Best betting sites in Nigeria 2025

Sports betting is one of the most popular activities in the country, with over 36% of adults claiming they had previously tried betting sites in Nigeria. Of those, 53% state they bet on sports daily, corresponding to nearly 20 million people.

Due to its popularity, many organizations have focused on regulating online and offline sports betting sites in Nigeria.

With this article, you’ll learn everything you need about sports betting sites in Nigeria. This includes the latest gambling laws and regulations, what features sportsbooks in Nigeria offer, and how to get started.

What we have to offer to nigerian sports bettors

Finding new betting sites in Nigeria can be tricky if you’re a beginner and don’t know what to look for. Fortunately, we’re here to provide insights on how to get started at online betting sites in the country. This guide is divided into several sections, each containing useful information about every aspect of online sportsbooks.

First, we’ll start by looking into the legality of online sports betting sites in the country. This includes reviewing the current gambling laws and the gambling commission responsible for overseeing all betting activity in Nigeria. Learning about legal sportsbooks for Nigerians is one of the best ways to stay safe when betting online.

Then, we’ll show you how we review the best online sports betting sites. We follow a strict testing procedure that verifies multiple parameters, including sports bonuses, payment methods, variety of sports and markets, mobile betting, site features, and responsible gambling. This way, you can easily conduct your own research to find the best betting sites in Nigeria.

Once you know what to look for, we’ll teach you how to sign up at sports betting sites in Nigeria. We will guide you through every step of the process, including what information you must submit and how to verify your details.

And last but not least, we’ll provide you with a few tips to help you make the most out of the best betting sites in Nigeria. You’ll learn how to use a sports betting calculator and how to compare odds between different sportsbooks. After we’re done, you should have all the information needed to start playing safely and responsibly at betting sites in Nigeria.

The legality of sports betting in Nigeria

The betting industry in Nigeria is regulated by two main commissions – the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lottery Board. However, only the former is directly related to the licensing and regulation of online sportsbooks.

Although it’s been popular for several decades, sports betting only became legal after the National Lottery Act of 2005, which resulted in the foundation of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. This organization is responsible for overseeing most of the gambling activities in the country, including online and offline sports betting.

On the other hand, the Lagos State Lottery Board regulates all land-based gambling activities in the state of Lagos, including sports betting, scratchcards and lotteries.

It’s worth noting that the Nigerian gambling law doesn’t specifically mention online sports betting sites. Nonetheless, online sports betting sites in Nigeria are required to follow the same regulations as land-based sportsbooks, meaning that sites are required to apply for a license before being able to legally offer their services.

Nowadays, there are over 40 legal sportsbooks in Nigeria, making it the second-largest gambling market in Africa, after South Africa. However, the Nigerian gambling market is growing faster than ever and is expected to surpass South Africa soon.

Even though the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lottery Board regulate online sportsbooks in the country, there are no laws that forbid internatiional online sports betting companies from operating in the country or Nigerian bettors from signing up at these sites.

One of the best ways to ensure a positive experience is by creating an account at legal betting sites in Nigeria.

What we prioritize when we review sportsbooks in Nigeria

We want bettors to enjoy the best betting sites in Nigeria without concerns. To do this, we developed a strict testing procedure that looks into many variables, including bonuses, licenses, payment methods, markets, and more.

The first parameter we look into is bonuses. These promotional offers come in various shapes and sizes, making it crucial to understand how each one works and what it can offer you. The most popular bonuses at sports betting sites for Nigerians include free bets, risk-free bets and reload bonuses.

We also review the safety aspects of online betting sites in the country. This includes verifying if sportsbooks are licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission or the Lagos State Lottery Board. We also check the safety features they offer, such as KYC policies and encryption protocols.

Then, we thoroughly test the payment methods available at online sportsbooks according to their speed, limits and safety. We analyze how long deposits and withdrawals take, what their limits are, and if the methods available are safe to use.

After this, it’s time to check the markets available. We rank sportsbooks for Nigerians regarding the variety of sports and the number of markets available per event. We also check if the sites offer in-play betting and other features.

Lastly, we test sites from the player’s perspective, including navigability, customer support, and responsible gambling. Read the sections below for more information on how we review online betting companies.

Sports betting bonuses

Sports betting sites for Nigerians are known for offering a wide variety of bonuses and other promotional offers, ranging from traditional welcome bonuses to potentially rewarding reload promotions. The best part is that claiming them is incredibly easy, as you’ll see below.

