What You Should Know About Online Sports Betting in Nigeria

With millions of people in the country engaging in wagering activities on a daily basis, online sports betting is on a serious rise in Nigeria. Thanks to the increased access to mobile devices and stable internet connections, Nigerians find it easy to indulge in their favourite pastime.

The selection of online bookies is also amazing, and the players are constantly attracted to join new platforms and try out some unexplored games. If you are looking to try your luck with online sports betting in Nigeria, here is all the key information you should know about:

The State of Sports Betting in Nigeria

Wagering has been a popular habit among Nigerians for years, and with the new technological advancements (particularly in mobile telephony), its different forms have since proliferated outside of major metropolitan centres.

In 1990, the government passed the Criminal Act Code which legalized games of skill and allowed the population to enjoy lotteries, land-based casinos, and sports betting with minimum restrictions.

The strong passion for sports that has been present in the country for decades also boosted the interest in sports betting, and with much broader access to the internet, the industry’s growth skyrocketed. Today, there are around 60 million Nigerians who engage in sports betting, and many of them also see it as a way to connect with like-minded people, form connections, organize fan clubs and share experiences.

How to Find an Online Bookie

Finding a reputable bookie is the first thing you must do in order to start web-based betting in Nigeria, and although it may sound like an easy task, there are a few points you need to consider in the process of selection. Firstly, make sure you look into the platform’s reputation, especially when it comes to regular payouts.

Well-known bookmakers with lots of positive reviews like bet365 Nigeria will surely be able to pay you all the winnings and will do it in a timely manner, but there are some platforms you should be more careful with.

That is why you should always read about other players’ experiences before joining a site. Another factor to consider is the selection of games available. You don’t want to join a platform that does not support your favourite sports and leagues. Lastly, always make sure the platform is easy to use, and that they provide helpful and efficient customer support.

The Best Types of Bets

Check out some of the most useful types of bets you can place online:

Win or Loss

A win or loss bet is definitely the simplest type you can choose. All you need to do is pick two teams that are playing and bet on the one you consider more likely to win. Each team will have its own odds, and the team that is favoured at the moment will bring lower payouts in case they win. Although this strategy is one of the least profitable, it is great for beginners who are starting to explore online betting.

Over and Under Betting

Whenever you’re wagering on a game where they keep track of points, you can bet on a number that is above or under the estimated total. If you pick football, for example, you could put your money on the option the total number of goals will be above or under 2.5. In this case, the 0.5 value is there to ensure that the final score will be either above or under, with no chance of a tie.

Prop Bets

Finally, if trying to predict the scores is not your thing and you’re looking for more creative forms of wagering, you can try out a few prop bets. For example, you can bet on the colour of someone’s shoes, or any other random fact about the game. Although entirely unpredictable, this strategy can be an excellent way to have fun.

The Most Popular Sports

The nation’s passion for sports is world-famous, and although the Nigerians are fond of many disciplines, football is by far the most popular category. The country’s national football team, the Super Eagles, brought a number of memorable moments to all their fans out there, but Nigerians are equally as crazy about all the top European football leagues.

Since 1994, Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup six times (sadly missing out on this year’s competition), and they’ve been a dominant team in the African Cup of Nations, having lifted the trophy 3 times in the past.

Basketball is another sport loved by the nation, having been present in Nigeria since the 1950s. In 1964, the national team joined FIBA, and both the male and female teams achieved many successes since.

Another popular sport in this part of the continent is dambe – a type of martial art, most similar to boxing, although, admittedly, a little more fraught with injury.

Online sports betting is growing steadily in Nigeria (amongst others on the continent), and now that you understand all the key facts about it, you too can put your knowledge to the test and try your luck with some of your favourite leagues.