Best Betting Sites in Nigeria 2022

According to Nigeria Sports Betting Sector Report 2021/2022, up to 60,000,000 Nigerians aged 18 to 40 are actively betting on sports events. Spending on sports betting reaches 2 billion GBP every day and 730 billion a year, which is a massive part of the country’s economy.

This volume of sports betting is driven by the growth of the online industry and the use of the internet and smartphones in Nigeria, young people’s desire to make money, and a high interest in sports events, including the resumption of football tournaments, so popular in Nigeria.

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission regulates the activities of online and offline bookmakers and all betting sites in the country. It issues licenses to companies developing betting in the country.

This means that new betting sites in Nigeria are increasing. In parallel with the Commission-licensed bookmakers, there are companies with a European license.

This also expands the gambling market and attracts new customers to the best betting sites in Nigeria.

Which Are The Best Betting Sites in Nigeria?

The choice of a bookie becomes a severe challenge for the Nigerian bettor. Modern bookies in Nigeria offer their clients an online service, numerous bonuses and promotions, advanced mobile applications, and deep line painting tailored to Nigerian sports fans’ preferences.   The best betting sites Nigeria should provide the client with effective rates of all types and high coefficients and decent support service, fast payment of winnings by a convenient payment method, and the possibility to place them in Nigerian currency.   In 2021, there are dozens of legal betting sites in Nigeria with cash out – for example, Nairabet, Naijabet, Bet9ja, Merrybet, Surebet247, Supabets, Lovingbet, Skybetnaija, Betway, Melbet, 22bet, Bet365, Betwinner, Betfair, and others.   Nigerian bettors choose between betting sites available in Nigeria with national and European licenses, create accounts on new betting sites, and increase bets’ volume.

However, before registering, it is always important to carefully select a best betting site in Nigeria, taking into account many factors. Today the most popular brands in Nigeria are these 5 sites – read about new bookmakers in Nigeria below.  

Bet9ja

Bet9ja is a company with a Nigerian license. In the 7 years of its existence, the bookmaker has attracted millions of customers with its quality service, sponsorship of the Nigerian National League of Football, and a handy mobile application. The Bet9ja website serves only Nigerians and accepts payments in local currency.

Pros and Cons

BetKing

It’s a Nigerian brand launched in 2018. It bases in Lagos and has a Nigerian license. Due to modern tech it has a lot of benefits. The brand specializes in sports betting, virtuals and other sport products. So, it has no poker or casino games.

Pros and Cons

BetBonanza

It works since 2014 and provides a safe gaming to Nigerian players. It has a Nigerian regulator’s permit to organize entertainment. The brand has a lot of sports events and markets. You can benefit form 600+ submarkets in football using that brand’s offerings.

Pros and Cons

Double Bet

The brand is open since 2007 and managed to earn an excellent reputation. It’s a British website developed good offerings for sport fans. If you are a fan of English football, than you can earn on it’s markets. The platform offers lines on all English matches literally.

Pros and Cons

Melbet

Melbet is a bookmaker with a European license from Curacao. This license gives bettors the advantage of a welcome bonus of up to 100,000 Nigerian nairas. A simple website interface and a successful application will allow to place stakes on football, basketball, tennis, and other sports.

Pros and Cons

  Offers from other betting sites in Nigeria are also interesting, and every bettor can find the most attractive ones. Choose a bookmaker based on the feedback and the strategy you will use for stakes.

How We Compare And Review Betting Sites?

To make it easier for you to choose a bookie, we recommend using our experts’ criteria. Their experience in sports betting allows us to select only the best online bookies sites.   We use these parameters to ensure high quality:

1. Markets choice. For example, Melbet has a huge selection, and Bet9ja offers African leagues and events.
2. For instance, you may find competitive and gainful odds in BetKing and BetBonanza.
3. Bonuses and promos. Melbet has a great offers for Nigerian players.
4. Added features. For example, you can use bet builders, live streaming and other features at Melbet.
5. Comfortable navigation. I.e., Double Bet and BetKing have a nice thoughtful design.
6. For example, Bet9ja has a great mobile site comfortable for all mobile users.
7. All bookies in our list have high security standards.
8. Quality support – Melbet has an excellent support.
9. Payments – most bookies at the list offer dozens of comfortable systems for transactions.