Bonuses are one of the biggest advantages of online sports betting sites compared to traditional land-based sportsbooks. Getting started with a bonus allows bettors to claim exclusive offers that can boost their bankroll or let them place bets for free. Occasionally, you may also come across other innovative bonuses that take your experience to the next level.

However, it’s important to understand that bonuses from sportsbooks in Nigeria often come with several restrictions, such as wagering requirements, time limits, and maximum bets.

We reviewed the most popular bonuses available at betting sites in Nigeria so you can easily find offers suited to your taste. Additionally, learning how bonuses work and what to look for allows you to draw your own conclusions regarding the best betting sites in Nigeria. Discover the top offers in the country below:

Welcome bonuses for nigerian bettors

All welcome bonuses have one thing in common – they’re a great way to get started with a boost and increase the excitement of betting on sports. However, it’s crucial to understand their differences if you’re looking to maximize your sports betting experience.

As the name implies, welcome bonuses are promotional offers that can be claimed when bettors sign up for an account at online sportsbooks. Sports betting sites for Nigerians have a wide variety of welcome bonuses available, including deposits bonuses, free bets, and risk-free bets.

The most common welcome offer found at sportsbooks for Nigerians are deposit bonuses. These work by increasing your balance with bonus funds after you place your first deposit, usually by 100%. For instance, if you added ₦100,000 to your account, you’d receive an additional ₦100,000 to wager with.

However, bonus funds are subject to wagering requirements before you can withdraw winnings. You’ll have to bet your bonus amount a specific number of times within a limited time frame before you can withdraw anything.

Free bets

Free bets are one of the most common bonuses you can find at the best online sports betting sites. These bonuses work by offering you free wagers up to a predetermined amount, typically equal to the value of your first deposit. For instance, if you deposit ₦10,000, you’ll receive that amount in free bets.

However, free bets come with a few restrictions bettors should know about. You can only claim your winnings after completing all the conditions attached to your bonus. These include wagering requirements, minimum odds, minimum number of selections, and more. Check how each requirement works:

Wagering requirements

Sportsbooks in Nigeria typically require bettors to wager their bonus amount a specific number of times before it’s converted to real money. As an example, let’s say you’ve received ₦20,000 in free bets with a wagering requirement of 5x. In this case, you’ll have to bet ₦100,000 before you can claim your winnings.

Minimum odds

Free bets can also have limits regarding their odds. There are several sports betting sites for Nigerians that state bettors must choose events with odds over a certain value for their free bets to be used.

Minimum number of selections

Not all free bet bonuses can be used to place single-leg betting slips. Some online betting companies require bettors to have multiple selections per ticket. Minimum odds can apply to each individual selection.

Risk-free bets

Risk-free bets allow you to decrease the risk associated with placing sports wagers by refunding the first bet you make at online sports betting sites. If you win, your bet will be paid as normal and you don’t have to worry about any wagering requirements.

In case you lose, your initial wager will be paid back to you as a free bet. As such, it may be subject to wagering requirements. Additionally, risk-free bets can also have other conditions, such as maximum bet value or minimum odds. Here’s what you should know:

Wagering requirements

Wagering requirements for risk-free bets vary according to the betting site you choose. Some sports betting sites in Nigeria offer risk-free bets with wagering requirements, while others allow players to claim this bonus without a wagering requirement.

Maximum bet

Risk-free bets are usually offered up to a certain amount. For instance, if a sportsbook offers you a risk-free bet up to ₦100,000 but you wager ₦200,000, only half of your stake will be covered. As such, it’s always recommended to bet under the maximum amount.

Minimum odds

Similar to wagering requirements, online sports betting sites with risk-free bets also differ according to the minimum odds of the refunded free bets. Some sportsbooks in Nigeria have no restrictions regarding the minimum odds.

Reload bonuses

Essentially, a reload bonus is any offer that rewards bettors’ subsequent deposits after their first. They’re one of the most versatile sports betting offers because they can be paid out as free bets or like traditional deposit bonuses.

Reload bonuses paid as free bets are usually subject to the conditions we mentioned above, including wagering requirements, minimum odds, and minimum number of selections. On the other hand, reload bonuses that work similarly to deposit bonuses are only subject to wagering requirements and time limits.

Reload bonuses are typically not as generous as the welcome bonus. However, some of the best sports betting companies in Nigeria offer exciting reload bonuses that can be as competitive as other offers. 

