Betting Sites in Nigeria

Sports betting is hugely popular in Nigeria and has seen massive growth in recent years. Football is by far the most popular sport to bet on.

There are numerous licensed online sports betting sites that cater to the Nigerian market. Some of the most popular include Bet9ja, Nairabet, BetKing, Betway, and 1xBet.

Most sites offer betting on major European football leagues, tennis, basketball, ice hockey and other international sports. They also offer betting on Nigerian leagues like the NPFL.

The sites offer a variety of bet types including singles, accumulators, system bets, doubles, and specials like both teams to score. Live in-play betting is also widely available.

Popular promotions at Nigerian betting sites include free bets for new customers, acca insurance, cash out options, and accumulator bonuses. Sites use promotions to compete for bettors.

Mobile apps for iOS and Android allow bettors to place bets online from their phones. Most sites these days are mobile-optimized.

Best bookmakers in Nigeria

Ranking the Best Betting Sites in Nigeria

The top bookmakers in the country have offered Nigerians safe and affordable online platforms. After comparing odds, bonuses, reviews and user experiences, here are the top 5 betting sites in Nigeria:

• Bet9ja - The biggest betting company in Nigeria with the widest selection of markets. Their platform is easy to use, offers competitive odds, and has an extensive array of sportsbook features. The Bet9ja mobile app is smooth and they offer 100% welcome bonus up to N100,000.
• BetKing - A top choice for online betting thanks to great odds on NPFL and other leagues. BetKing has a well-rated mobile app, 100% welcome offer up to N25,000, and competitive prices on accumulator bets. Their live betting platform stands out.
• Nairabet - The first Nigerian-owned online betting site, popular for its mouth-watering bonuses and promotions. Nairabet offers the best odds on football and a smooth mobile platform. The N200 risk-free bet welcome offer draws in new players.
• Betway - Known for its quality 24/7 customer support and wide selection of betting markets. Betway covers all major leagues and has great prices on football accumulators. The mobile app experience is seamless.
• 1xBet - A top choice for bettors looking for high betting limits and excellent live streaming service. 1xBet offers very competitive odds on its extensive sportsbook. The welcome bonus goes up to N100,000.

Nigerians love betting because it adds excitement to watching matches and provides the chance to win big money. The rising popularity of sports betting in Nigeria has led to many safe, secure and reliable online bookmakers. Punters should compare bonuses and odds as they choose the best bookie that meets their needs. The top sites like Bet9ja, BetKing and Nairabet provide excellent services focused on the Nigerian market.

Key factors Nigerian punters consider include local licenses, competitive odds, banking options, bonuses and a smooth mobile experience.

BetWay

BetWay is a popular online sports betting company that has been operating in Nigeria since 2009. BetWay is licensed by the Lagos State Lotteries Board and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, making it one of the legal and regulated bookmakers for Nigerian bettors.

BetWay offers betting odds and markets on all major sports including soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket, and more. Some of the unique offerings include bets on virtual sports, esports, and specials on entertainment and politics. Customers can place bets in Naira currency and receive several bonuses and promotions like the 100% welcome bonus up to 100,000 NGN. BetWay provides a smooth mobile app and website experience with safe and secure payment methods tailored for Nigerians. Compared to other bookies in Nigeria, BetWay stands out for its competitive odds, range of sports betting markets, and concentration on the Nigerian market through localized payment options and dedicated customer support.

1xBet Nigeria

1xBet is an international online bookmaker that entered the Nigerian market in 2007 and has become one of the most popular bookmaker in the country. 1xBet is currently not licensed by any regulatory body in Nigeria, so its operations remain unauthorized.

However, 1xBet still manages to offer an impressive array of betting markets across sports like football, basketball, tennis, and even niche markets like politics and entertainment. Customers can place bets smoothly through the localized mobile app and website in Naira currency. 1xBet is known for having some of the highest odds on popular leagues and tournaments. Promotions like the 100% welcome bonus up to 100,000 NGN along with accumulator bonuses, cashbacks, and jackpots give Nigerian bettors big incentives to place bets on 1xBet.

Compared to licensed operators, 1xBet stands out for its sheer variety of betting markets, competitive odds, and exciting promotional offers. 1xBet's continued popularity shows that many punters are willing to overlook licensing issues in favor of a platform with better odds.

Parimatch Nigeria

Parimatch entered the Nigerian betting market in 2021 after acquiring licensing from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and Lagos State Gaming Authority. This makes Parimatch one of the newest licensed operators in the country.

