It’s no secret that sports betting is a major business in Nigeria, with organizations from all over the globe taking wagers there. You can find out more about the legality of sports gambling in Nigeria, the most popular sports to bet on, and how to get started betting online by reading the information provided on this page.
In Nigeria, sports gambling is a relatively new practice. Akin Alabi, a Nigerian entrepreneur, introduced it in 2009. Nairabet, Nigeria’s first authorized online sports bookmaker, was founded by him. His betting platform was perhaps the most popular online sportsbook till 2016 in Nigeria.
Another great sports betting agent was Dotun Ajegbile. He founded the 1960-Bet, a company that has since become the industry standard. Based on a foundation laid in the 1960s, Bet9ja formally began in October 2012, constructing business shops and establishing a network of agents and partners.
As of 2016, KPMG reported that Bet9ja, Nigeria’s largest betting brand, had a monthly revenue of $10 million. An estimated $3 – $5 million in monthly revenue for NairaBet shows that they’re not doing too terrible, either.
Bet9ja has shifted its focus and is now focusing on public viewing locations, providing them with resources and training as needed to better serve its customers. They kept looking for new chances and discovered that betters spend a lot of time sitting around in company stores, which gave rise to the concept of instant games.
With the help of an established company and retail stores, Bet9ja launched virtual dog racing into the betting market, and it was a huge hit. There’s been a rise in the popularity of betting among Nigeria’s lower and middle classes since then.
Gambling was a popular pastime and a taboo topic in society before 1990. It has historically persisted in Nigeria, but the Church, as well as Christian organizations, discouraged individuals from pursuing rapid money since they considered it as antisocial behavior.
Gambling was made legal in Nigeria with the passing of the Criminal Act Law, which the government hoped would generate tax income. As a result, gambling has grown in popularity and acceptance, particularly among minors. Sports wagering, lottery, as well as slot machines, are popular hobbies among Nigerians. Gambling is now seen as a harmless pastime by many of these people who used to be opposed to it.
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission oversees all forms of gambling, including those listed in the Criminal Code. There is a clear line drawn between chance games and skill games in Nigerian law. It is prohibited to play non-skilled card games, dice games, and roulette.
Gambling in Nigeria generates an estimated $400-500 billion per year, and its growth appears to be unabated. Sports betting is the only type of online betting officially sanctioned by the government in Nigeria, where it is estimated that Nigerians spend about $2 billion each year on it. There is a lot of room for interpretation in Nigerian legislation regarding online gambling and casinos.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populated nation, with a population of over 211 million people divided into different ethnic groups with diverse cultures; thus, it’s inevitable that a diverse plethora of sports and hobbies are prevalent. In terms of the world’s population,Nigeria is ranked 7th, making it one of the world’s biggest online sports gambling and online betting markets.
Nigerian sports fans are known for being very dedicated to their teams and following the games they love to watch and play. In addition, Nigeria is home to so many well-known professional athletes and top teams in the world. The most prominent sports, such as football, were introduced to the nation by British colonists, whereas others, like Dambe boxing, have existed for generations.
Every African country has a great following for sports, but Nigeria is the most devoted of them. Athletes from every nationality participate in some kind of sports, and Nigeria has a long history of producing world-class players who have done well in international competitions like the FIFA World Cup.
Sports betting on the internet and via mobile devices is becoming increasingly popular throughout Africa, with Nigeria among the biggest markets. The National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lottery Board were established to supervise internet gambling so that the estimated sixty million people who bet on sports can do so safely and securely.
Many bookmakers offer odds on various sporting events in Nigeria, and like with any bookmaker, there are numerous wagers and wager types to choose from, all with favorable odds. There are around 40 betting sites in Nigeria that give odds on various sporting events.
Several internet industries in Africa, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria, have risen rapidly due to recent technological breakthroughs. As a result, these two nations have emerged as some of the best places to invest in a wide range of niches, making them ideal for those looking to capitalize on global trends.
Sports betting, particularly in its internet form, is far from unique. Over the last few years, it has experienced a significant increase in popularity. The world’s biggest sports betting companies have more than enough room to react now that the Internet is widely available and accessible over much of Nigeria’s territory.
They’ve seized the opportunity and opted to expand their product lines into an up till now untapped market. Nigeria already has a large number of the world’s most well-known sports betting organizations, including the majority of the UK’s biggest names. A 20% or more growth is projected in the following five years. Sports betting is allowed in all 36 states of Nigeria, and an estimated 30% of the population wagers on sports every day.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular sports Nigerians bet on.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in the world, even though other sports are popular. In Nigeria, it is nearly difficult to find a child who does not enjoy football, and we can confidently assert that football is the country’s most popular sport. The “Super Eagles” jersey has been worn by several famous performers over the years.
