Nigeria
Gambling has become a significant revenue generator in different countries across the globe, and Nigeria has not disregarded this trend. Online sports gambling was legalized in the country in 2005, and the Nigerian market has grown to offer several top-tier betting apps and websites.
🇳🇬 Legal sports betting apps in Nigeria:
Online Sports Betting in Nigeria - Legal ever since 2005
While some players favor physical sportsbooks, most Nigerian sports bettors prefer wagering online, which has led to a significant increase in the number of sportsbooks after legalization. Online sports betting became prevalent in the 2000s when the Internet started penetrating several areas in the country, including the rural regions.
During the following years, more people got access to online betting platforms, contributing to the gambling industry's rapid growth. The country has many sports fanatics, so the online bookies had an eager market to tap. As technology continued to evolve, the online gambling arena took strides toward digitization, introducing mobile sports betting apps.
Today, nearly all online sportsbooks in Nigeria feature a dedicated mobile app that makes gambling a seamless experience. Moreover, the apps are available in different versions, including Android and iPhone, where gamblers can download and install them on their devices. Those who prefer wagering via desktop computers can seamlessly do so via the sportsbooks' websites. So you can just log in to the respective website and start wagering.
According to Nigerian gambling laws, all sports betting sites licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lottery Board are free to operate in the country. The same board also oversees the sportsbook operators' submission of taxes and revenue.
However, in October 2022, Nigeria also introduced a remote operator permit for offshore-licensed operators, enabling them to provide online gambling services in the country without a physical presence. Operators with licenses from other jurisdictions can apply for the permit to offer various types of gambling, including casino games, bingo, slots, sports betting, and poker. The single permit is valid for five years, with an initial payment of $100,000 and subsequent annual fees of $50,000.
Sports betting legislation in Nigeria
| Is online sports betting legal in Nigeria? | Yes |
| Is in-person sports betting legal? | Yes |
| Is daily fantasy sports legal? | Yes |
| Is horse racing betting legal? | Yes |
| Is political betting legal? | Yes |
| Is eSports betting legal? | Yes |
| How many legal sports betting apps are there in Nigeria? | 30+ |
| Legal age for sports betting in Nigeria? | 18+ |
| Nigeria's tax rate for betting/gambling winnings | Based on general income tax |
| Who regulates sports betting in Nigeria? | The National Lottery Regulatory Commission |
Sports betting has been prevalent in Nigeria for decades, with soccer being the primary sport Nigerians love to watch and bet on. However, before the 2000s, sports bettors in the country had to visit physical betting infrastructures to place their wagers legally.
In the late 1990s, online gaming started affecting the market, and the country's legal landscape changed to incorporate regulation of the iGaming space. A Criminal Code Act was established in 1990, sanitizing the gambling market, which led to a more organized betting landscape and more officially legalized gambling opportunities.
In 2005, The Nigerian government wanted to make the gambling space safe for players, and it did so by establishing The National Lottery Regulatory Commission to regulate and oversee sportsbooks' activities while generating revenue. The country's online sports betting and gambling field broadened even further after the 2022 legislative update, which made it possible for offshore-licensed betting operators to legally provide their services to Nigerians remotely.
Currently, all forms of online, mobile, and in-person betting are allowed in the country, so Nigerian bettors certainly have plenty of wagering markets to choose from.
Sports betting & gambling news and updates from Nigeria
June 11, 2024: Betking Nigeria announces a partnership with fintech company Paga, allowing sportsbook platform users to fund their accounts with Paga payments.
May 20, 2024: The LSLGA names a total of 26 sports betting and online gambling operators, which it says are operating illegally in Lagos State without proper licenses. The list of such gambling platforms includes some brands that were cleared as "legal operators" just a while back in October 2023.
May 16, 2024: Betking renews its partnership with Gamble Alert to prioritize responsible gaming and the well-being of its customers in Nigeria for a third consecutive year.
February 24, 2024: Rep. Kelechi Nwogu of Nigeria's People's Democratic Party states that the House of Representatives does not intend to ban all sports betting in the country despite the broadly published news regarding the matter.
February 16, 2024: Nigerian legislators are contemplating a halt to sports betting amid concerns, with almost a third of its 227.1 million citizens spending $975 million daily on such activities, reflecting a global surge in the popularity of sports betting.
February 11, 2024: Nigeria loses the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final to the host country Ivory Coast. Despite the defeat, the Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong took home the Player of the Tournament title.
All legal gambling options in Nigeria
| Are online casinos legal in Nigeria? | Yes |
| Are retail casinos legal? | Yes |
| Are social casinos legal? | Yes |
| Is online poker legal? | Yes |
| Is the lottery legal? | Yes |
Nigerian gambling enthusiasts have access to several different online sportsbooks and casino sites, all of which can legally offer various wagering opportunities. As it is, the Nigerian gambling law allows players to engage in several forms of gambling, ranging from sports betting and iGaming to horse racing, pools, and poker. With three premier physical casinos, one in Abuja and two in Lagos, bettors will enjoy slots and table games.
Moreover, the state has licensed several lottery operators since the Lottery Act was introduced in 2005. The revenue generated from lottery proceeds is directed toward developing national sports and other government functions. Although most forms of gambling are legal in the country, card games, roulette, and dice spinning tops are still deemed illegal.
Nigeria - Some commonly asked questions (FAQ)
What is the current legal status of sports betting in Nigeria?
All types of sports betting are legal in Nigeria. However, only sportsbook operators with a license obtained from the NLRC can offer such gambling services to Nigerians. With such a license, offshore betting sites can operate remotely in the country.
How much money do Nigerians spend on gambling?
According to the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) study, Nigerians spend an average of $15 per person on all types of gambling, meaning a total of $975M in daily wagers placed. The figure is the highest in all of Africa.
How profitable is the Nigerian gambling market?
The annual gambling market in Nigeria is estimated to be worth more than $2bn, and it's expected to grow nearly 10% a year. The main driver is the online betting sector, with a projected $250M revenue this year alone.
What are the most popular sports in Nigeria?
Soccer is by far the most popular sport in Nigeria, and the country's national team, The Super Eagles, is a three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner. In addition, track-and-field athletics, boxing, and basketball enjoy massive popularity in the country.
