October 26, 2026

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Best Betting Sites

Best Betting Sites in South Africa 2026

Independent, expert reviews of licensed South African operators to help you find the best odds, promos, and data-free apps.

Written by StraightBet Editorial Team
Fact checked by Amy Clark Managing Editor
Last updated
Disclosure

Disclosure: We are an independent review site. If you click a link and sign up with an operator, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please gamble responsibly. 18+

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Finding a betting site in South Africa that’s actually worth your time isn’t as easy as it may seem. Dozens of operators claim to be “the best”, which is why we decided to make it our mission to review the most popular SA betting sites to figure out which ones are truly worth the hype.

We should also point out that every operator on this page has a verifiable licence from a recognised South African provincial gambling authority. Operators that can’t clear that bar don’t appear here, regardless of how popular they are. So, with that being said, let’s dive right in!

StraightBet comparison

Best Betting Sites in South Africa

Hollywoodbets logo

Choice 2

Hollywoodbets

50 No-Deposit Free Spins + R25 Sports Bonus. New customers only. Free spins and R25 bonus must be used within 24 hours. T&Cs apply.

Visit Hollywoodbets Read review
NEO.bet logo

Choice 5

NEO.bet

Up to R6,000 Welcome Bonus. New customers only. 100% match on each of your first three deposits, up to R6,000 in total. Qualifying deposits and wagering requirements apply. T&Cs apply. 18+.

Visit NEO.bet Read review
OneBet logo

Choice 8

OneBet

100% up to R10,000 + 100 Bonus Spins. New customers only. Deposit R100+ with code FIRST. 35x wagering on bonus and spin winnings. T&Cs apply. 18+.

Visit OneBet Read review
Playabets logo

Choice 12

Playabets

100% First Deposit Match up to R3,000 + 50 Free Spins. New customers only. Opt in and deposit R50+ for the match; R100+ for 50 spins. Wagering requirements apply to the bonus. T&Cs apply. 18+.

Visit Playabets Read review

Affiliate disclosure: StraightBet may earn a commission if you sign up through this link. This does not affect our editorial independence. 18+ only. Bet responsibly. Winners know when to stop. Get help and support.

Is Online Betting Legal in South Africa?

Yes, provided the operator holds a valid licence from one of South Africa’s provincial gambling authorities. Sports betting is regulated at provincial level, with oversight from the National Gambling Board at a national level.

This matters more than most comparison sites let on. Plenty of well-known international betting brands are not licensed to operate in South Africa, even if their site is technically accessible here. Betting with an unlicensed operator means you have no formal recourse if something goes wrong, meaning that there’s no regulator to complain to and, more importantly, no guaranteed protection of your funds.

Every operator on this page has cleared that licensing bar as the minimum requirement for inclusion, so you never have to worry about whether or not a site we recommend is legit.

Compare Our Top 12 SA Betting Sites

We’ve put these 12 SA betting sites through registration, verification, banking and real-money play. The comparison below brings together their standout features, deposit options and welcome offers, giving you a quick way to narrow down your shortlist before taking a closer look at each.

Betting SiteBest ForMinimum DepositWelcome Bonus
World Sports BettingBest overall betting siteFrom R1 on selected methods100% deposit match up to R20,000 + 100 free spins and a R25 free bet
HollywoodbetsLocal sports coverage and betting featuresFrom R1 on selected methodsR25 sports bonus + 50 free spins with no deposit
10betRacing tools, promotions and supportFrom R5 on selected methods100% first-deposit match up to R5,000
ZARbetLive betting and betslip controlR20200% first-deposit match up to R2,000
NEO.betMobile betting and Cashout ControlR20100% match on each of the first three deposits, up to R2,000 per deposit and R6,000 in total
Play.co.zaFlexible betting and bet-management toolsR50 on most methods; R30 voucher deposit tested10% sports free bet up to R1,000, bundled with the casino welcome package
YesPlayModern sportsbook and flexible local paymentsFrom R1 with Google Pay100% first-deposit match up to R3,000
OneBetLow deposits and FNB eWallet withdrawalsFrom R10 on selected methodsFirst-deposit sports options include a 50% OnlyWin bonus bet up to R500 or a separate 200% Hunting Pool up to R5,000, released through qualifying play
ShayabetsLow voucher deposits and accessible supportFrom R5 on selected vouchersR50 sports bonus + 25 free spins; separate 100% deposit match up to R5,000
TopBetVoucher banking and WhatsApp assistanceR10 on the bank, card and 4All Voucher options checkedR30 sports bonus + R15 casino bonus without depositing
BetsheziCombining sports and casino in one accountFrom R1 on selected methodsR50 sports bonus; separate casino deposit matches totalling up to R10,000
PlayabetsLoyalty rewards and daily rakebackFrom R2 with BluVoucher100% up to R3,000 + 50 free spins; R50 minimum for the match, R100 for spins