Footballers such as Celestine Babayaro, Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Rashidi Yekini as well as Tiyani Babangido have all had a significant influence on their individual clubs. Both the 1980 and 2000 African Cup of Nations were held in Nigeria, as well as the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which was held in 2009.
This reputation suggests that football is Nigeria’s most popular sport for wagering. With the expansion of the internet-based betting business, the locals will be able to access a wide variety of betting options.
Most of the major industry players are located in Nigeria, so Nigerians can take full advantage of the opportunities they provide.
One of the best ways to bet on sports online is to familiarize yourself with the specific competition. Here, the variety of leagues and contests comes in handy. You can test your football expertise by wagering on the outcome of local league games, or you can select one of Europe’s leading leagues (among others).
La Liga, the Bundesliga, Serie A, the Ligue 1, the Champions League, the Europa League, the FIFA World Cup, the African Cup of Nations, and the English Premier League are among the most popular football leagues to bet on.
When it comes to the betting markets, Nigerians prefer the easiest, full-time victor option. However, we must emphasize the huge range of betting options available, which include everything such as Over/Under, Asian Handicap, as well as prop bets like total count of set pieces and attempts on goal.
Nigerians are huge fans of basketball, even though they have never played it well enough to be considered world contenders. After all, it is the homeland of NBA Hall of Famer – Hakeem Olajuwon. In his prime, the legendary Houston Rockets superstar was one of the most recognizable figures in sports.
When it comes to betting lines, basketball is a far more versatile sport compared to football. If you are looking for an Over/Under wager of between 180 and 245, you’ll find it in the bookies’ offerings these days. Odds are affected by the line, although you can receive better odds with a lower line if you support a match that is projected to score more points than usual.
There has also been a considerable increase in interest in the player performance market, particularly in NBA games. The Nigerians tend to have their personal favorites and back particular players to thrive on the night.
The nation has its own competition, the NPL, which is made up of sixteen sides competing in two categories (Savannah and Atlantic). The NPL is well-liked, but most spectators and punters prefer the NBA, which offers a wide selection of wagers at varied odds that can help them earn money.
The Hausa people, Nigeria’s most populous ethnic group, practice the martial technique of Dambe. A normal battle involves two or three rounds of combat in which the goal is to defeat the opposing opponent and force them to submit fully. Dambe Boxing is frequently cited as having shaped Nigerian sports culture in its inception.
It was a method for people to exhibit their manhood and enhance their dignity and status in the local villages. The practice swiftly became an essential component of all local celebrations, and it is from this that Nigerians take their enthusiasm for boxing. As a result of its widespread exposure on YouTube as well as the work of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the sport has grown in popularity.
Even though boxing isn’t one of the world’s most renowned sports for wagering, it’s a big deal in Nigeria. Nowadays, you can readily look up a boxer’s past battles on the Internet. You can learn more about their strengths and weaknesses by studying their methods and analyzing their matchups with certain opponents.
Aside from predicting who will win the fight, you can also wager on how many rounds and how the battle will end.
Rugby has always been one of Nigerians’ favorite sports to gamble on, despite its popularity is well behind that of football and basketball. During Japan’s hosting of the 2019 World Cup, local bookmakers received a massive influx of wagers.
In Nigeria, track and field activities are prominent, and many higher education institutions offer training in these sports. Many memorable athletic events have occurred at the Olympics, including ChiomaAjunwa’s 1996 long jump victory as well as the men’s 4×400 meter track team winning gold in Sydney in 2000.
Although the Americans beat them to claim the first position, they were eventually disqualified, and Nigeria took the first spot on the podium. Betting on athletic activities is widely available, and many sites reward their consumers with incentives and promotions.
Boxing is another popular betting sport, with many of the greatest fighters, like Anthony Joshua, deriving their ancestry from the country of Nigeria. Many Nigerian fighters have been inspired by his influence in the sport, which has also sparked interest in boxing betting. As a result, punters have the option of betting on fights between amateurs and professionals in any division of boxing.
Betting markets encompass total rounds, winning ways, outright winner, as well as round betting. The key to winning in boxing betting is to gather all of the best information, such as a fighter’s previous form, height, weight, and other physical characteristics.
In Nigeria, E-sports betting sections offer a more advanced and sleek experience. Online bookmakers in Nigeria offer E-sports betting, and because of its distinct advantages, it has become a popular choice among the country’s residents.
