Sports Betting in Nigeria

Want to experience the thrill and excitement of online betting in Nigeria? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will break down how to get started betting in Nigeria

Online Betting Sites in Nigeria

Company bonusText turnover minOddsAction
#1
Bet9ja bonus
Bet9ja bonus
Bet9ja
5/5
Multiple Boost Up To 170%
turnover
N/A
minOdds
1.20
#2
1xBet bonus
1xBet bonus
1xBet
5/5
300% Bonus Up To ₦145,600
turnover
10x
minOdds
1.5
#3
Betking bonus
Betking bonus
Betking
4/5
Free Bet Up To ₦600,000
turnover
N/A
minOdds
None
#4
200% Bonus Up To ₦100,000
turnover
5x
minOdds
1.4
#5
22Bet bonus
22Bet bonus
22Bet
4/5
100% Up To ₦207,500
turnover
5x
minOdds
1.4
#6
Triple Bonus Up To ₦150,000
Bonus on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Deposits
turnover
4x
minOdds
1.40
#7
Betway bonus
Betway bonus
Betway
5/5
100% Bonus Up To ₦250,000
turnover
5x
minOdds
2.0
#8
100% Bonus Up To ₦10,000
turnover
10x
minOdds
1.50
#9
Wazobet bonus
Wazobet bonus
Wazobet
5/5
110% Bonus Up To ₦55,000
turnover
5x
minOdds
1.35
#10
N1Bet bonus
N1Bet bonus
N1Bet
3/5
Bonus on First and Second Deposits
turnover
N/A
minOdds
1.01

Sports Betting Nigeria

Table of Contents

In this guide, you will learn about:

  • The ins and outs of sports betting in Nigeria
  • How to get started sports betting
  • How to deposit money on a sports betting site
  • What sports you can bet on
  • How to make money on sports betting
  • The legality of sports betting in Nigeria
  • ... And much more
After reading this guide, you will be well-prepared to start your sports betting adventure in Nigeria

Whether you're completely new to sports betting, or just looking to brush up on a few details, you will find lots of helpful information in this article.

Getting into sports betting is easy, but it's important to grasp some basic concepts in order to maximize your betting experience. Read on and let us be your guide into the exciting world of sports betting.

In this article, you will find important information on how to start your sports betting journey and discover the best betting sites to join.

Which betting site has the best welcome bonus?

Where can you find the best sportsbook and betting options?

We will answer these questions and a lot more in the course of this article. So let's have a look at it!

FAQ About Sports Betting in Nigeria

Many of our readers have questions about sports betting. Here are some of the most common questions and our answers to them

⚽ How to start sports betting in Nigeria?

So you want to begin sports betting but not quite sure how to get started? Don’t worry. Getting started with online betting is simple and easy. We have written a short and sweet guide which will help you set up a betting account, make a deposit and get your welcome bonus so you can get started placing bets within the hour. You will find the guide below.

📜 Is sports betting legal in Nigeria?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Nigeria. You are permitted to bet on sports both online and in the many physical sports betting stores located all over Nigeria.

💳 How do I deposit money on a sports betting site?

Depositing money on a betting site is pretty straightforward, but the exact process depends on the type of deposit method you want to use. We recommend that you read more about how to make a deposit on a betting site further below in this article.

💸 Can I make money with online betting?

Yes, you can. Sports betting is not like a casino where the game is rigged against you. In sports betting, you have a fair chance of making some money depending on the outcome of the game.

Now, if you want to make money consistently, it will require a lot of research and study on your part. Making consistent profits with sports betting takes time and dedication, but it is something that everyone can learn to do.

🏆 What is the best online betting site in Nigeria?

This is a difficult question with no single answer. It depends very much on your personal preferences. Some betting sites are good in one department, while other betting sites are good at something else.

To help you find out which bookmaker is the best for you, we have written detailed betting site reviews which will tell you everything you need to know about a bookmaker, to determine if it is the right fit for you.

🌏 Can I use international betting sites?

Yes, you can use both international and Nigerian betting sites. There are no laws preventing you from using international betting sites.

💰 How do I get a welcome bonus on a betting site?

Most welcome bonuses are given when you make your first deposit on the site. Usually, the betting site will give you a percentage amount of your first deposit as a bonus.

The most common welcome bonus is 100%, which basically means that the bookmaker will double your money. With such a bonus, you will get a great start to your sports betting adventure.