Top Betting Sites in South Africa

There’s more to choosing between the best betting sites in South Africa than comparing welcome offers. We opened accounts, completed verification and tested deposits, real-money play and withdrawals to see how these operators handle the things you’ll actually use.

WSB remains our overall pick, but each site has something different to offer. Some make everyday banking easier, others give you more control over your bets. Here’s what stood out during our reviews, along with a few key points worth knowing before you join.

World Sports Betting: Best Overall Betting Site

WSB Betting in South Africa

World Sports Betting leads our list of the best betting sites in South Africa after performing strongly across the areas we tested. The sportsbook covers major South African and international competitions, with particularly strong cricket, rugby, soccer and horse-racing markets alongside live betting and useful match trackers.

Its 24/7 data-free platform, automatic accumulator boosts, extensive promotions and local payment selection make it practical for everyday betting. We were also impressed by its dedicated betting support line and the quality of the help we received when we called.

What we like

  • Built-in live match tracking
  • Automatic boosts on qualifying multiples
  • Data-free betting available around the clock
  • Dedicated and helpful sports-betting support
  • Deep local and international sports coverage
  • Strong selection of South African payment methods

What we don't

  • Streaming isn’t included in Free Mode
  • The sportsbook can feel crowded at first

Hollywoodbets: Best for Local Sports Coverage

Online Betting at Hollywoodbets SA

Hollywoodbets combines a familiar local brand with the payment options and sports coverage we look for in the best betting sites in South Africa. We found around 40 categories during our review, including extensive soccer, rugby, cricket and horse-racing coverage alongside live betting and several dedicated sports products.

The platform also gives bettors plenty of ways to build and share tickets through Quick Bet, Bet Builder, Props Builder and Book-a-Bet. Our account was created instantly, FICA took roughly 20 minutes and our R10 Samsung Pay deposit reflected without any trouble.

What we like

  • Data-free betting access
  • Strong South African sports coverage
  • Wide range of local payment methods
  • Bet Builder and Props Builder available
  • Around 40 sports and betting categories
  • Quick Bet and Book-a-Bet simplify ticket building

What we don't

  • Android users must install the app through an APK
  • More help content could be offered in local languages

10bet: Best for Racing Tools and Support

10bet Sports Betting in SA

10bet’s simple layout makes a useful first impression, but its racing tools and helpful support are what earn it a place among our best betting sites in South Africa. We found over 35 sports and categories, pre-match and live betting, Cash Out, accumulator insurance, recurring sports promotions and a clean betslip with useful price-change controls.

RaceLab is its standout feature, providing racing information covering form, speed and individual runners. Our test also moved successfully from registration and rapid FICA approval to a Visa deposit, real bets, working streams, helpful support and a R350 EFT withdrawal.

What we like

  • More than 35 sports and categories
  • Pre-match and live betting available
  • Helpful support available around the clock
  • RaceLab adds useful horse-racing research
  • Cash Out and Partial Cash Out on eligible tickets
  • Our R350 test withdrawal was processed successfully

What we don't

  • The overall design is fairly basic
  • Cash Out isn’t available on every ticket

ZARbet: Best for Live Betting Control

ZARbet online sports betting South Africa

ZARbet’s clean interface and practical account controls give it a distinct place on our best betting sites in South Africa shortlist. It offers broad pre-match and live coverage, Bet Builder, bet-booking codes and full or Partial Cash Out on eligible wagers, all inside an interface that’s cleaner than many competing platforms.

The betslip also lets you decide how changing prices should be handled before a bet is accepted. Registration took us around a minute, our Capitec Pay deposit reflected immediately, and the mobile site retained the useful features available on desktop.