Parimatch offers competitive odds on all major sports like football, basketball, tennis, cricket and more. They have a good range of markets on international leagues and tournaments as well as Nigerian domestic events. Unique offerings include eSports betting. Nigerian customers can access a range of promos like a 200% welcome bonus up to 200,000 NGN, accumulator bonuses, cashbacks, and free bets. The website and mobile app are well-optimized for the Nigerian market with dedicated Naira accounts and customer support.

As a new licensed operator, Parimatch distinguishes itself through its focus on Nigeria. Parimatch signed celebrity brand ambassadors like Odion Ighalo to promote its Nigerian operations. The competitive odds and range of markets offered by Parimatch makes it a good alternative to more established international bookies. The licensing provides customers reassurance about the security and legality of betting with Parimatch.

Betking

Betking is a top sports betting company originating from Nigeria that was founded in 2018. Betking obtained operating licenses from the Lagos State Gaming Board and National Lottery Regulatory Commission, making it a fully legal and regulated bookmaker.

Betking offers an array of betting markets on sports like football, tennis, basketball and also virtual games. Their website and mobile apps enable secure payment and betting for customers in Naira. Betking provides new customers a 100% welcome bonus up to N30,000. They also offer bonuses on multi-bets along with cash-out options.

As a Nigerian brand, Betking's website and operations are tailored specifically for the local market. Betking's retail footprint across Nigeria allows customers to also place physical bets in Betking shops. Their competitive odds on Nigerian leagues and special markets like Nigerian player props demonstrate Betking's focus on local punters. The brand ambassadors and affiliate programs with Nigerian celebrities also make Betking the most locally embedded international bookmaker.

Bet9ja

Bet9ja is the leading bookmaker in Nigeria and has been operating since 2013. Bet9ja obtained a license from the Lagos State Gaming Board to legally offer online and retail sports betting throughout the country.

Bet9ja offers extensive odds and markets on major international sports as well as Nigerian leagues like the NPFL, NBBF and NLO. Customers can bet on Bet9ja's user-friendly mobile app and website tailored to Nigerian punters by accepting Naira and local payment methods. Exclusive promotions are offered, including a 100% welcome bonus up to 100,000 NGN for new registrants. Bet9ja offers competitive odds on soccer matches and leagues that bettors routinely wager on.

As Nigeria's largest betting company, Bet9ja has become a trusted household name thanks to aggressive marketing, strategic partnerships and sponsorships. Bet9ja has shops across Nigeria so customers can also place in-person bets. The bookmaker stands out for its responsive customer support and dedication to constantly improving its mobile and online services to better serve the Nigerian market.

22Bet

22Bet entered the Nigerian betting market in 2018 and has quickly grown to become one of the major international bookmakers in the country. 22Bet does not hold a local gaming license, so its operations in Nigeria remain unregulated.

Despite being unlicensed, 22Bet manages to offer an array of competitive odds and varied betting markets across dozens of sports including popular leagues like the English Premier League and NBA. Customers can access 22Bet's website and mobile app to place bets seamlessly in Naira. Exclusive new customer bonuses are provided, such as a 122% welcome bonus up to 50,000 NGN. Ongoing promos include accumulator bonuses, loyalty cashbacks, and free bets.

The range of markets and competitive odds on sports like soccer, basketball and tennis makes 22Bet a popular choice. But the lack of a Nigerian gaming license does raise issues around security and accessibility that bettors should be aware of. However, 22Bet's continued operations highlight that many punters prioritize odds, markets and promotions over licensing.

Betwinner Nigeria

Betwinner entered the Nigerian online sports betting market in 2018. It does not hold any operating license from Nigerian regulatory bodies, so technically its operations remain unauthorized.

Regardless, Betwinner provides an array of competitive odds and diverse markets on sports like football, basketball, tennis and even esports. Customers can access Betwinner's website and mobile app to place bets in Naira currency. New players are enticed with bonuses like the 100% welcome bonus up to 100,000 NGN. Betwinner also offers existing customers reload bonuses, cashbacks and accumulator payouts.

As an unlicensed international operator, Betwinner appeals to punters through offering high odds on popular sports and leagues. However, the lack of regulation does raise concerns for Nigerian bettors around the security of funds and clarity of Betwinner's operations. Many Nigerian punters are willing to overlook licensing due to Betwinner's highly competitive odds and betting product.

bet365 Nigeria

Bet365 is a leading international bookmaker that started operations in Nigeria in 2018 and is licensed by the Lagos State Gaming Board.

Bet365 provides comprehensive odds and betting markets on major sports like soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket and more. Bet365 covers leagues and matches from Nigeria, Europe, US and other regions. Unique offerings include odds on entertainment and political events. Nigerian customers can access exclusive new account bonuses like the 50% matched deposit bonus up to 50,000 NGN. Ongoing promotions include accumulator bonuses, bore draw money back, and free bets.

