The List of Betting Sites in Nigeria: July 2024
The position of the bookmaker in this list is determined on a commercial basis. The ratings on Match.Center are compiled as honestly and objectively as possible, so we indicate “Not for sale” to make it clear which are based on merit.
We evaluate bookmakers using a comprehensive 9-criteria matrix that assesses Technology & Product, Offers & Payments, and UX & Support metrics. For a complete breakdown, read the page: Scoring and ratings.
Is It Legal to Bet in Nigeria?
Yes, it is legal for anyone over 18 to gamble in the country. Online bookmakers must be licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) or the Lagos State Lottery Board (LSLB). The National Lottery Act of 2005 governs lotteries, games, and wagering. The Nigerian gambling industry is closely monitored to foster responsible gambling and protect the integrity of gambling practices. We’ll keep you updated on legislative changes and innovations.
Betting in Nigeria: What You Need to Know
- Legality: The National Lottery Act of 2005 and the Lagos State Lottery Law of 2004 govern gambling activities in the country.
- Licensing: A bookie must be licensed by either the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) or by the Lagos State Lottery Board (LSLB).
- Taxes: Nigerian punters do not need to pay taxes on winnings
- Protection Measures: Bookmakers should implement anti-underage gaming measures, self-exclusion options, deposit restrictions, and contact information for responsible gambling helplines.
How We Rank Sports Betting Sites in Nigeria
Our assessments of betting sites in Nigeria are based not only on the subjective views of one analyst or team. Our method combines expert insights with quantitative analyses.
Therefore, some bookies may have lower ratings than elsewhere, usually for one of the following reasons:
- We give priority to punters and don’t “give away” better-ranking positions.
- Our knowledge of industry best practices and deep understanding of bookmaker operations worldwide sets high standards.
- Our attention is solely on the quality of wagering offerings. The presence of casino games, bingo, or lottery options does not enhance a sportsbook’s ranking.
During the review process, we analyse five key parameters, assigning scores on a scale from 0 to 5 or from 0 to 10. The cumulative average determines the overall position of the platform. Bookmakers who excel in any particular area get a special shout-out.
- Technology & Product: Our assessment includes market coverage, live streaming features, and the accessibility of the mobile application.
- Offers & Payments: The team evaluates bonuses, the ease of financial transactions and the variety of available payment methods.
- Convenience & Support: We rate the ease of account creation, the quality of customer support, the clarity of legal information, and the site’s navigation.
We didn’t take into account:
- Online reviews. Our judgements are based on first-hand experience rather than online reviews, which can be influenced by bots or unhappy customers.
- Market reputation. We don’t pay attention to the brand name. A well-known name does not guarantee superior service. Some smaller platforms may offer exceptional customer care, while larger organisations may prioritise casinos over sports betting.
- Partnerships. The integrity of Match.Center’s rating is maintained regardless of whether the site is a partner or not.
For example, have a look at our team’s choices for the leading wagering apps:
App | Operating System | Navigation | Notifications | Security | Personalisation | Features | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bet9ja | Android/iOS | 5 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 19 |
1xBet | Android/iOS | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 21 |
Betking | Android | 4 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 15 |
22Bet | Android/iOS | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 19 |
Betway | Android/iOS | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 17 |
Betwinner | Android/iOS | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 18 |
Melbet | Android/iOS | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 12 |
Full Evaluation Example: 1xBet Sportsbook
Rating | Comment | ||
---|---|---|---|
Total score | 8,6 | ||
Product and technology | Betting line | 10 | Over 40 sports, many events and markets. High odds. |
Application | 10 | Full-featured Android/iOS app. | |
Live streams | 10 | Numerous live broadcasts. | |
Payments and Promos | Transaction methods | 7 | A standard payment method selection and average deposit amount. |
Welcome offer | 6 | The large bonus amount, but complicated wagering requirements. | |
Regular promos | 9 | Wide range of promos for regular customers. | |
Convenience | Registration and support | 8 | Convenient sign-up and support contacts are easy to find. |
Legal information | 10 | Detailed information about terms and licences is available. | |
Navigation and interface | 7 | Convenient platform, but navigation can be tricky for beginners. |
Match.Center’s Ranking of the Best Bookmakers in Nigeria
Based on the nine aspects we’ve examined earlier, here are the top 5 platforms:
- 1xBet
- Betway
- Bet9ja
- Betwinner
- Melbet
Main advantage | Bookmaker | Player profile for whom it is recommended |
---|---|---|
Best for betting on NPFL | Betwinner | Stake on Nigerian football. Prefer tote wagering. Look for a fast sign-up. |
Many wagering options | Betway | Seek a variety of football markets. Interested in different sports. Wager on cyber disciplines. |
Leader in broadcasting | 1xBet | Choose well-known international websites. Watch sports streams. Use promos for regular customers. |
Reliable national brand | Bet9ja | Pick a trusted Nigerian brand. Often bet on outrights. Participate in prediction contests. |
Many promotions | Melbet | Seek promos for existing and new customers. Bet on football. Look for high odds. |
Analysis of the Best Bookmakers in Nigeria 2024
Sports wagering in the country has been growing steadily due to the government’s favourable position towards gambling. The best NG bookies have a lot of methods to attract new customers, including welcome bonuses and other promos, live streams and so on. The top 5 platforms you can find here offer the best service.