What we like

  • Useful price-change controls
  • Clean and easy-to-use sportsbook
  • Full and Partial Cash Out available
  • Strong pre-match and live coverage
  • Excellent mobile browser experience
  • Fast registration and Capitec Pay deposit

What we don't

  • The welcome match is restricted to ZARbet Original games
  • Android users must install an APK

NEO.bet: Mobile Betting with More Cashout Control

NEO.bet Online Betting Site in SA

NEO.bet earns its place among our best betting sites in South Africa through a mobile experience we were happy to keep using. The iOS app fitted our screen beautifully, and the browser version retained the desktop features and offers. Cashout Control adds target settings, alerts and partial cashout on eligible tickets, giving you more ways to manage a bet after placing it.

Our account test backed up that first impression. Identity approval came through immediately after our ID-number check and face scan, while a R50 Apple Pay deposit received its matching bonus instantly. After completing the wagering through cricket bets, we withdrew R657 to FNB and received it two business days after submitting proof of address. Our NEO.bet review explains the three-deposit welcome package and the features available once you’re registered.

What we like

  • Well-designed iOS app tested on our device
  • Instant identity approval during our test
  • Apple Pay deposit and match credited immediately
  • Cashout targets, notifications and partial cashout available
  • Helpful agent answered within a minute

What we don't

  • Six-step registration takes a little longer
  • Human support operates from 07:00–23:00 daily

Play.co.za: Best for Flexible Bet Management

YesPlay Online Betting in South Africa

Play.co.za caught our attention while comparing the best betting sites in South Africa through the flexibility of its betting tools. Bet Builder lets you combine compatible selections from an eligible event, while Bet Edit and full or partial Cash Out give you options for managing qualifying open bets. We also found odds-change controls and the ability to request improved prices on selected wagers.

The account journey backed up that first impression. Our R30 1Voucher deposit appeared instantly, verification was straightforward and the bank withdrawal arrived within the advertised timeframe. The welcome package includes a 10% sports free bet up to R1,000, bundled with the casino offer. Our Play.co.za review covers everything you need to know about its features and conditions in detail.

What we like

  • Bet Edit for qualifying wagers
  • Ability to request improved odds
  • Clear, straightforward sportsbook layout
  • Full and partial Cash Out on eligible bets
  • Instant R30 voucher deposit during our test
  • Bet Builder on selected prematch and live events

What we don't

  • Sports welcome reward is bundled with the casino package
  • Withdrawal processing is limited to designated weekday hours

YesPlay: A Smooth Sportsbook with Flexible Local Payments

YesPlay Sports Betting in South Africa

YesPlay’s smooth account journey makes it an approachable choice among the best betting sites in South Africa. Across our three-day review, we registered through Google, completed ID verification, deposited R50 at Checkers and placed a live soccer bet before receiving an instant EFT withdrawal to FNB. We also confirmed 19 sports categories, giving you plenty to explore beyond the main soccer fixtures.

The modern layout, responsive apps and low deposit options make it a practical addition to our shortlist. Google Pay started from R1 in our cashier, although the 100% welcome match up to R3,000 requires at least R20. Sports bonus bets need odds of 3.10 or higher, and alternative withdrawal methods only unlock after your first EFT payout. Our full YesPlay review covers the details behind that first impression.

What we like

  • Clear, modern sportsbook layout
  • 19 sports categories confirmed during our review
  • Google Pay deposits displayed from R1
  • Successful R50 cash top-up at Checkers
  • Our verified FNB withdrawal arrived instantly
  • Smooth iOS and Android apps during testing

What we don't

  • Sports bonus bets require minimum odds of 3.10
  • Other payout routes remain locked until an EFT withdrawal

ONEbet: Low Deposits and Fast eWallet Processing

OneBet Sportsbook in South Africa

ONEbet is a practical option if you want familiar South African payments and room to start small. Selected deposit routes begin at R10, and our R50 Visa payment appeared in the account instantly. We later requested R723 through FNB eWallet after placing rugby bets. Support approved our bank confirmation within an hour, and the withdrawal was processed immediately after we submitted it.