🏧 Can I withdraw my bonus money?

Yes, but only on certain conditions. Each betting site has their own bonus terms (also known as wagering requirements) that determine when you can withdraw your bonus money. So we recommend that you read these wagering requirements carefully if you intend to withdraw your bonus money.

Our best sports betting articles

How much money do I need to start online betting in Nigeria?
23 January 2020

So you want to get into the wonderful world of online sports betting but aren't sure of how much money you will need to start? Well, the great news is that online sports betting does not cost much at all.

How to bet on NairaBet
10 March 2020

In this article, we will examine this betting site from a beginner's point of view and tell you how to use NairaBET in Nigeria.We will break down the registration process, tell you how to deposit money into your betting account and guide you on how to place your bets with the bookmaker.

Sports Betting in Nigeria

The extraordinary guide to online betting in Nigeria - read it before your neighbor!

In this guide, you will learn everything about how to get started on sports betting in Nigeria. Getting started is both fast, easy and cheap, so long as you follow the steps of this guide.

We will also take you through the process of funding your betting account so that you can join millions of Nigerians in betting on football, tennis, basketball and other popular sports. We love our football in this country, so be sure to discover the best football betting sites in this article!

Sports betting usually brings plenty of fun and excitement, but it is also very possible to make some money from betting. However, we strongly advise that you bet responsibly, and do not get caught up in the desperation to make profits from gambling.

Sports betting usually brings plenty of fun and excitement, but it is also very possible to make some money from betting

It is important to note that regardless of how experienced or knowledgeable you are, you cannot control the outcome of sporting events, and will often have to depend on a great deal of luck to win your bets.

Enough with the preambles, let us now get into the meat of the discussion! As promised, we are starting off from scratch, so let's begin by letting you know how to get into sports betting in Nigeria!

Getting Started with sports betting in Nigeria

Step 1: Find a sports betting site

Given the large number of bookmakers operating in Nigeria, finding a bookie can be a tough task, but we are here to simplify that process for you, and bring you the best betting sites in the country. There are several factors to consider before signing up with a bookmaker, one of the most important being the quality and range of the sportsbook.

What makes a high-quality sportsbook?

Ideally, you want a sportsbook with numerous sports and betting markets, giving you plenty of options to bet on. The best sportsbook not only cover a wide variety of sports, but also offer a great number of betting options. Our team of betting experts have gone through the bookmakers in Nigeria and picked out those with the best sportsbooks.

Most bookmakers offer some sort of welcome bonus to their new customers, so you want to look out for the different offers and go for the best option. Again, we have done all the hard work for you and selected the bookies with the most rewarding welcome packages for new customers.

Some other qualities you want to look out for before deciding to join a betting site include the quality of customer service, ease of navigation, deposit methods and withdrawal, bonuses and promotions, reliability and betting features like live betting, cash out and live streaming.

It is extremely difficult to find the perfect betting site that combines all of these qualities optimally, but after careful study, we have identified these three betting sites as the best all-round bookies for your betting adventure.

So without further ado, let's have a look at the best sports betting sites in Nigeria:

Betway

Perfect sports betting site for beginners

With its simple user interface and ease of navigation, Betway is the perfect bookmaker for beginners.

Everything about the Betway website is clear and precise, be it on PC or on the wonderful mobile app. So, if you are looking to start your betting adventure, and you want a smooth and uncomplicated entry into the exciting world of sports betting, please go ahead and sign up with Betway!

Betway offers an enticing welcome package that rewards new customers 50% of their first deposits as free bets.

Registration on Betway is as easy as A-B-C! All you need to do is provide a few basic details like your name, address, phone number and email, and you are good to go.

You can fund your Betway account in many ways, including via your ATM Cards and direct bank transfer. You will definitely find a method that is very convenient for you.

Betway also scores high in its welcome bonus package, as it offers new customers 50% of their first deposits as free bets. Basically, if you sign up with Betway and make a first deposit of N10,000, you will be rewarded N5,000 as free bets, subject to terms and conditions, and wagering requirements. The maximum cap on free bets is N20,000.

The Betway sportsbook is not as heavy as that on some of its main competitors, but it covers plenty of ground and is definitely great for beginners.

The key betting features like live betting and cash out are all there, while you will find plenty of bonuses and promotions to keep you going once you sign up. There is also a top notch customer service to attend to your questions or complaints.