We recommend reading the bonus terms and conditions when looking for the best betting sites in Nigeria. This will allow you to quickly verify the wagering requirements and other restrictions so you can enjoy your new bonus to its fullest.

Licenses, safety and security

Licenses are crucial to ensure bettors are kept safe when playing at betting sites in Nigeria. Many online sportsbooks operating in the country are licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, which helps them solidify their reputation as reliable and trustworthy online betting sites.

Before receiving a license, betting sites must undergo extensive testing in various criteria, such as financial transparency, responsible gambling, and others. The online betting companies that operate sportsbooks in Nigeria are also subject to background checks and other safety verifications.

Another important aspect of sports betting licenses is fairness. Luckily, licensed sportsbooks are regularly evaluated to ensure the events presented have fair odds. Additionally, many countries feature integrity committees that specialize in combating match fixing and other fraudulent activity.

Checking if a sportsbook has a license is easy. To do so, visit the site and head over to the footer section. If the betting site is licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission , it’ll present all the information you need to know, including the date the license was issued and the parent company.

Alternatively, you can visit the site of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and look for the list of licensed online betting sites. Any sportsbooks presented there are guaranteed to be safe.

Licensed online sports betting sites rely on high-tech encryption algorithms to protect the data of its bettors, such as 128-bit SSL encryption. This technique encrypts data so that only bettors can view their private information. It’s also applied to transactions to ensure they’re impossible to tamper with.

In addition, sports betting sites in Nigeria follow strict KYC policies to verify the identity of their users and prevent fraud and money-laundering. They also follow the latest GDPR standards to protect the privacy of their bettors.

Sports and markets

Sportsbooks ensure bettors have access to thousands of monthly events. Once you sign up at sports betting sites in Nigeria, you’ll quickly be met with hundreds of sports events to bet on.

The best sports betting companies offer bettors a wide variety of events, including soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball, American football, and others. There are also many racing events available, including the latest F1 and WRC races. Overall, most sportsbooks will have over 30 sports available.

Each sport has hundreds of events being held, ranging from local Nigerian leagues to the most competitive tournaments and competitions. Some of the best options you’ll find include the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League, the NBA, and the NHL.

You can also bet on the latest matches of the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Champions League. Alternatively, you can use the search tool to find the events you’re looking for.

We recommend bettors to check the number and variety of events before signing up for an account at a Nigerian sportsbook. Some betting sites will show the number of the active events, making your choice easier.

Betting types and in-play options

Online sports betting has come a long way since its introduction. Nowadays, bettors can wager on literally any aspects of an event they can think of. As such, it’s important to rely on sportsbooks that offer the most diverse betting options.

Before you can sign up at sportsbooks in Nigeria that offer the most betting options, it’s crucial to understand what bets you can place. Check out the most popular bets available at sports betting sites for Nigerians:

1X2 bets

Also called outrights or moneyline, these are the most simple bets you can place at an online sportsbook. 1X2 bets only have one of three choices – 1 (home team to win), X (tie), 2 (away team to win). You win your bet if your prediction is correct.

Handicap bets

Handicap bets were created to level the playing field when there’s a huge difference between two teams. These bets can either give the underdog an advantage, represented by a plus symbol, or the frontrunner a handicap, hence their name.

As an example, consider a football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Let’s say you decided to place a -2 handicap bet on Chelsea. In this case, Chelsea needs to win the match by three or more goals for you to win your bet.

Over/under

Over/under bets require bettors to guess if a particular situation will happen more or less times than the amount predetermined by the sportsbook. This type of bet is common for goals, corners, fouls, and cards.

For instance, let’s say a sportsbook has set 4.5 as the baseline for the number of goals in a match between Liverpool and Watford. If you bet over 4.5, the total number of goals needs to be at least five, and vice-versa.

Half-time

Not all bets have to end at the final whistle. Many bettors prefer to bet only on the first half of a game. You can bet on the winner, the score, the number of goals, and various other situations.

Correct score

A correct score bet requires predicting the exact score when the match ends. As such, they usually have higher odds than other bets, making them extremely popular among bettors in Nigeria.

Parlays

A parlay is a betting slip that contains at least two events. However, you’ll have to correctly guess all individual events to win your bet. As such, parlays usually pay higher odds compared to other types of bets.