As a licensed international bookie, bet365 appeals to Nigerians through offering high odds on popular leagues while also accepting Naira and local payment methods. Bet365 provides a safe, licensed platform that is compliant with local regulations. At the same time, the sheer variety of betting markets offered from around the world makes bet365 attractive compared to more localized Nigerian bookies. With strong brand credibility and tailored Nigerian promotions, bet365 provides a regulated option with substantial markets and competitive odds.

Melbet Nigeria

Melbet is an international bookmaker that commenced operations in Nigeria in 2020. It does not hold any local gaming license and operates in Nigeria's unregulated betting market.

Despite being unlicensed, Melbet provides a wide selection of odds and betting markets across various sports like soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket and more. Melbet covers both domestic Nigerian leagues as well as major tournaments worldwide. Unique offerings include eSports betting. New customers can access promotions like the 100% welcome bonus up to 120,000 NGN and ongoing accumulator bonuses, cashbacks and free bets.

How do we rank betting sites?

Here are a few key ways our experts typically rank and evaluate online bookmakers:

• Odds and lines - Experts look at the odds and lines offered by the site across different sports. Sites that consistently offer competitive odds and early lines are ranked higher.
• Betting markets - The variety of betting markets offered is important. Sites with more betting options across sports and types of bets are preferred.
• Bonuses and promotions - Experts look for sites with generous signup bonuses and ongoing reload/promotional offers for bettors. Better bonus offers can increase overall value.
• Reputation and reliability - Bettors favor established sites with a solid reputation for fast payouts, security, and customer service. Newer sites have more to prove in this area.
• Usability and features - The interface, ease of use, and unique features like cash-out options or bet builders are evaluated. Slicker and more feature-rich sites tend to rank higher.
• Mobile experience - With so much betting happening on phones, a smooth and full-featured mobile app is a must. Easy navigation and responsiveness on mobile are priorities.
• Banking options - Numerous banking methods, fast deposits/withdrawals, and low fees help a site's ranking. More payment options and better banking policies are favored.
• Customer service - Experts look at the accessibility and quality of customer support through channels like live chat, phone, email, and social media. More responsive sites rank better.
• Regulation and legality - Experts heavily favor sites that are licensed and regulated in jurisdictions known for stringent oversight. Offshore and unregulated sites are viewed less favorably.

Key points on the legality of sports betting in Nigeria

The Lagos State Lotteries Board and National Lottery Regulatory Commission oversee licensing and regulation of sports betting sites operating in Nigeria.

Licensed online sports betting sites that meet regulatory requirements are legal in most Nigerian states. Top sites are approved to operate across Nigeria. However, some Northern Nigerian states prohibit betting due to Sharia law. Betting shops and activities are banned in those states.

The law requires online bookmakers to verify users are 18+ before allowing them to deposit and bet. Sites must meet responsible gambling obligations.

Football betting makes up over 60% of Nigeria's sports betting market. Betting markets are available for major European leagues, tennis, basketball and other sports.

While illegal offline betting still occurs, most bettors use the many licensed sites available. Best betting sites operate legally with proper licensing.

Taxes from licensed gaming companies provides revenue for Nigeria's government budget. The industry is seen as supporting economic growth.

History of sports betting in Nigeria

Sports betting first emerged in the 1960s and 1970s through offline betting shops run by National Sports Lottery and pools companies like Football Pools Panel. These betting shops let Nigerians wager on football matches by filling out betting slips to predict results. This was the only legal betting option at the time.

In the 1980s and 1990s, sports betting grew in popularity especially for football leagues. Unofficial street bookies began taking bets illegally.

The first online bookmakers started emerging in the early 2000s, pioneering sports betting.

In 2005, the National Lottery Act legalized gambling including sports betting sites that obtain proper licenses. This enabled growth.

More bookmakers like Nairabet and Bet9ja launched, focusing on the Nigerian market with local banking options. Mobile betting gave further growth.

Today, over 60 licensed sports betting sites are active in Nigeria, generating over 30 billion Naira annually in wagers. The industry provides jobs and tax revenue.

So in summary, sports betting has gradually evolved from offline shops in the 20th century to become a massive digital industry in Nigeria today, driven by legalization and mobile betting access. It continues to expand as more Nigerians make online wagers.

What sports are popular in Nigeria?

The most popular sports for betting in Nigeria are:

Football - By far the most popular sport to bet on. Betting on leagues like English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A and UEFA competitions like Champions League generates huge betting volume. Local leagues like Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) also see betting action.

