he gambling and betting industry has seen a global shift from more in-person betting games to online gambling. This popularity has led to the growth and advancement of online casinos and more online casino games being produced by iGaming software companies.
There are so many countries that one would not normally point out as hotspots for online gambling activity, and Nigeria is one of those.
The Nigerian population has embraced gambling, gaining popularity amongst the 213 million inhabitants. The size of the population has helped drive the industry, which accounts for 7% of Africa’s betting activities.
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The Legality Of Betting In Nigeria
Is betting legal in Nigeria? Yes, it is legal, although there is a catch to it. The Nigerian government lifted the ban on betting in the country in 2004, although there were not many different forms of betting one could choose from. The lottery was one of the earliest forms of gambling that gained popularity in the country.
Sports betting is currently the most popular form of gambling in the country. A 2014 poll indicated that 30% of the population engages in sports betting, spending about $2 billion on sports betting.
In September 2018, the National Lottery Regulation Commission (NLRC) lifted the restrictions on sport betting licenses for betting companies. Afribet was issued a five-year permit along with 35 other companies. This helped the football-loving consumers gain more access to sports betting facilities.
Currently, there are no online casinos based in Nigeria. Players have to source these services from offshore online casinos. The Nigerian government does not have any restrictions on online gambling for its citizens.
The market is largely unregulated, and there is a conflict between the NLRC and the Lagos State Lottery Board (LSLB) on which of the two boards should have the right to make and impose regulations on online gambling.
As it stands, as long as this squabble continues, Nigerians are free to gamble online with any online casino that extends its services to the country.
Why Is Online Gambling Gaining In Popularity In Africa And Nigeria
The iGaming market in Africa has seen considerable growth, and it has the potential to be one of the largest iGaming markets in the world. The sustained economic growth on the continent is one reason why iGaming is growing. The gross domestic product of Central and Western Africa increased by 1% in 2020, and it is predicted to grow by 3% in 2022.
Most of the population in Africa engaging in economic activities is the youth, and close to half of the African population is under 25. This is the target market for iGaming, and it is more receptive to advancements in technology that is helping increase access to more online gambling services.
There is also more internet connectivity on the continent and wider use of smartphones, making online gambling easier. Online casinos have taken this into consideration and are developing their websites and games to be more compatible with all smartphone operating systems.
What Are The Most Popular Online Casinos In Nigeria?
As mentioned earlier, Nigerian casinos do not offer online gambling games, and players have to source these services from online casinos based in other countries. Some countries restrict players from Nigeria from accessing their services.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) allows Nigerian players to gamble on registered and regulated sites by the board. Some of the more reputable gaming commissions, the Malta Gambling Authority and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, also allow Nigerian players to access the casinos they regulate.
Some of the top online casino sites frequented by Nigerian players are:
- Betway Casino
- 888 Casino
- 22 Bet
- EU Casino
- Netbet
- b Casino
It is always best to check which casinos offer bonuses as a Nigerian citizen. The most popular ones with the Nigerians players are easier to register with, offer bonuses, and offer the best protection thanks in large to the regulatory bodies found in these countries.
Most Popular Online Casino Games In Nigeria
Online casinos offer a variety of online games, and game developers have created hundreds of games to choose from: each offering different ways to win and other incentives to players to keep them playing.
Online slot games are the most popular casino games played in Nigeria. Some of the most played ones include:
- Mega Moolah Slots
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Pharoah’s Fortunes Slots
- Cleopatra Slots
- Jurassic Park Online Slot
Many of these slot games offer a demo version that does not require you to make a deposit to play.
Other popular online casino games in Nigeria are:
- BlackJack
- Roulette
- Poker
Conclusion
The opening up of the betting industry created a buzz amongst gamblers in Nigeria, which has led to an increase in betting activities in the country.
The limited restrictions on online gambling and the ease of access owed in large to more access to the internet has helped the popularity of online casinos in Nigeria. The current trend shows that the industry will continue growing as there it has a strong support base amongst the large population.
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