Nigeria Best Betting Sites

Gambling Laws in Nigeria

The first step to gambling is to check the legality status of the online betting site. Even before that, it is essential to understand the gambling laws set in the jurisdiction to ensure your bets are legal within the country/state.

Is Betting Legal?

The first question to many bettors is if betting is legal in Nigeria. The straightforward answer is that it largely depends on the betting form. Chapter 22 of the Nigeria Criminal Act Code defines gambling and splits the country's legal and illegal gambling forms. In our case, sports betting is legal in the country, with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission overseeing and regulating every betting activity. The Lagos State Lottery Board is another body tasked to license and regulate betting in the country. Generally, all online betting sites in Nigeria licensed by the two organizations are legal to bet on.

Besides the online sites, betting houses are also legal in the country. Under Chapter 22 of the Nigerian Criminal Act Code, subsection 3 of section 239 allows betting houses to operate, provided they only offer betting services. The law continues to direct all betting operators to use totalisators while registering bets and use the same while dividing the total bet amount to winners.

Below is a look at some requirements to get a sports betting permit:

• Payment of the application (non-refundable) and processing fee: 2,000,000 Naira.
• Minimum share capital: 30,000,000 Naira.
• Planned games and events details: Sportsbook, live betting, and virtual games.
• Director's name and profile, among other key personnel details.

How to Start Betting?

The first requirement to start betting in Nigeria is to meet the age requirement set at 18-years-old. If you meet the condition, you can pick one selection on our list of betting sites in Nigeria and create an account to start betting.

The next step is depositing after registration. In most cases, the deposit will trigger a welcome bonus that new customers can enjoy. Also, members should ensure the deposit meets the limits set out, which might differ per the sportsbook.

After that, the player will have a list of all the sports, and different markets will be available for every event selection made. One is required to choose their preferred markets, with every selection automatically updating the bet slip. After the player is satisfied with the selections, they can enter the stake on the bet slip and confirm the bet.

Side note: Some bookies may provide incentives to help make up a good selection. For example, some may offer previews into the game, betting tips, head-to-head records, among others. It will play a huge role, especially to the inexperienced bettors.

Top 9 Bookmakers in Nigeria

1xBet

1xbet renewed online sports betting site

IxBet is among the top online sportsbooks that has a wide events base of more than 1000+ daily events and an ever increasing customer base. It strives to provide a smooth yet amazing betting experience to all of its players. In lieu of this, it has recently upgraded its online betting site as well. It also covers a wide variety of sports and offers a round the clock support service.

Pros & Cons

1xBet Sign-Up Process

It offers up to 3 ways for you to sign-up with the online betting site. These are by using your mobile number, your email and also a 1 click sign-up. You can also enter a promo code at this step, in case you have any. You also get to choose if you wish to claim the sports betting welcome bonus at the same step.

1xBet Sign-Up Nigeria

1xbet Mobile App

1xBet has launched secured and competitive mobile apps for Apple iOS as well as Android users. The link to download the respective apps can be found on the official website. Furthemore, it has also given the option to send the same link to your mobile phone. The apps have the necessary features built in to promote easy betting.

1xBet Nigeria Mobile App

1xBet Bonuses and Promos

This sportsbook provides a long list of bonuses and promotions. It offers a welcome bonus of up to $150 on the 1st verified deposit. Along the way, it offers no risk bet bonus, monthly accumulator bet bonus, birthday bonus and also up to $500 in case you face a series of losses in betting.

Sportsbook payment methods

The payment methods available at 1xBet with 0 service charges are:

Melbet

Sports betting services from Melbet

Melbet is another top online betting site in Nigeria. It was licensed and established in 2012 and has been active as a sportsbook ever since. It has been trusted by its users for timely and correct payouts, high odds and wide selection of betting sports and events as well. It also offers a professional customer support team to assist every user.

Pros & Cons

Melbet Sign-Up Process

The registration process with Melbet requires only 1 step. However, you as a new user are free to choose between signing up by email, by phone number or by any social media profile. Nonetheless, a one click sign up option is also available. With this sportsbook, you can also choose which registration bonus would you like to avail post registration.

