Gambling has long been a popular pastime, however for those in Nigeria, online gambling is now bigger than ever, whether it be sports betting, casino games or bingo. This online gambling Nigeria page will outline the history of the industry, its benefits and available websites, perfect for those looking to get involved. We will begin by listing the best real money online gambling sites available to players in Nigeria today, which are either licensed by local or international authorities.
Top Real Money Online Gambling Sites
All are: 
Licensed & Verified 
Reviewed by Experts
Licensed & Verified Reviewed by Experts | Betbonanza | 100% up to ₦100.000 in Sports Betting | Cashback up to ₦50.000 on Virtual Sports Competitive odds The site is mobile compatible | Play Now |
 | 22bet | 100% up to ₦50.000 Welcome Bonus | Friday Reload Sportsbook Bonus First Deposit Bonus Weekly Race by 22Bet | Play Now |
 | Wazobet | 110% up to ₦50000 Welcome Bonus | Wednesday Boost Saturday Cashback Birthday Bonus | Play Now |
 | Bet9ja | 100% up to ₦100.000 Welcome Bonus | Nigeria’s most famous bookmakers Good selection in sports betting Local customer support | Play Now |
 | Betway | Get a 100% First Deposit Bonus | International Sportsbook Competitive odds Deposit N 100 or more and we’ll give you a 100% match up to N 100,000 as a Free Bet | Play Now |
 | Stake's Daily Races: $100,000 | $75,000 Weekly Giveaway Pragmatic Drops & Wins Join the VIP Club | Play Now | |
 | Parimatch | 120% up to 120,000 NGN | A wide array of betting market User-friendly mobile app Stream live matches on the go | Play Now |
 | Melbet | 200% up to ₦100.000K Welcome Bonus | Place Your Bets Without Using Data Bet & Win Bet Via the App | Play Now |
 | 100% Bonus on First Deposit up to ₦48000 | Android App Bet on NBA Fast & Easy Withdrawals | Play Now | |
 | 1xBet | 200% up to ₦100.000K Welcome Bonus | Virtual markets No charge for deposits/ withdrawals 24/7 customer service | Play Now |
 | Betwinner | 100% up to ₦100,000 Welcome Bonus | Incredibly wide offer No transaction fees whatsoever Beautiful design | Play Now |
 | Bet365 | 100% up to £100 Welcome Bonus | Huge number of football markets Generous welcome bonus Live streaming opportunities | Play Now |
 | 100% up to ₦47,694 Welcome Bonus | Good number of sports markets Competitive odds Variety of banking methods | Play Now | |
 | 888Sport | Get up to $1500 in the Welcome Package | Over 40.000 offers a day Great live betting options Good usability of desktop/mobile | Play Now |
 | WilliamHill | Bet €/$20, Get €/$20 | Leading bookmaker Huge number of sports markets Highly competitive odds | Play Now |
The History of Online Gambling in Nigeria
The West African country of Nigeria is now a significant player when it comes to online gambling, whether it be lotteries, slots or sports betting. Previously, gambling in Nigeria was relatively unregulated, despite the development of the Casino Taxation Act of 1965 and the Gaming Machines Act of 1977. However, gambling changed significantly in the 90’s, with a host of new laws having been introduced, mainly under the guidance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Taxes and Levies Act 1998, Casino and Gaming Law of Lagos State 2004 and National Lottery Regulatory Commission 2007.
Online Gambling in Nigeria is legal
Nowadays, various sectors within the gambling industry have been privatized, with gambling in Nigeria now being broken down into five separate categories, betting, lottery, promotions, slots and pools.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Government has now clearly defined just what is legal and illegal when it comes to gambling, with laws here coming under the Criminal Code Act of 1990. It is legal to gamble both offline and online when it comes to betting, lotteries, racing, pools and various casino games, including slots and table titles, while illegal activity includes anything that is definded as non-skill based. However, Nigerian law is still anti online casinos, meaning that players can only take advantage of internationally licensed websites, which is not the case when it comes to sports betting.
The Online Gambling Market in Nigeria
Local gambling sites must hold a license from either the Lagos State Lotteries Board or National Lottery Regulatory Commission in order to be declared legal, however with laws still being relatively strict, it will come as welcome news that there is nothing stopping players signing up on international platforms, who are regulated by authorities including the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission and Government of Cuarcao. As a result, gambling can be carried out online in Nigeria at any time, whether it be betting, casino games, lottery or pools in which you favour.
