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Top Online Bookmakers in Nigeria

Sports are hugely popular in Nigeria. As you would expect, so is sports betting, which explains why there are many betting sites in Nigeria for gamblers to choose from and a plethora of ways online sports punters from Nigeria can place wagers on their favourite sports.

Top 3 Bookies in Nigeria
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Tim Harrison
Sports betting is hugely popular in Nigeria, and many bookies bettors can choose to wager on their favourite sport. But there are right and wrong ways of approaching betting, and our article is here to teach you the essentials, including:
  1. Which NG bookies are available to you?
  2. Where to find the best betting site in Nigeria?
  3. Which wagers can you place on Nigerian betting sites?

Full List of Betting Sites in Nigeria

Nigerian bettors have a range of online betting sites to choose from for their betting needs, and the available sportsbooks don't necessarily need to be from Nigeria. Most sports operators are located outside of Nigeria, meaning that you could be betting on a UK, US, or even a Costa Rica sportsbook.

With so many options, you can easily find a bookmaker that will accept football bets or even a bookie that is all about horse racing. But while many sportsbooks are available, not all bookmakers in Nigeria are equally as popular.

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Some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Bet365, Betway, and 888sport, are also extremely popular in Nigeria. But if you're someone who prefers to bet on local bookies, NairaBET and Winners Golden Bet will always be available.

Best Betting Bonuses for Nigerian Bettors

Sports bettors living in Nigeria have an excellent variety of online bookers to choose from and a generous range of welcome bonuses, promotions, and other offers. The Nigerian bookies have quickly learned that good bonuses mean more customers. With so much competition between the providers, you can be sure that you will easily find one that will offer some promotions or free bets in Nigeria.

Free bets are the most common offer you will come across and are a promotion that provides the best value. Most bookies will offer free bets for new customers, but it's not uncommon to see the same bonus pop up every time a big game is on the schedule. Likewise, bookies will offer a variety of other promotions, including odds boosts, parlay bonus payouts, and matched deposits – as one of the most common welcome bonuses for all bookmakers in Nigeria.

But before you pick a bookie with the best bonuses, make sure to read through the terms. Some might require a large rollover, while others will demand bettors to place a specific wager to be eligible for the bonuses.

There is no “best promotion” since it depends on what you're looking for in a bonus. Still, a few sites do it better than others, and you can find them in our list of the best Nigerian betting sites with premium bonuses.

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Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
#ad New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.

Welcome Offers for NG Customers

Welcome bonuses are one of the most common ways for sportsbooks to attract new bettors, and there is a good reason why this strategy works. These offers are undeniably the best way for punters to gain an edge and extra value from their betting, and they often don't require you to do any extra work.

Depending on the bookie you will visit, you will see one of many different welcome bonuses, including:

  • Matched deposit
  • Free bets
  • Risk-free bet

With the matched deposit bonus, the bookies will often award you free betting credits of the same amount as your initial deposit. Free bets work similarly, although they aren't necessarily related to how large your initial deposit is.

The risk-free bet is a one-time bonus, with the bookies refunding your wager if it loses. As one of the best bonuses, a risk-free bet is also the most popular welcome bonus. All bookmakers will have terms attracted to the promotions and bonuses. These will regularly be updated under the FAQ section or the “Promotions” tab.

Free Bets for NG Customers

As mentioned above, free bets are some of the Nigerian bookmakers' most common and widely used promotions. And it's not only the Nigerian bookies that use it – you will be able to find free bet promotions on any site. UK, USA, and SG bookmakers will have some free bet proposals available.

As its name would suggest, a free bet is essentially an offer when a bookmaker rewards its users with a free wager. Most commonly, the free bet will be a part of the welcome bonus, but it's not unusual for bookies to offer free bets to promote significant sporting events or important matches.

Note that these free bets will usually require you to place a minimum wager, and if your stake doesn't hit, you will get refunded in free bet credits. If you're looking for the best betting bonuses, check out our list of Nigeria's top bookies with the best free wagers promotions.