Melbet Nigeria Sign-Up

Melbet Mobile App

Melbet offers a variety like no other when it comes to mobile app sports betting. You can choose from Android mobile app, Windows desktop app for laptop and desktops and also app for your Mac. It also offers a dedicated Opera browser version for mobile browser betting with the site. 

Melbet Nigeria Mobile App

Melbet Bonuses and Promos

With bonuses as well, there is a long list of lucrative rewards. It offers a welcome bonus of €30, a 1st deposit bonus of approximately €110, a birthday bonus and also a members only weekly bonus of up to €100. You can also opt for an accumulator of the day bonus to increase your winnings by 10%.

Sportsbook payment methods

The acceptable payment methods at Melbet are:

22Bet

Established in 2017, 22bet is a growing and among the best legal betting sites of Nigeria. Following the passion of its players, this online sportsbook claims to have created a perfect platform for punters. It offers over 1000 daily events, maximum coverage of sports leagues for betting and also a detailed yet easy to use interface.

22bet sportsbook homepage for sports betting in Nigeria

Pros & Cons

22Bet Sign-Up Process

22Bet offers 2 modes of registration with the sportsbook. One is through email and the other one is through Nigerian mobile number verification. In each of the cases, it is a simple form asking for a maximum of 5 fields. Also, it allows usage of a promo code in case you have one with both of the registration modes.

22Bet Nigeria Sign Up

22Bet Mobile App

22Bet has launched official mobile apps for its users operating Android as well as Apple OS. The link to download these apps is available on its website. Both of these apps have the capability to allow its users to place a bet, watch live matches and also withdraw their earnings. 

22Bet Nigeria Mobile app

22Bet Bonuses and Promos

The online sports betting site of Nigeria offers a sports welcome bonus of up to N5000 for all its new players after a successful 1st deposit. For existing players, it offers a weekly reload bonus of up to N40,000, accumulator bet boost bonus and even a losing streak bonus among others. 

Sportsbook payment methods

The payment methods available at 22Bet are:

Betway

Sportsbetting homepage of Betway

Betway is a sports betting platform with its headquarters in Malta and an operating license obtained from the Gambling Commission of Great Britain. It is among the top betting sites of Nigeria and is known for a long list of sports available for betting, prompt support, and active support towards responsible gaming. 

Pros & Cons

Betway Sign-Up Process

The registration process with Betway is a comparatively lengthy one as it collects every necessary information at this 1st step itself. As a part of this process, it asks for your personal details such as your name and date of birth. The next section, asks for your account details and lastly your contact information as well. You can also decide if you wish to avail the sports welcome bonus or not.

Betway Nigeria Sign-Up

Betway Mobile App

Betway has also launched official Apple iOS mobile apps for its players. The iOS app is suitable for iPad and iPhone and iPod touch devices with OS version 11.0 and higher. A similar app is provided for Android users as well and the link to download the app can be found on its official website.

Betway Nigeria Mobile App

Betway Bonuses and Promos

Betway offers a fabulous welcome bonus of €100 for every new user on a minimum deposit of €50. Once you start betting with the platform, you can check out more sports specific bonuses with distributed rewards in free bets and account deposits. Betways also promotes international league bettings and dedicated bonuses for every winning bet.

Sportsbook payment methods

The acceptable payment methods at Betway are:

Bet9ja

Bet9ja sports betting homepage

Bet9ja is the trusted and highly appreciated online sportsbook in Nigeria. It is the registered trademark of KC Gaming Networks Limited and is licensed by the State of Osun. It offers its services to the registered users of Europe and Africa. Although it is a user oriented betting site, it also promotes responsible gaming ensuring uninterrupted entertainment of its players.

Pros & Cons

Bet9ja Sign-Up Process

It is a simple process to sign-up with Bet9ja in 3 simple steps. 

• Click on the ‘register’ button on the official website and you’ll be redirected to the registration page.
• Fill in the basic and mandatory details to create your account.
• Click on ‘Create My Account’ and it's done.

