USSD Codes betting sites

Several of the best bookies in Nigeria have implemented USSD as a payment option for their platforms, enabling customers to make deposits, wager, and even withdraw funds without the use of data or an internet connection. The Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) protocol is used to send SMS-like text messages. You can deposit money into your sportsbook account using your cell phone and a USSD code given by your bank.

It might be challenging to make USSD payments to and from your sportsbook account, especially if you’ve never done it before. You’ve come to the right place if you’re unsure of how to make a deposit or withdrawal on a betting site utilising the USSD technique amongst some of their top payment methods.

How to bet with USSD Codes

To bet with USSD codes, you will need to have your cell phone number linked to your account. It will also need to be the same number that’s registered to your bank account. There are several banks and financial institutions in Nigeria that support USSD payments, including CoralPay, GT Bank, and Fidelity.

Deposit with USSD Codes

While different banks and bookies have slightly different USSD code deposit methods. The basics are generally the same across all bookmakers. Depositing funds into USSD codes sport betting sites is a simple process. To do so, follow these steps.

1. Go to the account section of your bookmaker’s site and click the Deposit option.
2. Select USSD and your preferred bank*.
3. You will be given a USSD code and instructions.
4. Enter the USSD code (a string of numbers and symbols) in your phone’s Dial Pad and press the Call button.
5. Follow the USSD prompts on your mobile screen.
6. Enter your OTP and/or bookmaker user ID.
7. Confirm your transaction.
8. Check your bookie account for your deposited funds.

USSD code deposits are normally instant but could take as long as a bank transfer to reflect in your bookmaker account. If your deposit isn’t instant, or you have any deposit issues, contact customer support for help.

*You may be asked to input your deposit amount before you are given the USSD code mentioned in step three above.

Cash out with USSD Codes

Withdrawing or cashing out funds using USSD codes follows different processes on the different bookmaker sites. Processes on the same site might also differ depending on the financial institution you use. However, they are all pretty similar, so this guide is a universal one.

You can withdraw funds from your bookmaker’s site by following these steps.

1. Visit the account section of the bookie’s site and click on Withdraw.
2. Add your bank account to your profile by entering the required information*.
3. Select your withdrawal method and bank to get the relevant USSD code.
4. Enter the relevant USSD code into your phone’s Dial Pad and press Call.
5. Follow the USSD prompts on your mobile’s screen.
6. Confirm your withdrawal.

USSD codes may only work or be processed during the banks’ working hours. You will need to check times and fees with your financial institution.

*Some bookies require you to first add your bank account before going to the withdrawal section.

Limits of USSD codes on sportsbook sites

The phone number used while using a USSD code to transact on your USSD code sport betting site must match the one both the one registered on your bank account and the one you have saved in your sportsbook account. Here’s a closer look at the deposit and withdrawal limits imposed when you use USSD codes.

Deposit limits with USSD Codes

Due to their connection to banking organisations, USSD codes frequently have low minimum deposit requirements, which can be as low as ₦1 for some selections at bookmakers like Bet9ja. The bookie you choose to bet with sets the limit at their discretion.

Cash out limits with USSD Codes

For the same reason above regarding deposit limits, USSD codes often have very high withdrawal limits. If they have any limits, it’s usually because the bookmaker has set a limit and not the payment provider. Since USSD code transactions work through financial institutions similar to bank transfers, your withdrawal may take a few days to show in your account.

Reasons to bet with USSD Codes

There are several reasons why we would recommend that you try transactions using USSD codes to deposit or withdraw from your favourite bookie. Here are our top three.

No internet connection needed

Since USSD codes work on your mobile device like an SMS, you do not need to be connected to a site or even have data to deposit or withdraw funds. All you need to have is your normal network coverage and the relevant USSD code to transact.

High withdrawal limits

Similarly to bank transfers, the withdrawal limits associated with USSD codes are often non-existent. If there is a withdrawal limit attached to your preferred USSD code payment provider, it’s usually very high and set only by the bookmaker. Bet9ja, for example, allows users to withdraw up to ₦9,999,999 per transaction.

Low minimum deposit limits

Since USSD codes are associated with financial institutions, they often carry very low minimum deposit limits, which can be as low as ₦1 for some options at bookies like Bet9ja.

Do we recommend this method?

We do recommend using a USSD code to deposit and withdraw money to and from your bookie if it’s your preferred payment method. Those that prefer doing payments from their mobile phone or the convenience of not needing data to transact may find this payment method very useful.

You don’t even need a smartphone like you would need for Nigerian mobile betting apps – any mobile device will do. The process is simple and offers users a step-by-step approach to cellphone or mobile banking. There is nothing wrong with USSD codes, however, they do pose some restrictions.

They often carry fees on every transaction (even though they may be small fees). There are fees charged by the network provider you use and by the bookmaker. Also, finding the right USSD code may be tedious if you don’t have them saved or written down somewhere.

This payment method is secure and there is no way that anybody can use it to access or interrupt your funds unless they get hold of your phone and have access to your unique bookmaker USSD code, so make sure to keep both safe.