Proposition bets

Unlike the bets above, proposition bets aren’t affected by the match result. You can bet on a player’s performance, such as the number of goals scored or if the player will receive a red card during the game. Additionally, there are also game propositions, like the first team to make a substitution or score a goal.

Futures

Future bets are tied to the outcome of tournaments and competitions, such as the winner of the CAF Champions League or the winner of the FA Cup. There are also future bets for the best scorers, most assists, and other records.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bettor, always make sure to check what types of bets are allowed before signing up at a betting site. Even if you don’t know how to place these bets, you might change your mind later as you become more experienced.

Mobile sports betting

Being able to bet on the go is one of the main features bettors look for when choosing between betting sites in Nigeria. With this thought in mind, many sportsbooks in the country focus on building modern apps and mobile sites designed to work with any device.

Nowadays, most online sports betting companies offer a mobile app or website compatible with iOS and Android devices. You can easily download an app suitable for your device by visiting the site’s footer and clicking the corresponding app icon.

Mobile betting sites are designed for the ultimate convenience. There’s no need to visit the desktop version to add funds to your account, submit your identity verification or request a withdrawal. Additionally, most sportsbooks for Nigerians also come with innovative features, such as live streaming, in-play betting and bet builder tools.

We recommend checking if your chosen sportsbook has a mobile app or site before signing up for an account. If it does, don’t forget to verify if all the features are available. You can always count on us to provide concise information about a betting site’s mobile gameplay experience.

Cash-out feature

Being able to withdraw your bets at any given time has been a reality for a few years when it comes to sports betting sites in Nigeria. The cash-out feature is one of the most popular resources players look for before getting started at an online sportsbook.

But how exactly does cash-out work? It’s simple – it allows you to cancel your bet and receive part of your stake back. The exact amount you’ll receive depends on how likely you were to win or lose your bet at the time you cashed out.

For instance, if you placed a wager on Manchester United and they’re already losing by two goals, cashing out will only return a small part of your stake. If they’re winning by a fair margin, you can withdraw most of the funds you wagered.

It’s worth noting that some sports betting sites for Nigerians can actually pay more than what you wagered when you cash out if your bet is winning by a long margin. However, this doesn’t usually work for in-play bets.

As an example, consider the following situation: let’s say you placed a five-leg parlay and won four legs so far. Some sportsbooks allow you to cash out before the fifth event starts and potentially turn a profit.

It’s always a good idea to look through the site to check how the sportsbook’s cash-out feature works before getting started. Please note that this resource may not be compatible with bonuses, though.

User-friendliness

This is one of the most important criteria for Nigerians bettors, especially beginners. Being able to quickly navigate the site and access your favorite events is crucial to ensure a positive betting experience.

Most user-friendly sportsbooks have a few common characteristics, including a well-designed in-play betting section and an extensive search menu that allows you to look up individual teams or leagues. The goal is to ensure bettors can place bets as quickly and easily as possible.

Betting sites in Nigeria should also focus on making it easy for bettors to add funds to their accounts or get in touch with support. We thoroughly test online sportsbooks to ensure they’re user-friendly before recommending them.

Customer support

Sportsbooks make it incredibly easy to contact support if you have issues using the site. The staff is highly trained in various matters, including deposits, withdrawals, bonuses, and KYC verification.

The best betting sites in Nigeria feature a 24/7 live chat feature that ensures you get the support you need at any given time. The team usually answers questions in a couple of minutes. Alternatively, you can contact support via email, although it can take up to 48 hours until you receive an answer.

Online sportsbooks also have extensive FAQ sections, allowing you to solve issues on your own.

All betting sites we recommend were tested according to the contact methods available and the speed and efficiency of the customer service team. We also verify if the FAQ section provides useful answers.

Responsible gambling

Licensed betting sites in Nigeria must adhere to strict rules and standards regarding responsible gambling. This includes having a dedicated section where players can check the sites of gambling addiction and find other useful resources.

Sportsbooks for Nigerians offer multiple responsible gambling tools that let bettors control how they bet, such as the ability to set deposit and wagering limits, request a time out, or create reality checks. You can also ask support to delete your account, preventing you from accessing the site and creating a new account.

Betting sites are also required to provide links to gambling addiction organizations, such as Open Counseling and Gambler’s Anonymous. When reviewing online sportsbooks, we always check what responsible gambling measures are put in place and how bettors can find help if they need.