Bet9ja Nigeria Sign-Up

Bet9ja Mobile App

Bet9ja tries its best to provide a seamless betting experience to all of its players. In lieu of this, it has also launched the sportsbook mobile app for Android users. Apart from this, a mobile version of the official website has been crafted as well. With this, its players never miss out on any betting opportunities, even on the go.

Bet9ja Mobile App

Bet9ja Nigeria Mobile App

Bet9ja Bonuses and Promos

One of the many reasons that Bet9ja is among the top betting sites in the country is due to its amazing bonuses. It offers the largest welcome bonus in Nigeria of up to N100,000. That’s not it. This sportsbook also promotes a multiple boost bonus of up to 170% and a Cut 1 bonus where you are eligible for actual winnings even if 1 game cuts.

Bet9ja Sportsbook payment methods

Some of the deposit and withdrawal methods acceptable at Bet9ja are as follows:

Betking

Betking online sportsbook betting homepage

Betking is emerging as a reputed online sports betting brand in Nigeria. It is licensed by as many as 4 licensing authorities including the National Lotteries Board. It also offers its agency services and offers offline betting services as well. However, it is ranking among the top betting sites for its faster payouts and premium as well as transparent betting options to its customers.

Pros & Cons

Betking Sign-Up Process

The registration with Betking is a simple 2 step process that asks for a mobile number as well as email of the signing customer. Apart from this, they ask for personal details as similar as possible to the ones mentioned in their bank accounts. This is said to be done to avoid issues at the time of fund transfers. 

Betking Registration

Betking Mobile App

Betking does not offer an official mobile app yet. However, it does offer an optimized mobile version for its players to continue with betting from whenever and anytime.

Betking Nigeria Old Mobile App

Betking Bonuses and Promos

Betking offers a variety of bonuses for all of its users. For the new ones, it offers a welcome bonus of up to N100,000 after a successful 1st deposit. It also offers an accumulator bonus of up to 225% with 40 maximum selections. 

Sportsbook payment methods

Some of the available payment methods at Betking are:

Merrybet

MerryBet online sports betting website

MerryBet is yet another online sportsbook in Nigeria. It has been in service since 2013 and has been offering fastest payouts, best odds and betting options on all major sports events of the world. It also provides secured services and reliable customer support which has now been extended over Whatsapp as well. 

Pros & Cons

MerryBet Sign-Up Process

The sign up process with Merrybet can be done in a single step. Simple click on the Register button of the website and a form will open up. Fill the basic details for account verification and bank details for completing the registration. Submit the details and you are good to get started with online sports betting.

MerryBet Mobile App

Although, the official app has not been launched by Merrybet. Yet, it has created optimized versions of the platform suitable for smartphones and tablets. It has also launched a further lite mobile version as well.

Merrybet Nigeria Mobile Apps

MerryBet Bonuses and Promos

MerryBet does not offer any bonuses or promotions for any of the sports events on its platform. However, it does offer a cash back offer under which up to 5% of betting stakes are rewarded back to the users. For this, the minimum betting amount is N200 with minimum odds of 1.5.

Sportsbook payment methods

A few of the acceptable payment methods with Merrybet are:

Access Bet

Access bet sports betting services

Access Bet is yet another platform for sports betting in Nigeria; although it also plans to extend its services to the world. It aims to offer a seamless online betting experience for passionate players. It also promotes responsible gaming, live betting and also offers secured, controlled as well as fair betting arena for all of its customers.

Pros & Cons

Access Bet Sign-Up Process

In resonance with its aim, the sign up process with Access Bet is simple and requires only 2 steps. For you as a new user will have to register with your phone number and is advised to use the details which are in sync with your bank. While this ensures hassle free payouts and deposits, it also makes account verification fast and easy.

You will also have to explicitly choose to opt for a deposit bonus to be eligible to claim it post account verification.

Access Bet Mobile App

Access Bet does not have a mobile app. But to promote sports betting with ease, it has launched a mobile version of its site with all the necessary features to carry out betting.

Access Bet Bonuses and Promos

Access Bet has a long list of active promotions. A few of them with outstanding rewards include a 100% 1st deposit bonus, free bets of N500 on first 5 bonuses, basketball daily freebet bonus of N500, Cut 1 permutation promotions and even a 25% deposit bonus for Europa League Match day.