The mobile website also worked well across iPhone, iPad and Android, so we could use the account without installing an app. Football, rugby and cricket had useful market depth, with match trackers and selected statistics available alongside the betting. Sports welcome offers sit under Sports > Promotions, separately from the casino package. Our ONEbet review explains the bonus-bet options and shares the full banking test.

What we like

  • Selected deposit methods start from R10
  • Our Visa deposit was credited instantly
  • Immediate eWallet processing after payment verification
  • Mobile site worked well across our devices
  • Detailed football, rugby and cricket markets

What we don't

  • Some events have limited statistics available
  • No dedicated app found during our review

Shayabets: Small Voucher Deposits and Helpful Support

Shayabets Sports betting site in South Africa

Shayabets earned its place on our list of best betting sites in South Africa by handling the everyday account experience well. We deposited R50 through Capitec Pay, received our matching bonus and explored both soccer bets and slots. Once the applicable wagering was complete, our R100 Instant EFT withdrawal reached Capitec in three hours.

There’s room to start smaller too, with selected vouchers displaying deposits from R5 during our review. Live chat answered within a minute when we asked about verification and app availability, and the Android APK worked smoothly. FICA took a few hours in our account, so getting your documents uploaded early is worthwhile. If you prefer using your iPhone, the mobile website provides access without an app installation.

What we like

  • Helpful live chat during testing
  • Smooth Android APK experience
  • Selected voucher deposits from R5
  • Successful three-hour Capitec payout

What we don't

  • No dedicated iOS app found
  • FICA took 34 hours in our test

TopBet: Voucher Banking Backed by WhatsApp Help

TopBet Online Betting Site in SA

TopBet made a good impression before we got far into the betting. Our R50 FNB voucher deposit was credited straight away, and a WhatsApp enquiry received a reply in under a minute. Those practical touches matter when comparing the best betting sites in South Africa, especially if you want a straightforward way to fund your account and reach someone when needed.

We tried rugby bets and Gates of Olympus, completed verification and withdrew R125 through Instant EFT to FNB. The money reached our account in 30 minutes. The mobile website also worked well on both iOS and Android, although support confirmed there wasn’t a downloadable app at the time. Alongside sports and casino play, the separate statistics hub and free predictor competition give you a little more to explore.

What we like

  • WhatsApp reply within a minute
  • Successful 30-minute FNB payout
  • Instant FNB voucher deposit in our test
  • Mobile site worked on iOS and Android

What we don't

  • No downloadable app when checked
  • Signup bonuses expire after 24 hours

Betshezi: Quick Verification and Separate Sports and Casino Offers

Betshezi betting online in South Africa

Betshezi suits players who want sports and casino options available through the same account. The welcome offers are separate: verified customers can qualify for a R50 sports bonus, while the deposit-match package covers casino play. That distinction is useful when comparing the best betting sites in South Africa, because you can choose around the product you actually plan to use.

Our funded test focused on a Pragmatic Play slot. We deposited R100 through Capitec Pay, received the matching bonus immediately and completed the applicable wagering before withdrawing R1,020. Identity approval took five seconds after the ID and liveness steps, while the payout required a bank statement and reached Capitec in 27 hours. The mobile website worked across our iPhone, iPad and Android checks, making it convenient to switch devices.

What we like

  • Instant Capitec Pay deposit
  • Quick ID approval during testing
  • Mobile website worked across our devices
  • Separate sports and casino welcome offers

What we don't

  • Extra banking documents needed for payout
  • Automated chat didn’t resolve our bonus query

Playabets: Loyalty Rewards That Go Beyond Your First Deposit

Playabets Sports Betting Online

Playabets brings something different to our best betting sites in South Africa shortlist through its Loyalty Club. XP tracks your progress, coins give you spending options in the marketplace, and mystery boxes show possible rewards at different stages. Daily cash rakeback starts from Gold tier, with a calculator explaining how your qualifying play translates into rewards. The separate VIP programme has its own requirements.

The account test gave us more to judge than the rewards page. We deposited R100 using an FNB voucher and received the match and free spins immediately. When the verification instructions didn’t match our menu, a human chat agent connected within seconds and helped us submit the documents. Our FNB eWallet withdrawal was processed within an hour. We also tested the Android APK and used the mobile browser on iPhone and iPad.