The novelty markets in Nigeria are a wonderful alternative to the traditional and mainstream sports, while the number of E-sports betting possibilities ranges from 20 to 50 distinct sessions, with some websites even offering well over 50 E-sport betting options at a given moment.
While placing a wager at any gambling site is a straightforward process, newcomers to online bookmakers may be a bit apprehensive about the entire process. Here, therefore, is our entire, step-by-step explanation on how to make a bet on a Nigerian betting site.
You should open an account with a Nigerian bookmaker if you don’t already have one. A website from one of the bookmakers on our list of “the best” is what we suggest you choose to bet on. Setting up an account is a breeze and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Registration is quick and easy.
Deposit to your new account using any of the deposit options available. If this is your first time depositing at the site, you may be eligible for a welcome bonus, so be sure to check. You can put your bets as soon as your deposit gets cleared, which should only take a few minutes.
To place a wager on a certain sporting event, use the site’s menus to search for it. Check out all the sports wagering markets available on the site before placing a wager if you don’t have a particular event in mind. Check out the event’s page to view all of the betting markets and odds.
Find the odds for the bet you wish to make and choose it. Clicking the odds will send you to your betting slip, where you may place your stake. As long as you keep selecting bets, your betting slip will be updated with each new one. Your betting slip will allow you to mix singles into doubles, trebles, as well as system bets.
Specify how much money you want to risk on your bet. As soon as you’ve completed this step, you’ll receive notification of the potential winnings. The final step is to click the “Place Bet” button if you are satisfied with the outcome of your wager. Place your bet by clicking the “Bet” button and then wait for the results!
The process of depositing money into betting sites in Nigeria is straightforward. To get started, go to the cashier area after joining up on your favorite site. A wide range of payment options can be found on websites. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in sportsbooks.
Many e-wallet solutions are available if you choose to make your purchase online. You can also use an online e-wallet if that’s more your style. Skrill, Neteller, as well as PayPal are some of the more popular options; however, lesser know platforms like ecoPayz are also an option. A bank transfer can also be used, but it may take approximately 48 hours for the transaction to be completed.
As soon as your identity verification process is complete, you’ll be able to withdraw your funds. In many instances, you’ll have to withdraw your money from the same account that you deposited it into.
When it comes to determining the finest sports betting sites, the banking component plays a significant role. As with other overseas sites, the favored site will include the most prominent banking alternatives that are simple, quick, and safe. The convenience of use extends to a widely used and convenient payments system in the jurisdiction.
To answer the topic of security, it is necessary to examine how financial information is protected. As a general rule, the top sites will make use of SSL encryption to keep all of your financial information safe. A final consideration for gamblers is which online sportsbook offers the fastest payment channels. Those who enjoy live betting, in particular, will appreciate being able to deposit funds rapidly.
The next step is to make deposits and withdrawals into and out of the account. A majority of betting sites will offer the service through the ‘Account/Cashier/Banking’ section, while a few others will offer it from the options to withdraw and deposit. Make sure you meet all of your deposit/withdrawal conditions.
The Nigerian sports wagering market takes two basic forms of payment: cash and bank transfers. Depositing and withdrawing money from a betting site, bank, or ATM can be done online or offline, depending on the user’s preference.
The most important thing to look for when choosing an online betting service is bonuses and promotions. The greatest betting sites are cognizant of this and make every effort to draw and keep customers. This means that all bettors, new and old, will be catered to. As far as bonuses and promotions go, there’s a lot more. Primarily, the value of the promotion will impact how many people join the platform.
In addition, the terms and conditions of the bonuses and promotions will play a crucial influence in determining their success. Simply put, the top companies in Nigeria offer substantial bonuses and fair terms and conditions.
A specific wagering requirement may be included in the terms and conditions, which indicate how many times the deposit, incentive, or both have to be gambled through before the bonus and associated earnings can be withdrawn.
Bettors can expect to find a wide range of incentives in two primary categories. They are as follows:
These bonuses can only be redeemed when you make a deposit first. Most of the time, they are matched to a particular proportion of their value.
To activate these incentives, you don’t have to make a deposit. On the other hand, they aren’t highly regarded.
With this in mind, some of the most popular bonuses on Nigerian online betting sites are:
This is a welcome offer for new members who have just signed up. If you make a deposit, you’ll typically receive a welcome reward in the form of a bonus.
Designed to reward frequent members for their continuous wagering. If a particular number of bets have been placed, the bonus is usually activated.