• Basketball - Nigerian punters enjoy wagering on NBA games and major European basketball leagues. International competitions like FIBA World Cup also draw bets.
• Tennis - Sportsbooks offer a wide variety of betting markets on tennis Grand Slams, ATP/WTA tours, and major events like Wimbledon and French Open.
• Boxing - High profile boxing and MMA events generate betting buzz, especially heavyweight bouts featuring the likes of Anthony Joshua.
• Ice Hockey - International hockey leagues like NHL, KHL, SHL enjoy decent betting interest during seasons.
• Baseball - Leagues like MLB in the US and NPB in Japan have betting lines at Nigerian bookmakers.
• Motorsports - Formula 1, NASCAR and MotoGP races allow bets on race winners, podium finishes, fastest laps etc.

Football dominates but punters bet on a diverse range of sports. Betting markets exist for cricket, rugby, handball, volleyball and even politics, entertainment or celebrity events that draw public interest.

Mobile Betting in Nigeria

Mobile betting has exploded in Nigeria in recent years, with over 60% of sports bets now placed via smartphones.

All major betting sites offer iOS and Android apps for punters, optimized for mobile networks.

Bet9ja's mobile app is the most downloaded, but other top sites like Nairabet, BetKing, Betway also have high quality apps.

Apps provide convenience through features like one-click betting, mobile banking, live streams, cash out options.

Sites are shifting focus to mobile, with some like Betway phasing out desktop sites entirely.

Mobile betting apps only require a data connection, allowing Nigerians to bet anywhere anytime.

USSD betting via texting shortcodes is also widely used, especially by feature phone users on networks like MTN.

Affordable data costs by telecom providers like Glo and Airtel has enabled mobile betting growth.

Experts predict over 70% of bets will be mobile by 2025 as smartphone penetration continues rising.

In summary, mobile apps and sites designed for small screens have been a game changer for sports betting in Nigeria. The ability to bet with just a phone has made wagering quick and accessible across the country.

Reasons for the popularity of mobile betting

• High smartphone penetration - Over 50 million Nigerians now own smartphones, growing mobile betting access.
• Fast mobile networks - High-speed 3G/4G data networks provided by telecoms like MTN, Glo and Airtel enable seamless mobile betting.
• Convenience - Apps allow instant access to odds and the ability to bet anytime, anywhere in just clicks.
• User experience - Sites are optimized for Nigerian mobile users with betting features, payment options tailored for phones.
• Bonuses - Bookies offer mobile-exclusive promotions like free bets, bonuses to attract mobile users.
• Live betting - Apps enable bettors to capitalize on in-game odds changes by betting live on matches.
• Deposits/Withdrawals - Seamless mobile banking integration lets users deposit and withdraw winnings securely on apps.
• Customer support - Live chat and call-back services help users directly from their phones.

The convenience, interactivity and accessibility of mobile betting perfectly suits the needs of tech-savvy Nigerian punters. The ability to bet anytime, anywhere within apps has made mobile the preferred platform.

Popular payment systems used in Nigeria

Here are some of the most popular payment and deposit methods used at online betting sites in Nigeria:

• Debit/Credit Cards - Major cards like Visa, Mastercard and Verve are widely accepted at betting sites for making deposits.
• Bank Transfers - Sites allow direct bank transfers from Nigerian banks like GTBank, Access Bank and Zenith Bank. Transfers are usually free of charge.
• USSD/SMS Payments - Bettors can deposit using pay-by-phone services from telecoms like MTN and Airtel through text messages.
• eWallets - Digital wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller are commonly used for deposits and withdrawals at many bookmakers. Minimums are low.
• Mobile Money - Local fintech like OPay, PalmPay and Paycom allow bettors to deposit directly from mobile phones instantly.
• Betting Shop Agents - Physical agency shops help facilitate cash deposits and account funding on behalf of users.
• Prepaid Vouchers - Some sites accept prepaid vouchers purchased from stores to add funds to a betting account.
• Cryptocurrency - A few bookies are starting to accept deposits in crypto like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.

Debit cards, bank transfers and mobile money tend to be the most popular online deposit methods while cash deposits via agents remain common for offline bettors in Nigeria.

Is sports betting in Nigeria legal?

Yes, sports betting is legal across most of Nigeria

What are the bookies with the best mobile app?

Here are some of the bookmakers with the best mobile apps for betting: Bet9ja, BetKing, Betway, SportyBet, 22Bet.

The top apps make registration, depositing, betting, and withdrawing fast and straightforward from a mobile device. Choosing a legal, regulated site with a locally optimized app is advised.