How We Rate Online Gambling Sites
With the number of gambling sites available to players in Nigeria increasing rapidly, finding that platform which best suits your needs can be difficult. When reading our gambling site reviews, it will become clear as to the fact that our experts have thoroughly tested bookmakers and casinos, taking into account the following factors in the process:
Trust/Security
While gambling sites must be licensed by a respected authority in order to be declared as legal in Nigeria, players must also be sure that a potential platform is 100% trustworthy and secure too. Security measures including SSL encryption and firewalls should be in place, while sites that have been independently audited by respected organisations should be held in high regard.
Markets/Games
The best gambling site for you will be one in which caters for your needs when it comes to markets or games. So, if you are looking to bet on English Premier League football matches or progressive jackpot slot casino games, be sure to sign up on a site which performs well here.
Bonuses
Gambling sites attract players in part with their bonuses, which include free bets and ongoing promotions. While a deposit or other requirements are normally needed in order to qualify, bonuses and other promotions will increase your chances of winning on gambling sites.
Customer Support
Ideally, players operating at gambling sites should be in a position to receive support throughout the day, with the very best platforms offering 24/7 care, whether it be via live chat, email or telephone. Meanwhile, gambling sites will often provide detailed FAQ pages, meaning that additional support is sometimes not required.
Usability/Mobile
Gambling sites must also be easy to use and efficient, whether it be on desktop or mobile, with a significant number of players in Nigeria placing bets and playing games when on the move. This can be achieved developing a clever and fast design and interface, which ensures that players favourite markets, games and features can be accessed in seconds.
Payment Methods
Popular online payment methods in Nigeria include PayPal, Skrill and Neteller, along with all major credit and debit cards. As such, gambling sites today must ensure that the needs of potential customers are met when it comes to depositing and withdrawing funds, which includes speed and fees.
Benefits of Online Gambling
It is no fluke that online gambling has become so popular, with players being in a position to take advantage of a number of benefits in which bookmaker, casino and poker sites provide. Undoubtedly the biggest advantage for online players is the convenience of gambling sites, with all markets and games being found on one platform, saving a trip to your local high street bookie in the process. Players are able to easily move from betting on their favourite sports team to wagering on a slot game in a matter of seconds, something which would otherwise not be an option.
Elsewhere, players can also take advantage of the regular promotions that are introduced on gambling sites, including generous welcome bonuses, which provide customers with the perfect platform to build upon. Casino sites also often come with a VIP program, which rewards loyal players, while those operating on betting sites will receive free bets from time to time.
On top of this, online casinos and betting sites have great variety today, with table limits and markets to suit all types of player. Gambling sites really do deliver everything in which players could possible need, with features including bonuses, live streaming, cash out and progressive jackpots only making them all the more appealing.
What Type of Online Gambling Exists in Nigeria?
Online gambling in Nigeria today is very broad, with a host of options being available to players. Online gambling Nigeria generally consists of sports betting, casino games and bingo, which we will now discuss in greater detail.
Sports Betting
When it comes to online gambling in Nigeria, sports betting is undoubtedly the biggest market, with players being able to stake on teams and players from around the world. Football is particularly popular when it comes to gambling in Nigeria, while basketball, cricket and rugby also attract the attention of punters.
While the likes of Betland and Bet9ja were among the high street bookies in Nigeria to accept bets, online gambling has now taken over, with hundreds of local and international sites catering for punters, including SureBet247, 1XBet, 888Sport, NairaBet and BetBonanza. Both pre match and live betting markets are available to players today, with Bettingsites.ng delivering nothing but the leading and most reliable bookies.
Casino
Meanwhile, despite casino games at Nigerian online gambling sites being banned, players can still utilise the offerings from international platforms, which include slot, table and live dealer titles from leading software providers.
Nigeria Casino Online
A large number of offshore casino sites are now available to Nigerian players, with some even accepting payments in Naira, as well as offering 24/7 support, significant jackpots and free to play games.
Bingo
Bingo is growing in popularity when it comes to online gambling Nigeria too, with the online version of this popular game dating back to 1996. Random number generators are used in order to keep things fair, with many online casinos now offering variants of bingo on their sites. Interaction between players when it comes to bingo is another major selling point, with thousands of players in Nigeria regularly hoping that their numbers are drawn.