If a bet fails, a tiny portion of the stake is returned to the bettor.
Bitcoin, along with other cryptocurrencies, is now accepted as a deposit payment on several online betting sites. There are a variety of sports accessible on the betting website, and you can use your deposit to place bets on any of them. A growing number of Nigerian bookmakers are realizing the benefits of accepting bitcoin payments.
Betting transactions, for example, would be more secure if they were made using bitcoin. We’d have no credit card scams or blacklisting and no restrictions depending on your location with bitcoin payments. These advantages are only available at betting sites that allow bitcoin as a wagering and payment option.
Let’s take a look at some sports betting in Nigeria that accept cryptocurrencies.
In our ranking, Melbet is first since they are a well-known betting company that makes it simple to bet with cryptocurrency. With that said, the selection of acceptable cryptocurrencies is the largest we’ve seen.
From prominent cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as well as Ethereum to lesser-known altcoins such as OmiseGo and Chainlink, there are more than 30 different types of virtual currencies to choose from. For additional information, you can either visit their website or read our Melbet review.
Millions of sports bettors trust 1xBet since they are well-known and well-liked in the betting community. There is no surprise here; they offer great odds, a wide selection of games, a variety of markets, quick payouts, and everything else you can think of. However, the 30 various cryptos they accept are the primary reason they are on our list of crypto-friendly sports betting sites, just like Melbet.
1xBit is one of the most popular crypto-only sports betting sites in the world. It’s possible to utilize more than 50 different currencies here, and the service is excellent. Approximately 2,000 football games are offered every day, with over 1,000 different sorts of wagers accessible on the majority of those games.
If you’re going to utilize 1xBit, you’ll need to set up an account using a cryptocurrency exchange, because you can’t deposit or withdraw using Nigerian Naira.
Even though we’ve included our favorite Nigerian sportsbooks on this page, punters still have a lot of work to do when it comes to signing up. If you want to gamble with many bookmakers, nothing is stopping you from doing so. However, there are more reasons to sign up beside the big welcome incentive. You should follow these guidelines before setting up an online sport betting account:
Betting sites have become a lot more accessible in recent years. Visit a variety of sportsbooks to see what they have to offer, and don’t be afraid to take advantage of the many markets and services. In addition, have a look at how quickly and easily you can switch between pages.
Even though punters can’t begin betting right away, this stage gives them an indication of how the bookmakers in our database of online betting companies function.
Betting Sites Ranking includes in-depth assessments of various online bookmakers. Our betting site specialists break out each aspect for you right here. Markets and odds, as well as customer service and banking, are all part of this. Our evaluations are based on considerable research and testing. Furthermore, we have no ties to bookmakers. As a result, you can rely on the accuracy and objectivity of our assessments.
In many cases, the best advice comes from asking and listening to current and former consumers. Positive or unfavorable, online feedback is readily available.
It’s difficult for Nigerian bettors to narrow their options among the numerous international and domestic bookmakers available. Our recommendations for the finest sports gambling sites in Nigeria are, nevertheless, safe and secure for all punters.
Numerous essential aspects are taken into account by our experts when determining the best Nigerian betting sites. Nigeria’s best online gambling sites are ranked according to the following criteria:
In terms of sports, Nigerians have a wide variety of preferences. A wide variety of markets is therefore required of sports wagering sites in Nigeria. No matter what sport you’re into, our suggested bookmakers can accommodate your wagering preferences — from football to basketball to cricket to mixed martial arts (MMA).
Sporting events are covered every day through pre-match and live betting options. There are also outright sports markets offered daily.
It is only worthwhile to participate in a market if the odds are reasonable. Attractive odds and outstanding value are often offered by some of our top-ranked gambling websites, making betting even more tempting. The price of a winning bet in Nigeria is determined by the number of money punters can expect to earn.
When it comes to safety, our top-rated gambling sites in Nigeria consistently come out on top. Bookmakers are either regulated by the Lagos State Lotteries Board or a recognized gaming regulator, such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.
As a result, every work is done safely. Additionally, features like SSL encryption and firewalls serve to reduce the risk of fraud.
As a result of the high level of competitiveness in Nigeria today, sportsbook websites have to do everything they can to distinguish out. It’s because of this that many have added new features. Streaming live, bet builder, cash out, and pulse betting are just some of the services that may be used. Each contributes to a better overall experience for the gambler.
There has been an increase in the number of athletic events bets placed on mobile devices. As a result, sportsbooks must now be completely mobile-compatible than ever before to stay competitive. Each of our suggested sportsbooks has worked tirelessly to ensure that their mobile customers are adequately taken care of, and we stand behind their efforts.