NG Sports Betting Market Overview

📅 Sports Betting Legal Since: 1990
🏢 Regulatory Body: The National Lottery Regulatory Commission
⚖️ Legal Acts: The Criminal Code Act
🧾 Taxation: Winnings are not taxable
⚽ Favorite Sports to Bet on: Football, basketball, MMA, and boxing
🏅 Widespread Tournaments\Competitions to Bet on: Premier League, Serie A, UFC, NBA
🎰 Other Popular Gambling Markets: Lotteries and online casinos
⭐ Most Popular Sportsbooks: Captainsbet, Betway, SpinBetter

Bet of the Day for Nigeria

Sports are popular in Nigeria, and Nigerians like to place bets online on football, basketball, athletic competitions, or even combat sports. Unsurprisingly, football is the most prevalent sport amongst Nigerian bettors, largely due to many Nigerian footballers who achieved stardom at the highest level of play.

But besides the highly-popular footballers, Nigeria is also the home of some of the best MMA fighters and more than a few NBA superstars. So if you're wondering why Nigeria is leading the African betting market, here's your answer.

WHAT IS THE BEST BET FOR TODAY?

Bet on Sports

Football is big in Nigeria and popular among viewers and bettors. That isn't surprising, knowing that Nigeria is the home of many football superstars, including Victor Osimhen, Mikel John Obi, Samuel Chukwueze, and many more.

The Nigerian football team has achieved plenty of success on the international level with 3 Africa Cup of Nations titles and 2 World Cup playoff appearances. But the nations' success goes beyond only football.

Nigeria also has a powerful national basketball team that holds titles from AfroBasket and All Africa Games and regularly appears at the World Cup and the Olympic Games. Nigerians are extremely proud of their national teams, so it only makes sense to bet on their success.

Bet on Competitions

If there's a major international sports competition, you can be sure that the Nigerian bookies will have markets open for it. That is both because significant international events are prevalent among bettors in Nigeria and because these tournaments will likely feature a Nigerian national team.

Football World Cup and basketball World Cup will receive extensive coverage by bookies and Twenty20 cricket and all major sporting leagues, including La Liga, English Premier League, and Italian Serie A – some Nigerian football players play for their clubs.

Nigeria has professional athletes competing in most major sporting contests, which is why Nigerian bettors bet on almost any tournament or sporting event. And consequently, this requires bet sites in Nigeria to have a huge offer of wagering odds and markets.

Bet on Teams

Nigerian football and national basketball teams are 2 of the strongest African teams in their respective sports. Both have achieved respectable international success, including many medals from continental competitions.

Nigeria is among the most successful nations in the FIBA Africa Championship, with one gold, 3 bronze, and 4 silver medals. Likewise, its football team won 3 African Cup of Nations, had 3 runner-up finishes, and 8 bronze medals.

Given the nation's success, it only makes sense that Nigerian bettors like to support their teams by betting on them, as there are few things better than seeing your team help you cash in your wager. And besides betting on national teams, Nigerian punters also support their star athletes and clubs, including Victor Osimhen for Napoli and Samuel Chukwueze for Villarreal CF.

So if you want to bet on any Nigerian athletes, the process is as simple as navigating to the sport or league they're competing in and playing a wager. And since most of the most popular Nigerian athletes play for some of the world's biggest and most popular sports clubs, it won't be hard to find a long list of betting sites in Nigeria that will accept wagers on those teams.

Bet on Players

It's become a standard for bookmakers to offer their customers as many betting options as possible. But not all Nigerian betting sites will let you place wagers on an individual Nigerian athlete.

Still, since some of the most popular Nigerian players are also exceptionally well known in the global sports world, your chances of finding a reliable bookie that will accept individual player bets are much higher. But while not all will, you can find a generous selection of bookies with individual betting markets available, and the fastest way is to check our list of the top Nigerian legal bookies.

If you wish to wager on an individual Nigerian football player, you must navigate the proposition bets under the football betting markets. Likewise, you would take the same steps to wager on one of many Nigerian basketball athletes.

But the most straightforward way to bet on an individual Nigerian athlete is to stake on the UFC, where Nigeria has many high-profile representatives, including Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman. They are, as of 2024, the current UFC champions in the respective divisions and one of the top 50 MMA fighters of all time. So no matter how you want to approach betting on players, there are many ways to do it. You need to know where to find the bookie that will accept your bets.

New Betting Sites in Nigeria

If you were to create a list of the top betting sites in Nigeria, you would have to adjust it quickly, mainly because Nigeria welcomes many new operators yearly. With so many new gambling sites popping up almost monthly, it's often hard to find the best one, but there are some advantages to testing out every new bookie.