How to Start Online Gambling
Before you can start gambling online, there are some steps that must be taken by players, with each being important to ensure that you get the most out of your time, as well as that you are gambling on a secure and reliable platform. First things first, find a gambling site which offers what you are looking for, whether it be sports betting, casino games, bingo or something else.
This process can be helped by checking out our reviews, as well as potentially taking advantage of some of the free to play games available online today, which are perfect for beginners.
Having found the right site, it is time to sign up, which involves providing your personal details, including your full name, email address and date of birth. All of the sites discussed at bettingsites.ng are 100% reliable and secure, so there should be no concerns when it comes to your safety.
Next, select a payment method that is quick and free to use, with it being our recommendation to use the same option for both depositing and withdrawing funds.
What are the Requirements of Online Gambling
In order for Nigerian players to get involved in online gambling, there are some important requirements, with the most important being that you are aged 18 or over, with this being the legal gambling age in the country. Secondly, a solid internet connection is required, whether you are operating on gambling sites on desktop or mobile, with there being nothing worse than losing winnings because of a lost connection! Finally, online gambling is only likely to be an option for those with significant disposable income, with it not being recommended to get into as a way of paying your bills.
Our Real Money Online Gambling Tips
In order to give yourself the best possible chance of being successful on real money online gambling sites, the following tips should be taken into consideration:
- Where available, take advantage of free to play games. Doing so will provide a much clearer understanding of how games work, especially when it comes to online casinos.
- Be sure to take advantage of the bonuses and promotions offered by bookmakers and casinos, with those which come with realistic wagering requirements and terms and conditions being especially appealing.
- Place bets on markets in which you have a good level of knowledge about and play games which you fully understand the rules of, providing the best possible chance of winning.
- Be sure to carry out research before signing up at an online gambling site, including reading our bookmaker reviews, feedback from existing customers and browsing the sites themselves.
- Remember that online gambling is about fun first and foremost, with winning money being of secondary importance. So, stick to set limits and quit while ahead.
Mobile Gaming and Gambling Apps
As we have already mentioned, online gambling sites in Nigeria understand the demand for mobile gaming, meaning that bets can be placed and games played on mobile friendly websites and apps. In fact, mobile versions of gambling platforms are now almost identical to their desktop counterparts, making the transition for players an easy one. Any gambling site worth its weight in gold today will ensure that their games are available using mobile devices, with players needing a Wi-Fi connection, 4G, 3G or LTE connection in order to gain access. Meanwhile, the majority of games require no additional downloads, with instant play being available to iOS, Android and Windows customers.
Online Gambling FAQ
When it comes to online gambling Nigeria, the following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by players:
Is online gambling in Nigeria legal?
Nigerian-based gambling sites must be licensed by either the Lagos State Lotteries Board or National Lottery Regulatory Commission in order to target local players, however international platforms are also available to utilise.
Can I play casino games for free online?
Yes! Many gambling sites provide free to play games or demo modes, perfect for players who are new to such platforms.
How Do I know that games are fair online?
All online gambling sites listed at bettingsites.ng are to be trusted, with bookmakers and casinos having strict security measures in place and valid licenses, as well as having been audited by leading independent agencies.
Can I gamble in Naira?
Some gambling sites will accept payments in Nigerian Naira, however internationally-based bookmakers and casinos are likely to only accept deposits and withdrawals in more widely used currencies.
Can bets be placed using mobile devices?
Absolutely! Whether it be on mobile-friendly gambling sites or dedicated apps, bets can be placed and games played when on the move, with an internet connection being required.
Do gambling sites in Nigeria accept PayPal?
An increasing number of gambling sites available to players in Nigeria now accept PayPal as a payment method, with the ewallet being both quick and convenient.
How long do withdrawals take at online gambling sites?
Players can get their hands on any winnings made anywhere between 24 hours to 5 days in most cases, with the exact time frame depending on the gambling site and the method of payment selected.
Can I win real money with online gambling?
Yes! Those placing successful bets or winning the jackpot at an online casino will be in a position to take home real money.
What is the best site for online gambling?
It is difficult to say just which online gambling site is the best, with players in Nigeria being able to sign up on a number of attractive platforms, each coming with their own benefits.
Online Gambling Nigeria Bottom Line
Online gambling is now big business in Nigeria, with several local and international sites being available to players, including betting, casino and bingo platforms, among others. With Nigerian laws surrounding gambling now being much clearer too, there has never been a better time to get involved, so check out the variety of sites available.