What we like

  • Daily cash rakeback from Gold tier
  • XP, coins and rakeback calculators
  • Loyalty marketplace and mystery boxes
  • Helpful human support during verification

What we don't

  • Welcome wagering expires after seven days
  • Casino match requires 35x deposit plus bonus

How We Ranked These Sites

We score every operator against the same criteria, broken down into categories, each worth a set number of points. To give you an idea of what we cover, we’ve provided more information below.

Safety, transparency and reputation (20 Points)

We look at who runs the operator, whether their licensing is clearly displayed, what their overall reputation is among local bettors who have used the platform, as well as how easy it is to find important terms and account rules. We also take a deep dive into their history to find out if there are any regulatory actions, unresolved complaints, and whether the site’s marketing matches what it actually delivers.

Sports and horse racing markets (20 Points)

This covers how meaningful the betting coverage actually is for South African punters. We specifically look at soccer, rugby, cricket and horse racing, along with pre-match and live markets, odds availability, and how clearly settlement rules are explained. A huge menu of obscure sports counts for less than strong coverage of what South Africans actually bet on.

Deposits and withdrawals (15 Points)

We check whether accounts can be funded and withdrawn from easily in rand, what local payment methods are supported, published processing times, any fees, and how clearly payout rules are explained. A wide range of deposit options doesn’t make up for restrictive or unclear withdrawal terms.

Website, mobile experience and betting features (15 Points)

This is about how practical the platform actually is to use, page speed, mobile responsiveness, how easy it is to find events and place a bet, and whether features like live betting, cash-out and bet builders genuinely add value rather than just existing for the sake of it.

Promotions and terms (10 Points)

Betting bonuses are used as a way to attract new members. However, we know that what matters most is the actual conditions behind every promotion, not just the headline number. This is why we look past the promise of “free cash” and look into terms like minimum odds, wagering requirements, expiry periods and exclusions. A bonus loses points when the real terms are hard to find or more restrictive than the marketing suggests.

Customer support (10 Points)

Even at the best betting sites in South Africa, there will come a time when you need to ask a question or, in some cases, need an urgent issue resolved. This is why an excellent support team is an absolute must-have for us. After all, there’s no point in having access to the best betting features and markets if something goes south and there’s nobody there to guide you. We consider when the support team is available, if there’s live chat, email, and phone support, as well as how easy they are to find and use. Where we’ve contacted support directly, we factor in response time and how genuinely useful the help was.

Responsible gambling tools (10 Points)

It’s no secret that betting can lead to some proper issues for people, which is why it’s important to find a South African betting site that gives you the tools you need to manage your day-to-day wagering. One of the first things we check for is practical player-protection tools, deposit and loss limits, self-exclusion, cooling-off periods, and whether they’re clearly explained and easy to access from a customer’s account, not just a tiny link buried somewhere in the Terms and Conditions just to meet the bare minimum compliancy standards.

To sum up, a South African licence gets an operator into consideration, but it doesn’t earn it a top spot on our list. Once we’ve verified the licence is legitimate and active, everything else is scored on the evidence, what we found through direct testing, and what we verified through desk research where hands-on testing wasn’t practical. We’re upfront about which is which.

Common Betting Terms You’ll See in South Africa

If you’re new to betting or switching to a different site, some of the terminology can be genuinely confusing, especially the South African specific stuff you won’t find explained on international betting glossaries. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of ten terms you’re likely to run into.

Mobile Betting in South Africa: What You Need to Know

Most South African punters bet primarily on mobile, and the app landscape here works a little differently than you might expect if you’re used to international sites.

Why You Won’t Find Most Betting Apps on Google Play

Android availability varies by operator. Some betting sites provide an APK through their official website, while others link to an app-store listing. Start with the operator’s own download page to find the supported option for your device.

This isn’t a red flag. In fact, it’s pretty much the standard, expected method here. The only real risk you need to be aware of is downloading an APK from a third-party site instead of the operator’s own official domain, so always check the URL before installing.

iOS Users Have it Easier

Apple’s App Store generally does list licensed South African betting apps directly, so iPhone users can usually install through the normal App Store process without the extra APK step.

Data-free and Low-Data Modes Are Genuinely Worth Checking For

World Sports Betting and Hollywoodbets both offer data-free access, which can make a genuine difference if you’re betting on mobile without an unlimited data bundle. WSB’s Free Mode supports pre-match and live sports betting, while Hollywoodbets gives customers access to a dedicated data-free version of its platform.