Although often of unknown quality, new betting sites will enter the market with new promotions and provide you with an excellent way to get your hands on a welcome bonus. So while these new sites are an excellent resource of offers, rewards, and promotions, there are things to look out for when picking out a bookie rather than signing up for the first cash out betting sites you find without a second thought.

How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in Nigeria

Online sports betting in Nigeria might not be as huge as in the United States, nor are there as many bettors as in some Asian countries. Still, Nigeria is easily one of the most competitive markets in gambling in Africa, largely thanks to the population's size and internet access, which produced the right conditions for many bet sites in Nigeria to start operating.

But while there are many betting sites to choose from, you should know where to look for the best ones – which is where our article will come in handy. So here are 6 things to keep in mind when choosing the best bookmakers in Nigeria.

  1. Find a safe, legal sportsbook with a good reputation.
  2. Check the quality of the odds and the market depth.
  3. Consider picking a bookie with solid bonuses and promotions.
  4. Bookmakers owned by trusted companies are usually your best wager.
  5. Pick a sportsbook with the fastest and most stable mobile betting app if you're a mobile bettor.
  6. You might want to pick a bookie with a betting blog with tips and predictions on the upcoming games.

Which Nigerian Bookmaker Has the Best Odds?

No bookmaker will have the best odds for all sports, but some bookies offer better prices on specific sports. So if you're betting on horse racing, it's wise to pick a sportsbook known for providing excellent horse racing odds, whereas you should choose a more football-oriented bookie if you plan to bet mostly on football.

But while some Nigerian bookmakers offer excellent odds on a specific sport, for a casual bettor, who wishes to wager on more than one sport, it's wise to pick one of the reliable and well-known brands that offer solid prices across all markets. So if you're someone who wants good odds across all available betting markets, consider picking one of the Nigerian betting sites from our list.

Deposit Methods at Nigerian Bookies

Before you can start betting, you'll need to fund your wagering account. To do so, you will have to navigate to “My Account” or “Cashier” and pick one of many deposit options that will be available to you.

These will differ from bookie to bookie, but as of 2024, most Nigerian betting sites will have enough options for you to choose from. That includes wire transfers, credit/debit cards, Paystack, Flutterwave, and Interswitch.

Some bookies will even accept deposits with crypto, such as Tether, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, but not all will. Still, you should consider using crypto deposits if possible since those are the fastest deposit methods currently available.

Withdrawal Methods at Nigerian Bookies

If you're online betting in Nigeria, hit a big winner, and want to withdraw your winnings, you can do so by navigating to the banking options and picking the withdrawal method that suits you.

Like it's the case with deposit methods, withdrawal options will vary depending on which bookmaker you choose. But the general rule is that more well-known brands and prominent operators offer a wider range of withdrawal methods.

Of all the available withdrawal methods, there is no clear winner. But when it comes to speed, crypto withdrawals are generally the fastest. But before you make a withdrawal, it's wise to check whether the withdrawal method you want to use has any added fees.

Payment Methods Comparison in Nigeria

Payment Method Type Deposit Limit Deposit/Withdrawal Payment Fee
Visa Debit Card NGH500 – 2,000,000 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals No Fees
Mastercard Credit Card NGH500 – 2,000,000 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals No Fees
Neteller eWallet NGH1000 – 1,000,000 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals 1.5% – 1.5%
Skrill eWallet NGH500 – 1,500,000 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals 1.5% – 1.5%
PayPal eWallet NGH1000 – 1,250,000 Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals No Fees

Best Mobile Betting Sites & Betting Apps in Nigeria

Betting on mobile devices has become extremely popular over the last decade, mainly because it allows you to bet on the go, anywhere and anytime you wish. That is why most betting sites offer a mobile version or app.

Although some punters prefer betting on the mobile website, it's generally wiser to use a dedicated 3rd-party mobile betting app, which is faster, more reliable, and often offers additional promotions and bonuses. So while not all mobile betting sites will have a mobile betting app, finding one that does in 2024 will be a breeze.