1xBet – Huge Number of Streams
- Minimum Deposit: ₦100
- App: Android/iOS
- Welcome Bonus: 300% up to ₦145600
- Number of Sports: 40+
This bookie offers many betting options, with nearly 1500 markets for top-tier football. Its main advantage is the live section, which includes numerous events with detailed statistics and broadcasts.
Betway – Wide Range of Outcomes
- Minimum Deposit: ₦100
- App: Android/iOS
- Welcome Bonus: Not available
- Number of Sports: 30+
On this website, you can choose from numerous markets, including 300+ options for the NBA. Betway also provide different offers such as Boosted Odds and weekly incentives with the Free Play Friday promo.
Betwinner – Top for Nigerian Football Betting
- Minimum Deposit: ₦250
- App: Android/iOS
- Welcome Bonus: 200% up to ₦100000
- Number of Sports: 40+
As one of the industry leaders, Betwinner has over 200 outcomes for top NPFL matches. On this site, you can bet on football with various features such as “The Big Game”, with a chance to refund a lost stake.
Melbet – Large Number of Promos
- Minimum Deposit: ₦250
- App: Android/iOS
- Welcome Bonus: 100% up to ₦100000
- Number of Sports: 40+
On this platform, punters can wager on a wide range of sports, from football to surfing. The site offers its customers numerous promotions, including weekly incentives and special offers, such as the “No Goal” reward for Champions League games.
22Bet – Many Boxing Events
- Minimum Deposit: ₦250
- App: Android/iOS
- Welcome Bonus: 100% up to ₦207500
- Number of Sports: 35+
The site is the best choice for boxing wagering, with nearly 100 fights available and 100+ outcomes for popular events. 22Bet is also noted for its large Esports section, with many broadcasts available.
Best Nigerian Bookmakers
In addition to reviewing international sites, we will provide you with detailed information on the best bookies in Nigeria with local ownership, that have emerged as serious contenders to the global leaders. There are 3 of them: Bet9ja, Wazobet, Nairabet.
Bet9ja – National Leader
- Minimum Deposit: ₦100
- App: Android/iOS
- Welcome Bonus: Not Available
- Number of Sports: 25+
As one of the most popular websites in Nigeria, Bet9ja is noted for its wide selection of outright stakes, where you can predict the NBA winner, La Liga champion and so on. The bookie also has a convenient betting app.
![Main Page](https://cdn13118.templcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/image-6634900369b8b-a1bdb8bcbe.png?v=1714720772)
A disadvantage for new punters is that Bet9ja lacks a welcome offer.
Wazobet – Regular Bonuses for Active Customers
- Minimum Deposit: ₦100
- App: Android
- Welcome Bonus: 110% up to ₦55000
- Number of sports: 20+
Although the site is more casino-orientated, you can stake on over 20 sports here. Wazobet ranks among the best bookies for promotions, including enhanced odds, birthday bonuses and cashback offers.
![Best Odds at Wazobet](https://cdn13118.templcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/image-6634905520d2e-a1bdb8bcbe.png?v=1714720853)
The site’s drawbacks include the lack of streaming and apps.
Nairabet – Reputable Nigerian Brand
- Minimum Deposit: ₦100
- App: Android
- Welcome Bonus: Up to ₦22000 in Free Bets
- Number of Sports: Near 25
It provides numerous sporting events, including cyber disciplines and virtuals. This wagering platform is notable for its promos like daily NBA Free Bets risk-free wagers.