Types of Betting Bonuses You’ll Come Across

Not all betting bonuses work the same way, and the differences genuinely affect how much value you actually get. Here’s what each type really means.

Betting BonusWhat It Actually MeansBest Betting Site
Welcome Deposit MatchMatches a percentage of your qualifying deposit, subject to wagering terms.10bet
No-Deposit BonusSignup credit or spins without an initial deposit; withdrawal conditions can apply.Hollywoodbets
Free BetA betting token whose stake typically isn’t returned with winnings.TopBet
Odds BoostAn enhanced price on a qualifying selection or market.Play.co.za
Acca InsuranceBonus credit back when a qualifying multiple loses by one leg.Playabets
CashbackA percentage of qualifying net losses returned under the offer’s terms.Shayabets
Reload BonusA reward on qualifying deposits after your first.Betshezi
Accumulator BoostAdds a percentage to eligible winnings when a qualifying multiple wins.NEO.bet
Bonus-Bet PoolCreates a promotional pool released as bonus bets through qualifying betting activity.ONEbet
Loyalty RewardsPoints, coins or other benefits earned through qualifying activity.Playabets

How to Register on a South African Betting Site

Now that you know which betting sites are actually worth considering, what bonuses to keep an eye out for and what important betting terms mean, it’s time to take a look at the steps you need to take to get started.

6 practical steps
  1. Create an account Click “Register” or “Join Now” and provide your basic details, name, ID number, phone number and email address.
  2. Set up your profile Create a username and password, and set up any available account security like 2FA if offered.
  3. Complete FICA verification Enter your ID number or upload an ID copy and proof of address to clear your profile for fast payouts.
  4. Make a deposit Make your first deposit using a local payment method like Instant EFT, Capitec Pay or a supported voucher.
  5. Claim your bonus Opt in to any welcome bonus if you want it, and read the wagering terms before confirming.
  6. Place your first bet Start betting on a range of different sports.

How to Spot an Unsafe or Unlicensed Betting Site

Not every site claiming to serve South African punters is actually licensed to. Here are some red flags to keep an eye out for before you decide to deposit a single rand.

Our Final Verdict

The best South African betting site isn’t decided by one oversized welcome bonus. Licensing, market depth, mobile performance, payment options, support and withdrawal terms all matter once you start using an account with real money. That’s why we created accounts and tested these operators instead of ranking them purely on their marketing.

World Sports Betting is our top overall choice. It combines deep local and international markets with live betting, data-free access, automatic accumulator boosts, extensive promotions and strong South African banking support. If you want one well-rounded account for betting across multiple sports, WSB is the first site we recommend trying.

FAQs

Is online betting legal in South Africa?

Yes. Online betting is legal when you use a South African bookmaker licensed for the activity concerned. Check the operator’s provincial licence and authorised products before registering.

Which betting site has the best odds in South Africa?

Honestly, this varies by sport, market and even by day, as odds move constantly. Rather than naming one permanent “best”, we recommend comparing odds on the specific market you’re betting across two or three licensed operators before placing a significant bet.

How do I choose a betting site in South Africa?

Start by confirming the operator’s licence, then match its market coverage to the sports you actually bet on, check withdrawal terms (not just deposit options), and read bonus terms in full before opting in.

Are online betting sites safe in South Africa?

Licensed operators are required to meet regulatory standards around player protection, fund handling and responsible gambling tools. That said, “licensed” isn’t the same as “risk-free” — always gamble within your means and use the responsible gambling tools each operator provides.

What is FICA and why do betting sites need it?

FICA (the Financial Intelligence Centre Act) requires South African financial and betting operators to verify a customer’s identity and address before releasing withdrawals, as part of national anti-money-laundering requirements. Most operators ask for a copy of your ID and a recent proof of address.

18+ only. Betting carries risk, so keep it within your means. This guide is written for South African residents and refers to operators licensed by provincial gambling boards under the National Gambling Act. If gambling is taking a toll on you or someone you know, the National Responsible Gambling Programme helpline is free and open 24/7 on 0800 006 008, or text HELP to 076 675 0710. Winners know when to stop.

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