Betting Sites in Nigeria

Gambling in Nigeria

Gambling in Nigeria is regulated by the country’s National Lottery Regulatory Commission. This is a gambling commission that was established through the National Lottery Act of 2005. Since then, the commission has regulated the land-based gambling industry with the aim to protect the interest of players and the general public.

From the Criminal Code Act of 1990 and the National Lottery Act of 2005, several forms of gambling are fully legal in Nigeria. This includes most casino games, lotteries and sports betting at licensed establishments. It is therefore not illegal for players from Nigeria to enjoy gambling. Nevertheless, the market is definitely under-regulated – especially when it comes to the regulation of online gambling. The regulation of gambling in Nigeria looks good on paper but is in practice not well regulated.

Landbased Casinos in Nigeria

Nigeria has several land-based casinos and betting establishments, though far from all are operating legally. At the time of writing this, the Nigerian Lottery Commission lists 24 licensed operators that have valid licenses and operate legally, but there are hundreds of betting establishments operating in the country.

Some of the largest landbased casinos in Nigeria include:

• The Transcorp Hilton Casino, Abuja
• Le Meridien Eko Hotel and Casino, Lagos
• The Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Lagos
• Jacaranda Casinos, Lagos and Abuja

Online Casinos in Nigeria

In contrast to countries such as the UK, the gambling commission is not on top of online gambling regulation. Online gambling is not included in any of the acts relating to gambling in Nigeria. While the National Lottery Regulatory Commission does offer remote operator permits for online gambling services directed to players from Nigeria, it is not common to see online casinos showcasing this permit.

While it is not regulated in Nigeria, it is not the case that Nigerians are not able to gamble online. Many offshore betting sites accept players from Nigeria, therefore allowing them to gamble in a safe platform that is regulated elsewhere. As long as the betting sites hold a valid licence, for example from the UKGC or MGA, to ensure safety, it is totally fine to make use of such offerings.

Some online casinos have their own version, welcome bonus etc for Nigerian players, while others simply accept Nigerians to make use of the international version of the platform.

What to Look For When Choosing an Online Casino in Nigeria

If you want to gamble online from Nigeria, you have many international betting sites to choose from. They all have something different on offer, and the actual quality (and safety) can vary a lot. There are therefore some things you should check and consider before signing up:

• If the site is licensed and by which regulator(s)
• The casino games and sports betting markets offered
• Accepted payment methods and payment terms
• Which bonuses are offered, and if they are available to players from Nigeria
• Availability and language of the customer support team
• Usability and availability of the website on different platforms/devices

Here at Bonus Prince, I only recommend safe and legal online casinos.
Simply take your pick based on other factors such as the bonuses, games and payment methods offered.

Online Sports Betting in Nigeria

The most popular form of gambling in Nigeria is sports betting. This is the act of betting on the outcome of sporting matches and other events, either ahead of time or while an event is ongoing. Nigerian players especially like to bet on sports such as football – with both international and local leagues.

Thanks to online betting sites in Nigeria, it is now easier than ever to bet on sports. As mentioned above, these are betting sites based offshore that accept players from Nigeria. With lots of established, international brands to choose from, you can find a betting site that offers the leagues and sports you would like to bet on.

Most of the gambling sites I recommend at the top of this page offer both sports betting and online casino games from the same platform.

FAQ

In this guide, I have shared some of the best betting sites in Nigeria and given an introduction to gambling in the country. To conclude, I will answer some frequently asked questions related to gambling in Nigeria. I hope this will give you all the answers you’re looking for!

Is gambling legal in Nigeria?

Yes, gambling is legal and regulated in Nigeria. Various forms of lottery, sports betting and casino games are legal, but online gambling is not clearly covered in the legislation.

Who regulates the Nigerian gambling market?

Gambling in Nigeria is regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission.

What is the legal gambling age in Nigeria?

The minimum legal age to be able to gamble in Nigeria is 18 years.

Are there any land-based casinos in Nigeria?

Yes, there are. The biggest casino in Nigeria is The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino in Lagos. There are also several unlicensed (illegal) casinos operating in the country.

Are you ready to check out some of the safe and legal casino sites for yourself?
Then check my list of betting sites in Nigeria at the top of this guide for the very best alternatives.

Take me to the top!