If you are ready to go, sign up on Betway now, make your first deposit, claim your welcome bonus, and enjoy the rest of the ride!

Bet9ja

One of the best sportsbooks in Nigeria

Bet9ja is one of the foremost betting sites in Nigeria and arguably the most popular operator in the country. If you are looking for a betting site with an incredibly diverse sportsbook, loaded with the most amazing betting options, then Bet9ja is the bookie to go for!

A fat welcome bonus awaits new customers, with Bet9ja offering a 100% bonus on first deposits.

Nigerian bettors love Bet9ja because of its vast football market, featuring traditional betting options like match results, double chance, goals and handicap betting, as well as some more creative options like multi-correct scores, winning margins, cards, penalties, substitutions, and corner markets.

So if you are the type that likes to explore, sign up on bet9ja today, and check out the amazing betting options on the site. We can guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Bet9ja also boasts a very vibrant live betting service that covers a wide array of sports, while you will also find other betting features like cash out, odds surge, betmaker and a bit of live streaming on the site.

All of these wonderful features are neatly packaged into a smooth, easy-to-use website, making it a great place to begin your betting journey.

Starting off on Bet9ja is easy: Registration only requires that you supply some basic information about yourself, while the funding options are numerous and very convenient.

A fat welcome bonus awaits new customers, with Bet9ja offering a 100% bonus on first deposits. You will have to meet certain terms and conditions to unlock and activate this bonus. So what are you waiting for?

Sign up with this fantastic bookmaker to access the vaunted sportsbook and of course, that enticing welcome bonus!

Step 2: Open a betting account

Once you are done selecting your preferred bookmaker, the next step is to register on the site and open a betting account.

Signing up with a bookmaker is usually a very simple process. All you need to do is to produce a few basic information that often includes your full name, username, telephone, address, and email.

Some bookmakers require a lot more than these, for example, 1xBet, which demands a form of personal identification like national ID card or international passport number. Be sure you have all the information needed so that you do not get delayed and frustrated while trying to open a betting account.

Some sports betting sites may require more information from you the day you want to make a withdrawal - this is to comply with international anti-money laundering regulations!

The registration link is usually very easy to find on every betting site, and is normally labeled "Register" or "Sign Up". Once you open the home page, you shouldn't have any problems locating the link. Click on it, follow the instructions and create your brand new betting account!

All of the three betting sites listed in the previous section (Betway, Bet9ja and NairaBet) all have very easy registration processes, so you may want to start up with any of them.

Step 3: Deposit money on a betting site

After finding your bookmaker and opening your account, the next thing to do is to make a deposit into the account so that you can start betting on different sports. Again, just like the previous two steps, this is a very straightforward process.

All Nigerian bookmakers, and most of the foreign-based bookies like 1xBet, Betwinner and Betway allow customers to fund their accounts in Naira, while they also provide several payment methods for bettors.

It is then up to you to choose the method that is most convenient. There are so many ways of funding your betting accounts, the most popular being via ATM Cards and direct bank transfers, both of which you will find on most betting sites.

Some bookmakers allow you to pay via bank apps or USSD short codes, based on a prearranged agreement between the bank and the bookmaker. So, if you prefer this option, it is important to confirm its availability with your bookmaker and your bank.

Some payment methods come with additional service fees while others are free of charge. You can confirm this with the bookmaker before going on to make payments.

All Nigerian bookmakers, and most of the foreign-based bookies like 1xBet, Betwinner and Betway allow customers to fund their accounts in Naira.

You can also pay via online payment portals like Opay and Quickteller, while some bookies allow customer to customer transfer, which implies that a customer transfers funds from his own account to another person’s account.

A less popular way of funding in Nigeria is by cryptocurrency, but this is only available on foreign-based betting sites like 1xBet.

1xBet stands out with its numerous payments methods, with the bookie offering over 50 methods to Nigerian customers. On most betting sites, you will find all the available payment options by clicking a "Deposit" button on the home page.

Let us take Bet9ja for example and see the various deposit methods available on the site:

  • Instant Cards Deposit
  • QR Code Payment
  • Bank Instant Deposits
  • GT Bank Online (Mobile Transfer)
  • ATP Deposit
  • Quickteller Online Instant Deposit
  • Opay Deposit
  • Polaris Mobile Deposit
  • UBA Instant Bills Pay
  • GT Bank USSD
  • Providus Bank Collect Pro App
  • UBA USSD
  • Unity Bank USSD

Usually, you can check the terms and conditions governing each payment method before going on to make your choice. So find out if there's an extra service fee involved or there's a minimum/maximum funding limit before selecting your payment methods.