![Live Section](https://cdn13118.templcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/image-66349098ad84e-a1bdb8bcbe.png?v=1714720921)
The site does not offer streaming services, which is a major drawback.
Best Betting Sites by Category
The Match.Center team has expertly reviewed top bookmakers using the key features listed below. We have pinpointed 5 sportsbooks that deliver superior service, making them the best options in Nigeria.
Bookie | Bonus | App | Broadcasting | Min. top-up | Min. payout |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1xBet | 300% First Deposit Bonus up to ₦145600 | Android/iOS | Yes | ₦100 | ₦550 |
Betway | — | Android/iOS | Yes | ₦100 | ₦100 |
Betwinner | 200% First Deposit Bonus up to ₦100000 | Android/iOS | Yes | ₦250 | ₦550 |
Bet9ja | — | Android/iOS | Yes | ₦100 | ₦1000 |
Melbet | 100% First Deposit Bonus up to ₦100000 | Android/iOS | Yes | ₦250 | ₦100 |
Five Simple Steps to Choosing a Reliable Bookmaker
Our suggestions will help you choose the right NG betting site using one of the two methods or a combination of both, depending on your preferences. You can choose a bookie solely based on our recommendations. Alternatively, select a website using the algorithm we have developed for this purpose.
- Check out our top-5 selections, noted for their ease of use and wagering services.
- Examine the target player profiles of bookmakers in our top-5 to understand their focus.
- Look at the “Rankings” section below for more tailored choices.
- See the beginning of this article for a complete list of all licensed sportsbooks.
- Additionally, check the platforms’ reviews to find those offering welcome bonuses.
Rankings Based on Criteria and Player Profile
For Beginners
- Betwinner – One-click registration.
- Melbet – 24/7 phone support.
- Nairabet – Simple site navigation.
Best Product
- Bet9ja – Best mobile app.
- 22Bet – Top platform for live wagering.
- 1xBet – High-quality broadcasts.
Bonuses and Promotions
To determine the best rewards, we focus on how easy they are to claim and how simple it is to withdraw your winnings. Our evaluation considers different types of promotions, available payment options, etc.
- 1xBet – Welcome reward up to ₦145600 on first deposit.
- N1 – Refund up to ₦500000 if you lose a wager, no rollover required.
- Betking – Within 14 days of signing up, receive 10% of your ₦500+ stakes daily up to ₦44000 in Free Bets.
What Sports Can You Bet on in Nigeria?
Football, basketball and boxing are some of the most popular competitions among Nigerian punters. Below you will find a list of betting sites in Nigeria that offer the best services for wagering on these sports.
Football
- Betwinner – Best for wagering on NPFL.
- 1xBet – Streams from major tournaments.
- Melbet – Many outcomes for popular games.
Basketball
- Betway – Wide range of options for top events.
- Bet9ja – Many outrights for basketball.
- Nairabet – Special promos for NBA.
Boxing
- 22Bet – Huge number of fights.
- Betway – Cash Out available for boxing.
- Melbet – Over 100 outcomes for major events.
How to Choose a Bookmaker on Your Own?
- Choose a licensed sportsbook from our selection. At Match.Center, our focus is exclusively on bookmakers with a Nigerian licence. On the website itself, information about the licence can be found at the bottom of the page or in the “About Us” section. Wazobet Licence Info
- Before top-up, check the site’s terms page or go to the “Payment Methods” page to see the payout policies. It’s crucial to know the specific rules for withdrawing funds from your account. Payment Methods at Betwinner
- Some Nigerian bookmakers offer applications for those who prefer mobile betting. Search for an Android/iOS icon or a download prompt that usually appears at the top of the screen when accessing the site on a mobile device. Apps Icon at 22Bet
- You can view the site’s interface in the “Live” section, which is often the most advanced part of the site. Assess the quality of infographics, how statistics are presented, and whether live streaming of your preferred sports is available. 1xBet In-Play Section
In Conclusion
We’ve reviewed legal international and Nigerian bookmakers and developed ratings to help you find the best ones quickly and accurately. Top betting sites in Nigeria such as Betwinner and Melbet usually offer welcome deposit bonuses and plenty of promotions for existing customers. The widest range of competitions and market options can be found at 1xBet or Betway, which also offer live streaming of the main events, making them a top choice for all punters. Among local bookies, we can highlight Bet9ja, which offers a convenient mobile app and competitive odds for popular sports like football.