Sports betting tips for beginners

Wagering on sports with online sports betting companies is a popular activity among millions of Nigerians. However, not all bettors are experienced when it comes to maximizing the efficiency of their bets and protecting their bankrolls.

Luckily, the good news is that we’re here to help you get started. Check out the following sports betting tips and improve your experience at the best betting sites in Nigeria:

• Research before you place a bet: Researching all you can about a particular match is often the key to winning your bets. This includes looking at past statistics and matches, but also evaluating the current form of the teams. You should also consider the league standings, injuries, and other news.
• Use bonuses to your advantage: Betting sites in Nigeria are packed with exciting offers to get you started, including free bets, deposited bonuses, and other offers. Take your time to look through the offers available and find one suited to your betting style. Consider using a risk-free bet bonus if you’re looking to make a riskier wager, for instance.
• Don’t bet more that you can afford to: Bettors should always set a bankroll before betting on sports. Ideally, it should be an amount of money you don’t mind losing if you don’t win your bets. Avoid placing additional bets to cover your losses, as it can lead to further losses.
• Use a bankroll management strategy: Bankroll management strategies are crucial to help you understand how much money you should bet. The goal of these strategies is to help extend your bankroll for as long as possible. You should avoid betting over 10% of your bankroll at any given time.
• Don’t bet on sports you don’t know: Betting on sports you don’t know much about usually leads to more losses. It’s always recommended to bet on sports you’re familiar with, as this can typically result in smarter wagering choices.
• Track your wins and losses: Keeping extensive records of every bet you place is a good way to easily calculate your current bankroll and potential profits. Well-kept records should feature the event you bet on, the amount of money wagered, the odds, and the result (win or loss).
• Rely on reputable online betting sites: Choosing reputable sports betting sites in Nigeria won’t improve your winning ratio, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an important tip. Opting for trustworthy sites will ensure that matches are fair, odds are competitive, and that your winnings are paid on time.
• Start with 1X2 bets and other simple wagers: Even though they don’t have the highest odds, 1X2 bets are the best wagers you can place as a beginner. This is because they’re more simple and have less deciding factors.
• Avoid betting on your favorite team: It’s hard to be unbiased while betting on your favorite team, which is why many bettors avoid doing so. Beginners usually want to pair sports bets with the excitement of seeing their team win, although it doesn’t work that way most of the time.
• Search for the best odds: Not all online betting sites offer the same odds. As a bettor, you should use this as an advantage to search for sportsbooks that offer better/competitive odds.

Sports betting calculators

Sports betting calculators are useful betting tools that you can use to check the value of your bets, calculate the payout of parlays, and so on. The most popular types of sports betting calculators include:

• Value betting calculators: Value betting is a popular sports betting strategy that requires comparing the odds offered by a sportsbook and the probability of a specific outcome. If you can accurately calculate the probability, you can verify if the bets have value. Value betting calculators are used to convert probabilities into payouts.
• Parlay calculators: Parlays often have higher payouts because the odds of each event are multiplied. You can use this tool to quickly predict how much you can win from your parlays.
• Hedge calculator: Hedging is a strategy that requires betting opposite to your initial bet. A hedging calculator can help you find out how much you need to wager to turn a profit in case your initial bet loses.

The importance of comparing odds

Essentially, comparing the odds for the same event at different sportsbooks allows you to check which one offers the best deal. Although the differences between the odds are often small, choosing the best option adds up in the long run.

Let’s say a match between Manchester City and Manchester United has odds of 2.30 for the latter to win. If another sportsbook places the odds at 2.35, that corresponds to a 2% increase. That’s an additional ₦5,000 in profit if your original bet is ₦100,000, for instance.

Summary of sports betting in Nigeria

Sports betting offers exciting opportunities for bettors in Nigeria. Sportsbooks in the country are known for being highly competitive, providing bettors with thousands of monthly events, fair odds, and potentially rewarding bonuses, including free bets and risk-free bets.

To further add to their trustworthiness, betting sites in Nigeria are licensed by reputable commissions, ensuring the safety of bettors. Additionally, they feature fast and safe payment methods that allow you to fund your account or request a withdrawal instantly, but also strict responsible gambling policies.

Now that you know the best betting sites for Nigerians, all you have to do is choose your favorite and sign up for an account. You can also improve the way you bet by reading our top tips, using helpful resources such as sports betting calculators, and comparing the odds between different online betting sites.