As you can see, it is almost impossible not to find a convenient way to fund your betting account, even if it means you have to borrow your friend's bank card or beg your brother to transfer funds from his own betting account to yours, if the bookie (and your brother) allows that!

So go ahead and fund your account, and dive into the wonderful world of sports betting.

Step 4: Obtain a welcome bonus

As mentioned earlier in this article, before selecting your preferred bookmaker, it is important to look out for the bookie with the best welcome bonus.

Everyone loves freebies, and a good welcome bonus allows you to build a nice early balance in your betting account and save yourself some betting expenditure in the future. So once you are done with the previous steps, go ahead and claim your welcome bonus!

The type and quality of welcome bonus differ from bookie to bookie, but the common practice is to reward new customers with a percentage of their first deposits. Some bookies go as high as 200%, while others stay at 50%. The most popular is 100%, in which case, the bookmaker matches the value of your first deposits.

Here is a list of all the welcome bonuses available in Nigeria:

Best Welcome Bonuses in Nigeria
Company bonusTextAction
#1
1xBet bonus
1xBet bonus
1xBet
5/5
300% Bonus Up To ₦145,600
#2
Betking bonus
Betking bonus
Betking
4/5
Free Bet Up To ₦600,000
#3
200% Bonus Up To ₦100,000
#4
22Bet bonus
22Bet bonus
22Bet
4/5
100% Up To ₦207,500
#5
Triple Bonus Up To ₦150,000
Bonus on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Deposits
#6
Wazobet bonus
Wazobet bonus
Wazobet
5/5
110% Bonus Up To ₦55,000
#7
N1Bet bonus
N1Bet bonus
N1Bet
3/5
Bonus on First and Second Deposits
#8
Betano bonus
Betano bonus
Betano
4/5
50% Bonus Up To ₦200,000
#9
100% Bonus Up To ₦100,000

Welcome packages are subject to certain terms and conditions, and wagering requirements, which again vary from bookmaker to bookmaker.

While some of these requirements are easy to meet, others are very difficult! So, make sure you study and understand these requirements before going ahead to register and fund your betting account.

Example of a wagering requirement

To give you an example of a wagering requirement, let’s look at the one that’s attached to the Betway welcome bonus.

To claim Betway's 50% welcome bonus, you must wager three times the value of your first deposit on any sports or jackpots market. These bets must be placed on minimum odds of 3, and must be done within 30 days of making your first deposit.

So, if you want to unlock your welcome bonus on the first deposit of N10,000, you must stake N30,000 on minimum odds of 3 within 30 days in order to access your welcome bonus of N5000.

One of the best welcome bonus packages you will find in Nigeria is that on 1xBet, which offers new customers 200% of first deposits.

1xBet

Best Welcome Bonus in Nigeria

1xBet is relatively new in the Nigerian market, but it has quickly risen to the top echelon of the betting industry in the country, and the reasons for that are quite obvious.

Apart from having one of the best sportsbooks you will find anywhere on the internet, 1xBet also offers a great welcome bonus to new customers. This has contributed greatly to the large movement of bettors onto the site.

1xBet offers a 200% welcome bonus on first deposits, which in other words means that your money will be tripled when you sign up and fund your account for the first time! Cool, right? We knew you’d like that!

Once you make your first deposits on 1xBet, the bonus is automatically credited into your account, but the bonus remains non-withdrawable until you meet the terms and conditions and wagering requirements.

Beyond the enticing welcome bonus, 1xBet has other great qualities. As mentioned earlier, the sportsbook is one of the best in the business, covering an incredible range of sports from different parts of the world.

1xBet also has one of the best online casinos, boasting thousands of games for your playing pleasure. You will find all the popular games, including online slots and table games. The only downside is that you may get lost in a sea of games!

That can be solved by an online consultant, who is always available at your beck and call via the live chat feature - one of the many ways in which the bookmaker serves its growing customers. The available payment methods for Nigerian customers are over 50, making it highly unlikely that you have any difficulty funding your account.

As you might have guessed, the betting features on 1xBet are top notch, and the site is adorned with so many great promotions and bonuses to reward new and existing customers.