Sportsbooks need to be simple to use. The finest betting sites for Nigerians are those that are simple to use and offer a wide range of wagering options. The layout and design of a space can have a significant impact on this. Bettors may be put off by platforms that are overloaded with graphics and images.
Welcome incentives are another way that Nigerian betting companies try to attract new consumers. Bonuses like these can be extremely appealing, regardless of whether they are matching deposit bonuses or free wagers. Every one of our suggested Nigerian betting sites has a signup bonus. Before committing, read the terms and conditions very carefully.
It is also critical that bookies provide prompt and courteous assistance to their customers. It’s good to have 24/7 help, but it’s not a given. Punters, on the other hand, should be able to get in touch with agents through call, email, or live chat.
Punters are increasingly placing bets on their favorite sports players and teams via their mobile devices thanks to technological advancements. Bettors can place bets on any device that has an internet connection, regardless of the operating system. However, Nigerian bookmakers work hard to ensure that their websites are always accessible.
For some, this means merely making their website mobile-friendly, but for others, it entails creating a betting app from scratch. Apps should be designed in such a manner that makes them simple to download and use. This is a result of the lobby’s layout and the sorting features that make it easier to pick out events.
To conclude, the app provides all of the desktop’s functions. Members can use the app to do a variety of things, such as claim bonuses, make payments, and speak with customer service. Many of the bookmakers we recommend have mobile betting apps. As a result, bettors needn’t worry about wagering on the go.
There are several additional benefits to using an app, including:
Also known as in-game. It involves placing bets on current events in real-time, with odds fluctuating in response to the outcome. Bettors can take advantage of the higher payout odds, which is a big plus.
It entails receiving an early payout on a wager that is still in progress. This may be done to save some of the existing stakes or to prevent additional risk by locking in gains.
It entails watching live events on a computer or a mobile phone. In most circumstances, customers will need to have a funded account to watch the events unfold live.
Enables bettors to place several bets on the same tournament or event, with the odds calculated by the sportsbook.
It entails meeting the bookie’s requirements to increase the odds, resulting in massive profits.
As we previously stated, Nigerian law does not recognize any type of online gambling other than sports betting as legitimate. It doesn’t address internet gambling in any way! For this reason, online betting must be deemed entirely legal and safe. As a result, several online and live operating casinos, poker rooms, bingo sites, and, of course, sportsbooks are now available to Nigerians via international sites and platforms.
This approach to online gambling has a drawback: because there is no law, consumers are left vulnerable to scams and other forms of deception. Someone from Nigeria who wants to partake in online betting should exercise extreme caution while making their selection of a site from which to wager.
Naturally, there are age limitations for registering on gambling websites, like minors are unable to withdraw their earnings. On-site casinos in Nigeria need players to be at least 20, whereas online casinos merely require players to be at least 18 years of age to participate.
Yes, Nigerian bettors are required to cough up taxes on their gains. Unfortunately, Nigeria does have one of the world’s highest rates of taxation. They levy a 20% tax on all winnings, no matter what the game is. If you win ₦35,950 ($100) in a lottery, you’ll owe ₦7,190 ($20) in federal taxes.
Keep detailed tax records because sportsbooks typically do not subtract taxes from earnings. If you need help with your gaming taxes, we suggest that you seek the services of a qualified tax specialist.
A wide range of jurisdictions throughout the world has made it a legal requirement for online sports betting businesses that accept deposits and withdrawals to verify a customer’s identification.
Applicants must submit photos of their government-issued Identification and utility bills to confirm their residency. Users of online bookmakers may also be required to provide proof of funds in countries with tight regulations, such as the United Kingdom. Does this apply in Nigeria?
Regulations like this are significantly more relaxed in Nigeria, where you can join sports betting service with only an email id and a contact number. You don’t have to go through any form of verification process to make payments or withdraw funds.
The gambling and sports betting business in Nigeria have a promising future. It necessitates further mergers and acquisitions to keep sports gamblers from being limited in their choices. To save money, businesses will certainly join together to form a stronger industry. It’s inevitable that as more people wager on the go with their mobile devices, so will the need for more mergers and acquisitions.
It is expected that the adoption of digital fantasy sports wagering will be used to lure new sports punters to the industry. Bettors in their 20s and 30s are already familiar with virtual technologies. Players have already shown a strong interest in virtual fantasy betting, and this trend will only increase. With regards to Nigerian sports betting, things are looking up for most people.