Up to 180% bonus on 1st deposit
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check iconWelcome offers
check iconLive streaming
check iconMany bonuses
-
T&Cs Apply
check icon24/7 support
check iconLoyalty program
check iconMany bonuses
100% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
check iconVarious bet types
check icon24/7 support
check iconGreat markets
100% up to $500
T&Cs Apply
check iconMany bonuses
check iconFast payouts
check iconPrematch line
-
T&Cs Apply
check iconCompetitive odds
check iconGreat sports marke
check iconCash out

The best mobile betting apps should have the things – it needs to be fast, stable, and have all the features you need. And you should also keep an eye on special promotions. For example, many bookies will offer no deposit bonuses and even welcome bonuses for anyone who uses their betting apps, adding just another freebie for you to take advantage of.

Nigerian Live Betting & Live Streaming

Nowadays, it's not enough if a sportsbook only offers traditional pre-match markets. Instead, all are required to provide in-play needs, allowing you to bet on matches as they happen. And that is why it is difficult to find a betting site that won't have in-play wagering services.

So if you're someone who wishes to place in-play bets, you don't have to worry about struggling to find a Nigerian bookie that will offer that feature. Still, it's worth noting that while most bookies will have in-play markets, not all will provide you with live streams of the games.

Live betting might not be for everyone, but any bettor should try it at least once. Make sure to pick a Nigerian betting site with in-play markets and live-streaming options.

Online betting in Nigeria began around 2009 when Oloye Akin Alabi created a well-known Nigerian bookie, NairaBet, which started the growth of one of the most competitive betting markets in Africa. More gambling sites appeared shortly after, including Bet9ja and 1960-Bet, with foreign bookies following suit.

Nowadays, hundreds of bookmakers are available in Nigeria, including some of the most prominent names in the betting industry, such as Bet365, William Hill, Unibet, Betway, and more.

All of the Nigerian betting sites are regulated by several bodies, mainly the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lottery Board. That ensures that companies that own betting sites have to go through stringent checks and examinations to earn a license and prove that they can provide their customers with a safe betting experience.

Interestingly, while the regulatory body, Nigerian Lottery Commission, requires all bookmakers to obtain licenses before they can start operating in Nigeria, Nigerian law does not mention online space. Furthermore, there are no restrictions for people to reach foreign betting sites, meaning Nigerian bettors can wager on any online bookie they please.

The lack of oversight over offshore gambling sites – which are still very popular – is an area where Nigeria could do a better job since it's missing out on a lot of revenue. There are also concerns over the need for a law update and better mechanisms for customer support.

But while the laws are very lenient regarding where you can bet, the law defines the gambling age, and you are not legally allowed to gamble until you're 18 years old.

Responsible Gambling Organisations in Nigeria

Below there are some international companies and organizations that can help you in case you are struggling against gambling problems in Nigeria.

  • GambleAware
  • GamCare
  • Gambling Therapy
  • Gamblers Anonymous
  • Net Nanny
  • Cyber Patrol
  • GamBlock
  • CYBERsitter
  • BetBlocker
  • Gamban
  • Global Gambling Guidance Group (GGGG)

How to Place a Bet at a Nigerian Betting Site

Placing a bet at any gambling site is very easy, but if you're new to online betting and have never used an online bookie before, you might be a bit confused by the process. So for those of you, here is a step-by-step guide to placing a wager at a Nigerian betting site.

Step 1 – Choose a Bookmaker

Picking a bookmaker is the first and most crucial step you need to take before starting betting. Therefore, we highly recommend you to select one of the bookies our wagering experts deemed to be the best in Nigeria, as only these bookmakers can provide you with a solid betting experience, security, and good odds.

Step 2 – Register on the Bookmaker

After you finish searching through the pool of available Nigerian bookmakers and pick the site, you need to create an account, which shouldn't take longer than a couple of minutes. Navigate to the “Join Now” or “Register” button, begin the registration process, provide all the required details, and complete the sign-up.

Step 3 – Make Your First Deposit

Before you can bet, you must fund your gambling account via one of the many deposit methods available. If this is the first deposit you make on the bookmaker, you might even be eligible for a welcome bonus, so don't forget to check! Once you deposit funds into your account – which shouldn't take more than a few minutes – you're set to place your first wager.

Step 4 – Choose What You Want to Bet on

If you want to wager on a specific event, select that event via the site's search function or navigate to the site section that offers odds on that sport. If you don't have a specific event in mind, you can explore all the sports betting markets the sites offer and pick the one you like.

Step 5 – Select Your Bet

Once you find the event or a match you want to wager on, you must decide what type of bet you want to place. You can also combine multiple games into the bet slip and then determine if you're going to wager on each event separately or unite them into doubles, trebles, or multiples.

