Nigeria is known for its diverse flavors in local cuisine and its incredible biodiversity, particularly of butterflies. It is also one of Africa’s largest oil producers, leading to a booming economy that has outclassed all other countries on the continent.
The locals are recognized for their witty sense of humor, vibrant energy, and ability to enjoy life while working together to grow the country and each other. Something else that they enjoy in their spare time is trying their luck at gambling.
With an estimated 60 million Nigerians engaging in gambling, the industry grew to be worth more than approximately $2 billion in 2019. This amount is significant, considering the first online casino in the country launched just six years prior and gambling in general was only legalized in 2005 with the passing of the National Lottery Act. The act, which provided a lottery in the region, also undid the laws prohibiting gambling and online gambling.
The condition for online gambling is that any online casino must be fully legalized and hold an official license. Playing in an unlicensed casino online is still wholly prohibited.
Since the new law was passed, many excellent, secure, and unique online casino sites have sprung up that allow Nigerian players to gamble. Below are some of the very best where you can try and win big if you’re in the country.
22bet
22bet is a well-established casino brand offered in multiple locations worldwide. The site, launched in 2007, is owned by the TechSolutions Group. It is also licensed by two governing bodies, the Government of Curaçao and the UK Gambling Commission.
With over 1,100 games on offer, 22bet has something for everybody. This includes slots from some of the biggest developers in the industry, like Betsoft, NetENT, and Pragmatic Play. Alongside this as numerous table games offering roulette, poker, and blackjack. The live dealer section of the site also lets you engage with real-life dealers as you play.
The site is known for paying out winnings within one to two days—a hallmark of a trustworthy online casino. It also has a dedicated mobile application, which is excellent, considering Nigeria has an estimated 169 million mobile phone users.
For payments and withdrawals, the site supports all major providers like Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and Neteller. It also supports cryptocurrencies, which are becoming increasingly common with online casinos.
Betway Casino
Established in 2006, Betway Casinos is one of the forerunning brands when it comes to gambling online—which is clear from its review on casinos.com. The casino has a wealth of experience in the industry and a proven track record of happy customers across the years.
Paying winnings in less than three days, the casino supports all major payment methods—the most prevalent being Visa and Mastercard. It is also fully licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission.
When it comes to games, you’ll be sure to find something to pique your interest. The site offers the latest titles from providers like Microgaming, NetENT, and IGT (International Game Technology). It also features a spectacular live casino powered by Evolution Gaming.
Aside from casino games, which can be accessed through a dedicated mobile app while moving, the site also offers sports betting. As sports betting is the most popular form of gambling among Nigerians, Betway’s quality sportsbook makes this site one you can’t miss out on.
1XBet
Operated by 1X Corp in Caracao, 1XBet was launched in 2011. The Curacao eGaming Authority fully licenses the site, and it has built a solid trust relationship with customers over its many years in the industry.
Aside from offering thousands of great casinos by providers like Play’n GO, Pariplay, and NetENT, the site also provides live casinos. Here, you can play the best live table games, which let you interact with live dealers and other players.
The site also offers an excellent sportsbook that is an asset for Nigerian players who love soccer as much as they love opportunities to win money. The sportsbook gives you the best odds on several sporting events and even supports live betting for some sports.
All these great features can be accessed via the main website or through the dedicated mobile app. You can also access quick payouts and deposits using several popular payment methods. These include Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Neosurf, and even crypto like Bitcoin and Litecoin.
Bet9ja
First available online in 2013, Bet9ja is one of the few online casino sites owned and operated by Nigerians. It is headquartered in Lagos and offers many fantastic services due to its intimate understanding of what local players want.
The site has a mobile application for players on the move and is operated by KC Gaming Networks Limited. The website holds a license issued by the Lagos State Lotteries Board—part of the governing body regulating all gambling within the country.
The site has many games that will catch your eye—including some traditional Nigerian-themed slots you’ll be pressed to find anywhere else. A live casino option also lets you experience the thrill of gambling with other players.
Deposits into your player account can be made using several local payment providers. Amongst these are card payments for Visa and Mastercard, QR code payment, O-Pay, Polaris Mobile Deposit, and GT Banks USSD. The site also processes withdrawals quickly, so you can enjoy your winnings soon after claiming them.
The standout feature on the site, however, is the international-standard sportsbook. Here, you can find many incredible sporting events to wager on. Each bet offers excellent odds, and you can even enjoy live betting on sports like football and hockey.