Experience and Reputation

The bookmaker’s reputation is one of the best markers that characterize the company. We believe that a long history gives the bookmaker the experience and opportunity to correct mistakes made early and develop the business in line with customer needs.   We pay attention to how long the company has been providing services and prefer sites with 10 years or more experience. Modern new sites can also provide quality service and active lines, but they have not yet proven themselves in due course.   Another parameter that ensures reputation is a license. It is issued directly in Nigeria (the Nigerian Lottery Commission) and in several European jurisdictions (Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, etc.).   Information about the license must be placed on the home page of the operator’s website and contained:

• date and issue number;
• the address of the regulator;
• the legal address of the bookmaker.

  Suppose the bookmaker does not hold a license and hides information about it. In that case, this is direct proof of the bookmaker’s unreliability. All of the company’s experience in legal and financial matters is expressed in the User Agreement, which must also be present on the bookmaker’s website.   Always read it before registering so that there are no controversial questions about the calculation of winnings or bonuses, payments, or identity verification. The agreement must be as simple as possible and be as comprehensible. If one of the agreement’s provisions is in doubt, please contact the support team for clarification.

Quality of In-Play Betting Console

High-quality software and a decent website is vivid proof of the bookmaker’s reliability. A simple and user-friendly interface, fast navigation, and clear line will be the key to successful even with an inexperienced bettor. Most sites are available for preview and will allow you to evaluate the content, menu, and additional features.   A good site should be presented to a bettor:

• information about software developers;
• a menu with filters to select events;
• a free mobile application;
• various types of in-line betting – home and live;
• technical support;
• choice of payment methods for depositing and withdrawing money.

  We find out everything you need about the bookmaker’s website in advance, so you don’t have to spend a single minute on the analysis.

The Variety of Deposit & Withdrawal Methods

Nigeria’s Interbank Settlement System (NIBBS) has seen an increase in web payments in all life areas, including payments for betting services. It is, therefore, particularly important that the bookmaker offers a wide range of payment methods.   As a rule, bookmakers with a Nigerian license accept Nigerian naira, bookmakers with a European license accept dollars and euros. Betting is not accepted on credit, so the bettor is obliged to top up his account after registration.   The methods of making deposits and withdrawing winnings are most often the same. The account number must belong to the account holder. Only a few bookmakers allow withdrawing money to third party accounts. Bookmakers in 2020 offer to make deposits through:

• VISA and Nigerian cards;
• electronic wallets such as Sлrill or Neteller;
• bank transfers – we do not recommend this method; the transfers take a long time;
• mobile payments – M-Pesa, Airtel Money, EazyPesa.

  The amount of the minimum deposit and maximum withdrawal is specified separately by each bookmaker. This depends on the website’s internal rules (see user agreement) and the limits of the payment method.

Betting Offers & Free Bets

The wider the markets on the bookmaker’s website, the more interest fans have in him. The menu of popular websites may include from 3,000 or more sports events in various disciplines. Football alone is often represented by more than 1,000 chances.   In Nigeria, football, basketball, tennis, and horse racing are particularly popular among fans. All these sports must be represented in the lines. The top sites necessarily include not only world championships but also European matches, African and Nigerian leagues.   We also select betting sites in Nigeria with high odds for a variety of bets. The bettor can stake both before a match (single and multiple bets) and during a live game.   The betting market must be represented by the game’s overall outcome (total, victory or draw, more / less) and detailed (red cards, penalty kicks, who scores first, etc.). A bet is always accompanied by cash back-up, but some bookmakers allow free bets – rewards for participating in the promotion or registering on the website.  

