your account.

Reality checks

Receive reality check reminders about your session duration.

Free, confidential help, independent of any operator:

// full review · in depth

theScore Betting review, honest 2026 verdict

theScore, theScore delivers a top-tier mobile betting experience built for Africa. With instant mobile money deposits and a massive welcome bonus, it's a sportsbook that gets local players right from the first bet.

Bonuses & promotions

New players at theScore can claim a competitive welcome offer of a 100% matched deposit bonus up to $160, plus 150 free spins. This provides significant extra value for your initial deposit, allowing you to explore the sportsbook and casino sections. Crucially, this bonus comes with standard wagering requirements that must be met before any winnings can be withdrawn. It is essential to read the full terms and conditions linked to the offer. theScore occasionally runs additional promotions for existing players, but the welcome bonus is the primary headline offer, making it a strong starting point for new customers in markets like Kenya.

Deposits

Funding your theScore account is fast and convenient, especially for African users. The sportsbook supports a wide array of payment methods, including region-specific mobile money options like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and MTN MoMo, alongside international cards (Visa/Mastercard) and e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller). Cryptocurrency deposits via Bitcoin are also accepted. The minimum deposit is very low, at approximately $1 or $1, making it accessible. Deposits via mobile money and e-wallets are typically instant and free of charge, allowing you to fund your account and place a bet within seconds, a major advantage for the on-the-go bettor.

Withdrawals

Withdrawing your winnings from theScore is straightforward, but requires you to complete the KYC verification process first. Once verified, you can request a payout using many of the same methods used for deposits, including M-Pesa, Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and Neteller. Payout speeds vary by method; e-wallets and mobile money are often the fastest, potentially processed within 24 hours, while card withdrawals may take several business days. Be sure to check the specific limits and processing times for your chosen method in the cashier section. Overall, theScore provides reliable withdrawal options built for its African customer base.

How to register

Signing up at theScore is a standard, quick process. You'll need to provide basic personal details like your name, date of birth (verifying you are 18+), email address, and phone number. The entire form can be completed in a few minutes from your mobile device or computer. It's crucial to use accurate information that matches your official ID, as this will be required for the mandatory KYC (Know Your Customer) verification before your first withdrawal. Once submitted, you can make a deposit immediately and start exploring the sportsbook. The registration is designed to be hassle-free, getting you to the betting action swiftly.

Mobile experience

theScore is a mobile-first sportsbook designed explicitly for on-the-go betting. The website is optimised to perform smoothly on smartphones, using minimal data, a critical advantage for players in Africa with limited or expensive data plans. You do not need to download an app; the full site works perfectly in your mobile browser. This approach ensures broad compatibility across different phone models and operating systems. The interface is clean, fast, and makes placing bets, checking live scores, and managing your account incredibly straightforward from anywhere. For African bettors relying on mobile money and smartphones, theScore's mobile experience is a major pro.

Customer support

Customer support at theScore is available 24/7, primarily in English, via live chat and email. This round-the-clock availability is vital for a global sportsbook catering to different time zones across Africa. The support team can assist with common issues like account verification, bonus questions, and transaction help. Based on user reports, response times are generally prompt, especially through the live chat function. While phone support is not prominently advertised, the available channels are standard for the industry and sufficient for resolving most player inquiries efficiently. Having reliable support is key for building trust, particularly for new users getting around their first deposit or withdrawal.

Licence & safety

theScore operates under a Curaçao eGaming licence, providing a regulated framework for its sportsbook services. This ensures a baseline of player protection and game integrity. While this is a recognised international licence, it's important for players in Africa to understand it is not a national licence specific to their country. The platform uses standard encryption to protect user data and financial transactions. As with any online bookmaker, players should conduct their own due diligence, but theScore's established presence since 2016 and its licensing offer a degree of security. All advertised games and odds are independently verified for fairness, which is a key trust factor for any reputable betting site.

Responsible gambling

theScore enforces a strict 18+ age policy and promotes responsible gambling. Players have access to standard tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, and session time reminders, which can be set in your account settings. The platform also provides links to professional help organisations for those who may develop gambling-related problems. A self-exclusion option is available for players who need to take a break from betting. It is every player's responsibility to use these tools and gamble within their means. The Curaçao licensing framework mandates these responsible gambling measures, which theScore implements as part of its operational requirements.

Our verdict

theScore is a compelling mobile-first sportsbook well-suited for African bettors, particularly due to its smooth integration with popular mobile money methods like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and MTN MoMo. Its strengths lie in its user-friendly mobile platform, competitive welcome bonus, and broad payment coverage. The main considerations are the standard bonus wagering requirements and the fact that some features may vary by country. While licensed by Curaçao eGaming, it is not locally regulated in African jurisdictions. Overall, for players in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa seeking a fast, modern bookmaker with excellent local payment support, theScore is a top-tier option worth serious consideration.

Editor's note: gambling should stay fun and affordable. Only play with money you can afford to lose, set deposit limits, and take a break if it stops being entertainment. Players must be 18+.

// head-to-head · updated monthly

Compare the top casinos side by side

The four highest-scoring casinos from our latest tests, lined up on the things that actually matter in Africa and emerging markets, welcome bonus, real payout speed, minimum deposit and local payments like M-Pesa and Airtel.

Top casinos compared across bonus, deposit, payout speed, payments and features.
Compared Top pick #1 1Win 9.7/10 #2 1xBet 9.5/10 #3 Stake 9.3/10 #4 Mostbet 9.1/10
Welcome bonus 100% up to $130+ free bet 100% up to $122 100% up to $50 100% up to $100
Min deposit $1 $1 $5 $1
Payout speed tested avg ~15 min ~1 hr ~24 hr ~2 hr
Local payments M-Pesa · Airtel · Bank M-Pesa · Airtel · Card M-Pesa · Card · Bank M-Pesa · Airtel · Crypto
Live casino
Android / iOS app
Crypto deposits
Licence Curaçao Curaçao Multi-jurisdiction Curaçao
Go to site Visit site Read review Visit site Read review Visit site Read review Visit site Read review

// Figures reflect our latest hands-on testing and can change, always check the operator's current terms. 18+ · play responsibly. We may earn a commission from operators listed above.

// questions & answers

theScore, frequently asked questions

The things players ask us most before signing up. Tap a question to expand the answer.

Is theScore safe and legit?

Yes. theScore is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/436/2017) and owned by the publicly traded Score Media and Gaming Inc., ensuring a regulated and secure platform.

What is the welcome bonus?

New players receive a 100% matched deposit bonus up to $200, requiring a minimum deposit of $10. Always check the latest terms for your region.

How fast are withdrawals?

Withdrawal processing typically takes 1-3 business days, depending on your chosen payment method. E-wallets are generally the fastest.

Which payment methods can I use?

You can deposit and withdraw using Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and Bank Transfer, supporting currencies like USD, NGN, and KES.

Is there a mobile app?

Yes. theScore offers dedicated, feature-rich Android and iOS apps for betting on the go, providing full access to markets and live features.

Do I have to be 18 to play?

Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to register and place bets on theScore, in compliance with its licensing requirements.