Gambling and online casinos in Nigeria

Nigeria is the largest and fastest growing gambling market in Africa.

With a population of more than 220 million people and a high level of Internet penetration, the country has become the continent's leader in online gambling, sports betting and casino games.

Gambling is officially allowed here, and regulation is carried out by both federal and regional authorities.

Thanks to this, Nigeria has become one of the key centers of the iGaming industry in Africa, where legal companies coexist with offshore online operators.

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Historical context

Gambling appeared in Nigeria back in the colonial era, but in its modern form the industry began to take shape in the 1970s, when lotteries and bookmakers were legalized.

In the 1990s, the first casinos at large hotels began to open, and with the advent of the Internet in the 2000s, the rapid growth of online gambling began.

Today, Nigeria is the largest betting market in Africa, and the industry is estimated at more than $1.2 billion annually.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by federal law

National Lottery Act 2005, as well as regional state laws, especially Lagos and Abuja.

Main regulatory authorities:

• National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) - federal oversight;
• Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) - Lagos-level licensing;
• National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) - distribution of funds for social projects.

Control philosophy:

• lotteries, bookmaking and casinos are allowed;
• online gambling is legal with a license;
• age limit - 18 years and older;
• foreign operators are required to have a local partner;
• tax - from 10% to 20% of gross income.

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Legal forms of gambling

In Nigeria, almost all types of gambling are legal:

• casinos and slot machines;
• sports betting (online and offline);
• national and private lotteries;
• poker, bingo, keno and virtual games;
• online casinos and crypto platforms.

The main limitation is Islamic regions from the north of the country (for example, Kano and Sokoto), where gambling is prohibited under Sharia.

However, in the southern and central regions, gambling is completely legal.

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Casino and offline gambling

Land-based casinos in Nigeria operate under strict supervision and target both locals and foreign visitors.

The largest casinos in the country:

• Federal Palace Casino (Lagos) - the largest casino in West Africa, located at the 5-star Federal Palace Hotel;
• Emerald Casino (Abuja) - a modern casino with board games and slots;
• Nicon Luxury Casino (Abuja) - a prestigious place for business players;
• Le Meridien Casino (Port Harcourt) - casino at an international hotel.

The total offline gambling revenue in 2024 amounted to more than ₦150 billion (about $100 million).

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Online gambling

Online gambling is the main driver of the market.

With the proliferation of mobile Internet and financial technology, the number of players in online betting and casinos has grown to more than 60 million users.

Popular platforms:

• Bet9ja is the largest local operator;
• NairaBet is the first licensed online betting company in Nigeria;
• SportyBet, BetKing, MerryBet, Betway Nigeria are leading local brands;
• 1xBet, BetWinner, Stake, BC. Game - international platforms.

The average Nigerian player makes 2-3 online bets per week, and football bets occupy the largest share (up to 70%).

Payment methods:

• Paystack, Flutterwave, OPay, PalmPay - national fintech systems;
• MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Paga;
• Visa / MasterCard;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, Tron) for international sites.

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Economic importance

Gambling has become one of the largest non-state sectors of the economy.

Key indicators (2024):

• total market turnover - $1.2 billion;
• tax revenues - ₦80 billion (about $55 million);
• more than 50,000 jobs;
• online gambling share - 70% of the market.

Gambling supports sports and media:

• Bet9ja and SportyBet are sponsors of the Nigerian Premier League, and national lotteries fund educational programs.

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Cultural and religious context

Nigeria is a multiconfessional country where attitudes to gambling vary by region.

In the southern and central part (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt)

gambling is perceived as part of modern urban culture.

In the Islamic-dominated north of the country, gambling is considered a sin and online platforms are blocked by local authorities.

Nevertheless, online gambling is very popular among young people and office workers, especially in the format of betting on football and eSports.

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Prospects

Nigeria is well on its way to becoming an African digital gambling hub.

The government is preparing a legislative reform that will create a unified licensing system and introduce electronic taxation of online operators.

By 2030, it is expected:

• market growth to $2.5 billion;
• complete digitalization of regulation;
• integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain payments;
• exporting Nigerian iGaming platforms to other African countries.

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Nigeria is a leader in the African gambling business, where scale, innovation and loyal regulation combine.

The country has become an example of how competently legalized gambling can bring income, jobs and the development of the digital economy.

It rightfully ranks first in Africa in terms of the online gambling market and sets standards for other countries on the continent.