Deposit Bonuses

The bettors registered on the bookmaker’s website receive a welcome bonus for their first deposit. Usually, it is +100% of the transfer amount. The minimum first deposit amount will be stipulated in terms of the promotion.   Welcome deposit bonuses are especially popular on sites with European license. The betting sites in Nigeria with welcome bonus allow new players to increase their stake and winnings. Remember that the bonus always has to be played back at the bookmaker’s odds and terms.   Regular users can also receive the deposit rewards. Betting sites in Nigeria with bonus run promotions in which you need to replenish your account, place a bet on a certain event, and then a bonus is awarded.  

Free Bets

Deposit bonuses are most often awarded as a bet at free betting sites in Nigeria. Bonus money is credited to a special bonus account, which can be used for betting. The bettor’s winnings can be freely withdrawn to an external account. A freebie can be received as a gift for participating in a promotion or in a VIP program.  

VIP Loyalty Scheme

The loyalty program for Nigerian bettors is primarily attractive to bookmaker’s regular customers. For regular bets on large amounts or certain sports, the user is promoted in a system of levels developed by the betting company. Each level implies different benefits – gifts, exclusive service, unique promotions, freebies, and a higher percentage of cashback.  

Money-Back Specials

Some of the money spent is reimbursed most often by bookmakers with a European license. Nigerian bookmakers are restricted by law both in terms of the welcome bonus and the payment of cashback.   You can receive the money once a week or once a month (see the bookmaker’s rules). They make up 10 – 20% of the money spent on bets. Cashback cannot be withdrawn without wagering. Money must be bet on any sport, and the winnings will already be available for withdrawal without any limits.

Round The Clock Customer Support

If the bettor has a question during the bonus or withdrawal process, he has the right to apply for support. Experienced Nigeria betting sites provide all the tools to contact the moderators:

• online chat on the official website;
• email;
• telephone number;
• social media page.

  You can also contact technical support using the mobile application. Operators work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are ready to advise on cooperation, registration, and confirmation of identity, work with deposits, and any difficulties encountered during the betting process.

Outstanding Complaints

Bookmaker customers do not always receive a prompt response and leave complaints on various websites. We track negative feedback and recommend that players who have problems with the bookmaker contact not only the website support team.   Bettors from Nigeria, who are registered with a Nigerian licensed betting company, have the right to apply to the Nigerian Lottery Commission for settlement of their dispute with the betting company. It will be more difficult to settle disputes with foreign jurisdictions. Always read the bookmaker’s rules and the dispute settlement clause before registering on the website.

Emerging Features in Online Sports Betting

Modern betting is developing and providing customers with all new services and functions. Online betting sites in Nigeria and their maximum payout are being improved, application developers are being involved, and possible payment methods are being expanded. Rates are becoming available and simple.  

Mobile Betting

In Nigeria, by 2017, 84% of the population had mobile phones. Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission confirms that 122 million Nigerians are active internet users. The high speed and low cost of the mobile internet force bookmakers to develop mobile betting applications. Mobile applications are convenient because they work autonomously.   You can download a mobile application on Android, iOS, or another operating system’s smartphone for free on the betting company’s official website. Operators working with a Nigerian license will also offer SMS rates if the mobile phone does not meet the application’s characteristics. In this way, bets can be placed anywhere in the country and even without being linked to the internet.   The applications allow full use of the best bookies in Nigeria’s services:

• to register and undergo identity verification;
• replenish your account and withdraw money using any method you choose;
• participate in promotions;
• bet on sports – all betting lines will be saved, including live;
• communicate with technical support;
• to get acquainted with the results of matches, game statistics;
• use your personal cabinet – keep track of your betting history and account status.

  Mobile betting application – a handy betting tool if the bettor is on a regular trip or does not want to miss a good betting odds.  

New Banking Methods

Mobile payments are particularly popular in Nigeria. While a stationary computer is not always available, a smartphone allows deposits using the M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, Halopesa, and EazyPesa systems.   More than 28% of Africa’s population makes payments in this way. In addition to mobile payments, other payment methods are also being improved.   Today, you can pay not only by bank transfer or cash but also by these methods:

• web wallets – Skrill, Giropay, Neteller, and others;
• bitcoins and other cryptic currencies;
• ecard, Trustly, Interswitch, and InstaDebit systems.

