Online Betting in Nigeria: Laws, Sites & Payment Methods
Complete guide to legal online betting in Nigeria, licensed operators, and local payment options.
12 min read
Intermediate Level
16,840 views
Online Betting in Nigeria: Complete Guide
Nigeria has a thriving legal betting industry with proper regulation and numerous licensed operators serving Nigerian players.
Legal Framework
Online betting is legal and regulated in Nigeria by:
- National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) - Federal license
- Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority - Lagos state license
- Various State Gaming Commissions - State-level licenses
Popular Nigerian Bookmakers
- Bet9ja: Nigeria's largest local bookmaker
- NairaBet: First indigenous online betting platform
- SportyBet: Popular mobile-focused platform
- Betway: International operator with strong Nigerian presence
- 1xBet: Wide range of sports and markets
Payment Methods in Nigeria
Nigerian bettors have access to various payment options:
- Bank Cards: Verve, Visa, Mastercard
- Bank Transfer: Direct deposits from Nigerian banks
- USSD Banking: Quick mobile banking codes
- Mobile Money: Limited availability
- Online Banking: GTBank, Access, Zenith, UBA
Popular Sports to Bet On
- Football: Premier League, Champions League, NPFL
- Basketball: NBA, EuroLeague
- Tennis: Grand Slams, ATP, WTA
- Boxing: Major championship fights
- Virtual Sports: Very popular in Nigeria
Tax Implications
Nigerian law requires:
- 20% withholding tax on winnings above ₦5,000
- Tax is automatically deducted by bookmakers
- No additional personal income tax on betting winnings