Sportsbook payment methods

While Access bet does not charge any commissions on the payments, here’s a quick reference to the deposit methods available with the sportsbook:

Nairabet

Niarabet sports betting homepage

Nairabet is another growing sports betting site in Nigeria. It is licensed and regulated under National Lottery Regulatory Commision of the country. It has built a reputation for its prompt customer services, a wide range of sports available for betting and also an remarkable prominent betting experience on the platform.

Pros & Cons

Nairabet Sign-Up Process

Nairabet offers a single step registration process which is distributed in 2 modes. While every new customer like you creates his/her own credentials, he or she can choose between mobile verification and email verification to identify themselves. Once done, you are all set to complete your profile and get started with online sports betting.

Nairabet Nigeria Sign-Up

Nairabet Mobile App

For the ease of online sportsbook betting, Nairabet has launched an Android mobile app for all its registered customers. The file to download and install the app can be found on the official site. Furthermore, the app is well equipped with features of the website to bet on all sports and related matches.

Nairabet Nigeria Mobile App

Nairabet Bonuses and Promos

Nairabet tries to offer best of offers for all its active users. It provides several profitable bonuses to increase winnings such as bet builder that allows as many as 10 different selections. It also offers accumulator bet bonus as goalless draw and 1 game cut promotion to win from a prize pool of N200,000.

Sportsbook payment methods

Here’s a brief of the payment methods provided by Nairabet:

Sports Betting in Nigeria

Football

Nigeria Football Team

Football is arguably the biggest sport in Nigeria, with a considerable following thanks to the big names such as Jay-Jay Okocha lighting up the sport in the past. It explains why there are numerous football betting websites in Nigeria. So, what parameters does one look out for in a sportsbook offering football? The first major aspect is the betting options available. It stems from the football leagues/events and the markets on board. The leagues should range from local to international, including Nigeria Professional Football League, Nigeria National League, Africa Cup of Nations, English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, French Ligue 1, Spanish La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Europa League. Having extensive markets coupled with a variety of bet types increases the betting opportunities.

Popular football markets include match results, double chance, both teams to score, correct score, and half-time/full-time.

Basketball

Nigeria Basketball Team

Nigeria basketball has been rising, with the national teams (D'Tiger and D'Tigress) posting great results against top teams. It will also be interesting to note that Giannis Antetokounmpo, the current NBA MVP, is of Nigerian descent, explaining why the sport has gained attraction. Besides betting on the local basketball events, Nigerian bettors can also bet on popular NBA events on the best sites. Top sites offer competitive odds, betting options & markets, and features such as live betting and live-streaming.

Boxing

Boxing is another sport offered on most betting sites, and like basketball, some top names in the industry, such as Anthony Joshua, have their roots tracing to Nigeria. His influence in boxing has motivated many Nigerian boxers, while at the same time creating interest in boxing betting in the country. As a result, bettors can place wagers on either amateur or professional boxing bouts on either division. Among the betting markets include total rounds, winning methods, outright winner, and round betting.

The trick behind boxing betting is gathering the best tips, including the fighter's recent form, size, and strength.

Athletics

Nigeria Athletics

During the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, athletics betting has been high globally, including in Nigeria. The highlight of athletics is that bettors have plenty of events to bet on. Every event provides several betting markets that bettors can capitalize on. And just like with other sports, the best sites will allow online betting before and during the events. Finally, athletics betting doesn't call for loads of expertise. As a result, many inexperienced/new bettors can bet on the events.

Sports Betting Apps and Features

The majority of top Nigeria online betting sites boast mobile apps to ease the convenience and accessibility of the members. As a result, bettors can easily access sports and markets anywhere at any time. The apps should be tailored in a way that makes them easy to download and interact with. This stems from the lobby design and the sorting tools to facilitate quick selection of the events. Finally, the app offers services as would be on the desktop. For example, members can claim bonuses, process payments, and contact for support through the app.

