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

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

• February 29, 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.

• January 5, 2024: Social media influencer Reno Omokri urges President Bola Tinubu to ban sports betting apps in Nigeria, suggesting it could strengthen the country's currency, the Naira.

• October 27, 2023: BetBaba, a newly emerging sports betting company, enters the Nigerian market with innovative offerings and a strong dedication to sustainability. Established in 2023, it operates as One World Unity Projects Ltd, offering various virtual games and sports betting options.

• September 26, 2023: Betway, a prominent sports betting and gaming company in Nigeria, inaugurates a modern customer experience center equipped with a 60-seat stadium-style grandstand for players to enjoy live matches and games in real-time.

• September 18, 2023: BetCorrect launches an AI-driven online betting platform in Nigeria, offering personalized recommendations to users based on their preferences for a safer and more responsible betting experience.

• May 25, 2023: EveryMatrix's CasinoEngine platform is launched with BetKing, KingMakers' betting brand.

• May 18, 2023: The Lagos State government intends to implement a "State Excise Tax" on items deemed harmful, such as alcohol, tobacco, betting, and gambling, as outlined in its first-quarter 2023 budget performance report.

All legal gambling options in Nigeria - Only minor restrictions

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.