Step 6 – Choose Your Stake and Confirm Your Bet

The last step is to choose the amount of money you want to wager. Know that all bookmakers will have a minimum wager, while some limit how much you can bet. And once you decide on the amount, all left is to confirm your bet and hope you made the right call.

Betting Sites in Other Countries

Nigeria Overview

Before you start betting on Nigerian bookies, it helps to know a thing or 2 about the country, its betting industry, and some interesting facts about betting in Nigeria provided by our BetZillion bet experts.

  • Abuja is the capital of Nigeria, but only the 15th-most populous city of the country (590,000), well behind the biggest towns in Lagos (9,000,000), Kano (3,602,000), Ibadan (3,560,000), Kaduna (1,600,000), and Port Harcourt (1,150,000).
  • Hausa was the official language of the northern states from 1951-1967 and is the most widely spoken language, but English is the official language of Nigeria.
  • Naira is the official currency of Nigeria and the most widely used currency across all sportsbooks alongside the Euro and US Dollar.
  • The most popular payment methods available on Nigerian bookies include E-wallets, wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto.
  • The most famous and legal online bookmakers in Nigeria are Bet365, 888sport, 188bet, Nairabet, and William Hill.
  • Football, basketball, MMA, and boxing are 4 of the most popular sports in Nigeria.
  • Nigeria's most well-known sports competitions include Premier League, Serie A, UFC, NBA, and international sporting events such as the football World Cup and basketball World Cup.
  • Besides the large fan bases of major sports clubs in Milwaukee Bucks, Napoli, and Villarreal, Nigerian sports fans also support local clubs in Enyimba International, Kano Pillars, and Rivers Hoopers.
  • Nigeria is the home of some of the world's biggest and most successful athletes, including Christian Okoye, Bukayo Saka, Mikel John Obi, Victor Osimhen, Israel Adesanya, and Obi Emegano.
  • Nigeria has in the past hosted major sporting events, including the African Cup of Nations (1980, 2000), the 2003 All-Africa Games, and the 1989 African Championships in Athletics.
  • The Nigerian football team has won 3 African Cup of Nations and is the 4th-most successful country of the tournament.
  • The Nigerian basketball team has won one FIBA Africa Championship (now AfroBasket) and has 4 silver and 3 bronze medals.

Bottom Line

From the information we have provided in this guide, it should be evident that online sports betting in Nigeria is not only available but it's also in a good spot. There are countless Nigerian bookies and international sportsbooks available. All are made to cater to sports bettors and provide you with as many betting options as possible.

It wouldn't be too far from the truth if there had never been a better time to get involved in sports betting in Nigeria. Admittedly, the market is still evolving, but Nigeria has done enough to set itself up for a bright future in the online betting world.

So if you're looking to wager in Nigeria, check out our list of the best Nigerian sportsbooks, pick the one with all the features you need, visit the best betting sites, and start wagering!

Need a trusted bookie in Nigeria?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which betting site is the best in Nigeria?
    There is no clear best betting site in Nigeria, but you can find our list of the top 10 betting sites in Nigeria on this page. Each bookie has its advantages and drawbacks, but they are all legal and regulated and provide an excellent betting experience. However, most Nigerian bettors prefer Unibet, Bet365, and 888sport.
  • What is the best betting app in Nigeria
    Most online bookmakers will offer a dedicated mobile betting app, but not all will. Still, even those bookies without a mobile app will have a mobile version of the website available for you to bet on the go. The most popular Nigerian online bookies with excellent betting apps include Parimatch, BetWay, and 888sport.
  • Which betting site has the fastest payout in Nigeria?
    Depending on the bookmaker you choose, you will get presented with different withdrawal methods, processing speeds, and fees. Although all bookies will offer the most common withdrawal methods in credit/debit cards and E-wallets, crypto is the fastest way to withdraw your winnings. The most notable Nigerian betting sites with crypto withdrawals include CoinBet24, BetCrypt.io, 22bet, and BetWinner.
Tim Harrison
Author
Betting Guru

Tim is our betting guru. Every gaming site needs one, and Tim’s our guy. He has plenty of experience in betting online and is quite successful at it. Tim’s favorite sports are hockey, baseball, and Esports. Tim believes the latter to be the future of betting.

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