While the app is one standout feature, other features to expect on the best sites include:

• Live-betting: Also called in-play. It involves betting on live events, with odds updating depending on the scores. The highlight is that bettors can benefit from the enhanced odds for good payouts.
• Cash-out: It involves taking an early payout from an active bet. This may be to save part of the remaining stake or to stop further risk by locking profits.
• Live-streaming: It involves watching the events live either on the desktop or mobile phone. In most cases, the sites will require users to have a loaded account to view the events live as they happen.
• Bet Builder: Allows bettors to make multiple selections from one event/sport, with the sportsbook calculating the odds.
• Odds boost: It involves matching the requirements set by the bookie to have the odds boosted, translating to huge returns.

Best Bonuses & Promotions

Bonuses & promotions are primary incentives to look out for on any online betting site. The best sites understand the concept and ensure to attract and retain bettors in equal measure. This means that new and existing bettors should have their needs catered to. But there is more to bonuses & promotions. Firstly, the value of the bonus will determine how players join the platform.

Additionally, the conditions behind the bonuses & promotions will also play a significant role. In a nutshell, the best sites in Nigeria are those with high-value bonuses and favorable terms & conditions. The conditions may include specific wagering requirements that highlight the number of times the deposit, bonus, or both must be played through for the bonus and its winnings to be withdrawn.

The most common bonuses to expect on the betting sites are placed in two main categories. They are:

• Deposit bonuses: These are bonuses that require a deposit to trigger them. They are valued highly and are matched up to a certain percentage in most cases.
• No deposit bonuses: These are bonuses that do not require any deposit to trigger them. On the flip side, they are not valued highly.

With that in mind, the popular bonuses to enjoy on the online betting sites in Nigeria include:

• Welcome Bonus: Designed for new members immediately after sign up. In most cases, the welcome bonus is a deposit bonus.
• Reload Bonus: Designed for regular members to award them for consistent betting. In most cases, an accumulation of a certain amount of bets can trigger the bonus.
• Cashback Bonus: Designed to refund bettors a small amount of their stake if their bet loses.
• Accumulator Bonus: Designed for users who meet the requirements. For example, a bookie might add the bonus to the winnings after betting on at least five (5) different sports selections.

Banking Options

The banking section also plays a crucial role in how the best online betting sites are graded. As is the norm with other international sites, the preferred site will offer the most popular banking options that are easy to use, fast, and secure. The ease of use cuts across a payment method that is popularly used in the jurisdiction and one that is convenient to many. The security question comes on how the platform secures the financial details. In most cases, the best sites will use SSL encryption technology to ensure every transaction is secured. Finally, bettors will prefer an online betting site with the fastest banking options. The ability to quickly deposit is one to capture bettors, especially those interested in live betting.

Then comes the part to deposit and withdraw funds from the account. Most betting sites will provide the service from the 'Banking/Account/Cashier' section, with others providing the service from 'deposit' and 'withdraw' options. What's vital is to match up the requirements (minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal).

The Nigerian sports betting industry accepts two major types of payments. One can make an online deposit/withdrawal via desktops and mobile apps or make an offline deposit/withdrawal via a betting house, bank facility, or ATM.

Below is a look at the popular online payment methods in Nigeria:

Other popular Nigerian banking options available for players include:

• Interswitch;
• Verve;
• Perfect Money;
• Paystack;
• First Monie.

Popular banks accepting bookie payments in Nigeria include:

• Stanbic IBTC Bank;
• Sterling Bank;
• Access Bank;
• FCMB;
• Fidelity Bank;
• Union Bank.

Of interest is the availability of e-wallet options that guarantee instant transactions. Neteller and Skrill are among the e-wallet methods accepted in most betting sites in Nigeria. A notable miss is PayPal in many betting sites.

Deposit Options

While depositing, the best options to consider should be e-wallets, online bank transfers, and card payments for instant deposits. At the same time, bettors are advised to keep an eye on the amount they deposit. Large deposits will do better with some options compared to others. For example, bank options are more convenient in that regard. However, options supporting these kinds of deposits may not be instant.

Withdrawal Options

While withdrawing, many betting sites place the requirement of having the account verified. Once the account is verified, they can withdraw funds through many options listed in our guide. Like deposits, large withdrawals work well with banks and might take time before receiving the funds.