  Choose a payment method that has been proven for years or an innovative payment method depending on your own preferences, commissions, and limits of the payment system.  

Social Betting

By 2020, betting is no longer the business of singles, who meticulously gather information and keep it to themselves in order to win with confidence. Today, bettors from all over the world communicate and share information with colleagues.   Social betting makes it possible not only to check published insider data against official forecasts and make bets based on them. Many bookmakers even hold contests for the most accurate forecast and encourage clients to make successful predictions. Bookmakers and bettors communicate with each other.   Most betting sites in Nigeria provide customer service not only in English but also in other national languages. It is easy for bettors to find general topics to discuss in online chats on the bookmaker’s website or to share their opinion on the best bet in sports news discussions.   Look for sites that encourage social betting. It will allow you to find new like-minded people, adjust your forecasts for the match, and win more.  

Football Betting sites in Nigeria

Nigerians love and appreciate football. Fans do not miss a single match in the FIFA and UEFA Championships, the National Football League, or the African League. Bookmakers respond by expanding the list of football events.   Today you can bet on real matches, cyber football, and virtual matches based on a random number generator. The market for betting on football is growing depending on the importance of and interest in the event. Bettors bet on each team’s exact score and score, victory or draw, double chances, and score more / less, the team’s passage to a new round or their win in the championship.   Betting companies also offer narrower bets – on red cards, penalty kicks, goal writers, and offsets. Bets on football in Nigeria are becoming more and more interesting with the introduction of live bets and online broadcasts.  

Live Betting and Streaming

Live betting attracts connoisseurs of thrilling experiences and the most gamblers. Today, a bettor only needs to log on to the site during a match, go to the live menu and join the thousands of bettors who watch the game, change odds, and place bets.   The bets during the match differ by changing odds and are not fixed. When events on the pitch affect an outcome’s odds, the bookmaker changes the odds for a higher or lower odds. The bettor’s task is to catch the best odds on the most likely outcome, and the result of the bet will be known immediately. There will be no more waiting for months.   The bettor’s additional convenience is the online broadcast of the game directly on the bookmaker’s website above the betting line. Bettor watches the game and puts without switching between the different tabs, is not distracted, and is more focused. Live betting requires a skillful and strategic approach; it is dynamic and available even in a mobile application.  

Decentralized Betting

For a long time, the calculation of odds, winnings, and their calculation remained the bookmaker’s sole domain. The bettors had virtually no access to the financial calculations of the company they registered with. This caused contradictions and doubts about the bookmaker’s honesty. The betting approach was changing.   Blockchain technology makes the calculation of coefficients and the calculation of winnings extremely transparent. At the same time, the relationship between the bettor and the all betting sites in Nigeria is independent of internal wrong-doings.   Simultaneously, some bettors have begun to develop platforms that have nothing to do with the bookmaker’s website. Players can choose their own event, form outcome ratios, and play against each other without the bookmaker as a paid intermediary. New technologies are changing the betting world and making sports betting in Nigeria even more exciting.

What to Look For When Opening a New Bookmaker Account?

The bettors have the right to register with several betting companies in Nigeria at the same time and to place bets with them in parallel.   It is important to consider before creating an account on a new website:

1. whether you have a European or Nigerian license. Some bookmakers own both licenses, which is an added benefit to their reputation and provides the bettor with better protection from gambling law;
2. quality software, an intuitive interface, and a convenient search and filter system;
3. choice of sports events, a large football betting market, and less popular sports;
4. availability of all types of bets in the home and live;
5. specifics of the user agreement and terms of cooperation with the bookmaker;
6. the work of the support service;
7. convenient and modern payment methods, acceptance of payments in local currency;
8. promotional offers and bonuses with detailed wagering conditions.

  Before registering, read the reviews of other bettors as well as bookmaker ratings on our website.