If you haven't signed up with 1xBet, we recommend that you do that now and get yourself that juicy welcome bonus, and explore other wonderful offerings of the site.

Step 5: Start betting

Big congratulations to you if you have found your preferred betting site, opened your account, funded your account and claimed your welcome bonus.

You are now ready to start betting on different sports and events!
Is it possible to make money on sports betting?

Absolutely. You can make money from sports betting, but you will need a great deal of luck.

The best punters dedicate plenty of time to research and analyses before placing their bets. They study recent trends, history, form guides, head-to-head, and other important statistics before going ahead to back one of the possible outcomes.

Most bookmakers have stats pages, so you can have a look and see for yourself before investing your money.

While this does not guarantee success, it is definitely better than gambling wildly and blindly and increases your chances of winning. Again, you will need a great deal of luck to be successful as you do not control the outcome of sporting events, so please gamble responsibly.

What sports can I bet on?

You will find so many sports on different sportsbooks, but we Nigerians love to bet on our football, especially the top European leagues and major international tournaments like the World Cup and the European Championships.

However, the fun doesn't end with football, as you can also bet on other popular sports like tennis, basketball, boxing and many more.

Football Betting

Football is like a religion in Nigeria; hence, the sports betting scene is dominated by football betting, the rate of which has increased very sharply over the last few years.

Nigerians bet on the major European leagues and competitions like the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, as well as less popular leagues like the Maltese and Venezuelan leagues!

We also bet on major international competitions like the FIFA World Cup, European Championships and the Africa Cup of Nations, where we can back our darling Super Eagles!

The rise of football betting in Nigeria has been influenced by the massive influx of sports betting companies and the growing popularity of the European leagues.

Basically, Nigerians bet on everything and anything football, as long as it is available on the betting sites! We bet for the excitement, and for the money, and the betting cuts across every social and financial class in the country. It is, therefore, no surprise that the most popular bookmakers in Nigeria are the ones that offer the best football markets.

The best sportsbooks not only have the traditional football betting options like match results and goals betting, but they also offer vast betting options, taking the betting adventure to another level. So which betting site offers the best service to Nigerians?

Our team of experts has examined the different bookies and concluded that 1xBet is the place to go if you are seeking the best football betting experience.

300% Bonus Up To ₦145,600

With its enormous football market, spanning a wide range of countries and furnished with the most impressive betting options, 1xBet meets every existing football betting need you may have!

The betting site takes care of the basic markets, but it then delves into some more funky markets, offering punters the chance to bet on events like substitutions, penalties, cards, corners, shots, offsides, fouls, possession, individual player stats, and a lot more outrageous options!

1xBet is not just heavy on football betting; it is also well loaded in different sports, including tennis and basketball, which are also popular with Nigerian bettors. The only problem we foresee is that you may get overwhelmed by the sheer number of events and betting options.

Not to worry though, customer service is always on hand to point you in the right direction, and once you get the hang of the site, you will have the most wonderful betting experience.

So join the increasingly popular 1xBet betting site and discover the most magnificent football betting adventure!

Still not sure which sports betting site to join? Don't worry, the options are limitless. Here are some of the best betting sites in Nigeria.

We urge you to go through them and read each of the reviews, to gain a better understanding of each bookmaker.

Once you have found the sports betting site of your dreams, sign up and get started placing bets. We wish you the best of luck!

SPORTS BETTING SITES IN NIGERIA

Company bonusTextAction
#1
Bet9ja bonus
Bet9ja bonus
Bet9ja
5/5
Multiple Boost Up To 170%
#2
1xBet bonus
1xBet bonus
1xBet
5/5
300% Bonus Up To ₦145,600
#3
Betking bonus
Betking bonus
Betking
4/5
Free Bet Up To ₦600,000
#4
200% Bonus Up To ₦100,000
#5
22Bet bonus
22Bet bonus
22Bet
4/5
100% Up To ₦207,500
#6
Triple Bonus Up To ₦150,000
Bonus on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Deposits
#7
Betway bonus
Betway bonus
Betway
5/5
100% Bonus Up To ₦250,000
#8
100% Bonus Up To ₦10,000
#9
Wazobet bonus
Wazobet bonus
Wazobet
5/5
110% Bonus Up To ₦55,000
#10
N1Bet bonus
N1Bet bonus
N1Bet
3/5
Bonus on First and Second Deposits
Countries
x