Sports

How Nigeria’s New Tax Rules Could Reshape Sports Betting

Published

1 year ago

13/12/2024

As 2024 comes to a gradual end and companies begin to make plans for the new year, the Nigerian sports betting industry is faced with a new year’s resolution which it didn’t make but has been imposed on it by this political administration- the dilemma of withholding tax regulations.

The introduction of this new tax regime could fundamentally alter the sports betting landscape, affecting everything from operator profits to punter behaviour and industry growth.

Once the new regulations come into effect on January 1, 2025, eligible transactions for winnings in i-gaming shall incur applicable rates of 5% for residents and 15% for non-residents.

For Managing Partner, WYS Solicitors & Legal Counsel Africa, Olafadeke Akeju, the fact that i-gaming is largely online means this new tax regime may cause of exodus of customers from licensed operators to illegal remote operators, due to the uncaptured and unprotected nature of the digital space:

“For those who are unlicensed and foreign operators, they will still be able to owe tax to players and offer better odds and better returns because there is no deduction or withholding tax. What this means is that licensed operators will lose customers to the illegal and remote operators, that is the likely implication, as there could be a significant drop in patronage once this withholding tax kicks off.”

Akeju also struggles to understand how this tax would apply to walk-in customers who mostly require age verification but may not require identity verification- especially because this regulation exempts over-the-counter transactions.

Velex Advisory Tax Expert, Jonathan Nwanze is also keen to see how this tax regime would be implemented, but he is more worried about the likelihood that the Tinubu administration, “could be creating a monster asking for remittance without the capacity to check it.”

Nwanze explains that the introduction of withholding tax is not novel, as it occurs in other countries in West Africa like Ghana. However, what makes Nigeria’s exceptional is the timing, investment and the market size:

“It’s not the first time it’s been introduced. However, some of the aforementioned markets cannot be compared to the Nigerian market in terms of size, Nigeria is way bigger. Some are more regulated because of the kind of structure they have. For instance, in Ghana, there are regions, not states and there is one revenue collection body. In Nigeria, we have states, but numerous bodies at various levels of government collect revenue. I think the government has to invest in a lot of technology. If they are looking at getting a lot out of gaming, there must be investment in infrastructure,” Nwanze told sports and betting news site, SportsBoom.com.

What’s the rush?

Nigeria’s economy has been on a steady decline due to a number of factors including the poor timing of policies. For the implementation of withholding tax, it’s equally symptomatic of poor timing, grey areas and an inherent lack of understanding about the i-gaming ecosystem.

Akeju explains that in order for betting operators to comply with the provisions of the new tax regime, there must be upgrades across the betting platforms and since the software/ platform providers aren’t local, the operators need to get in line for an estimated 6 to 9 months before their platforms are upgraded.

She thinks it’s highly likely that: “we could potentially have a situation whereby on the 1st of January 2025, operators won’t be able to comply due to circumstances beyond their control.”

Apart from playing the waiting game, the cost of upgrading betting platforms equally poses a huge financial burden. Akeju explains that while larger betting operators own their betting platforms, the same cannot be said for smaller operators:

“The platforms which smaller operators use for gaming are owned by third parties with whom they have white label agreements. Hence, implementing the withholding tax right now is going to be a challenge for those operators as it would require them to pay for developers, pay for customization and pay for integration of the platforms to suit the regulation in question.”

An eternal optimist may ask, What about alternative revenue streams? Is there any that betting companies could explore to offset the impact of these new taxes? Akeju makes it clear that the operators are caught between a rock and a hard place- that’s because offering a new product translates to applying for another license for the product in question.

Sadly, the alternative products’ providers are primarily based in Europe, which means more cost would be incurred by the operator in Euros.

Akeju is very concerned about how the smaller operators will keep their customers and while she may not have a universal solution for the Nigerian i-gaming industry as a whole, she may have a potential solution for bigger operators, but that entails their willingness to assume a sacrificial role by choosing to “absorb this withholding tax on behalf of their players or offer certain bonuses and promotions that could boost winnings so that players do not really feel the effect.”

A misconception & an opportunity

On Friday, November 22, 2024, the Supreme Court nullified the National Lottery Act and scrapped the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). During a crucial meeting held days before the judgment, the Director General of the now defunct NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila, made a profound statement about the assumption that the i-gaming industry is a billion-dollar industry:

“How do we know it’s a billion-naira industry? There’s no data to show. Anybody can say it’s worth billions of naira, but until we have proper data, we can’t safely say what the industry is worth.”

Just like Gbajabiamila, this is a perception which Nwanze seeks to correct, and he thinks it may have a lot more to do with this new regulation than we realize:

“The government appears to be keen on generating revenue, but the challenge lies with the timeline – Jan 2025 is not feasible. If you look at best practices as is the case in the UK- there is no collection of withholding tax and that’s because the responsibility of taxes should sit with the company that owns the business. The reason is that the companies make more profit than the players. If you look at the number of losses compared to winnings, you’ll be shocked at how high the former is compared to the latter. In fact, the way the business is structured, it’s from those losses that winnings are paid. I think the government should review its position and opt for more engagement regarding the nature, implementation, application and configuration of this plan.”

Now that the NLRC has been dissolved, there might be an opportunity for states that may choose to opt out of this tax and while the implementation has yet to play out, Nwanze thinks that some states may see exemption as an opportunity to attract more betting companies to their states.

Legal options & absence of meaningful stakeholder engagement

With all the negative hits that the Nigerian i-gaming industry has taken in 2024, is it simply at the mercy of the government policies/ regulations, or could legal options be explored to push back? Akeju explains that “the law is made for man and not vice versa.”

While she is hopeful that the government will do a 180 when it sees the negative impact this tax will have, as was the case in the most regulated market in the world- the UK; she is fearful of Nigeria’s reputation and pace when it comes to repealing laws and regulations.

Akeju recalls attempts made by stakeholders to dialogue with the government on this matter and narrates a scenario which is reminiscent of intentional exclusion until a decision was made:

“The association of Nigerian bookmakers engaged with the presidential committee on fiscal policies and tax reforms. We had a few meetings, but it appeared as though by the time the industry was aware of many of the decisions that were taken by the government, it was at an advanced stage. Now that it has been passed, efforts are still being made for a guidance note to clarify some of the grey areas.”

Akeju and Nwanze make their final appeal by asking the government to focus its taxation efforts on the operators and not the players to make for a more streamlined and better-defined application that is understood by all involved.

Conclusion

As Nigeria’s sports betting industry braces for the 2025 withholding tax storm, both legal and tax experts sound a unified alarm: taxing players instead of operators could backfire spectacularly.

With Akeju warning of an exodus to illegal operators and Nwanze questioning the government’s monitoring capacity, the consensus is clear – this rushed regulation could transform Nigeria’s gaming landscape into a wild west of unregulated betting.

The irony? In pursuing additional revenue, the government might end up with a smaller piece of an increasingly fragmented pie. As the countdown to January 2025 begins, the industry’s message is simple: hit pause, rethink the approach, and focus on operators, not players.

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Sports

SuperSport Festive PL Line-Up Brings Key Title and Top-Four Battles

Published

11 hours ago

26/12/2025

Dipo Olowookere

The Premier League festive schedule delivers a packed Matchday 18 with implications across the table, as Arsenal defend top spot, Manchester City continue their title chase, and Chelsea face in-form Aston Villa. All matches will be broadcast live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

Friday night action sees Manchester United host Newcastle United at 9:00 p.m. United have slipped back into inconsistency, winning just two of their last eight after a narrow defeat at Aston Villa. Newcastle arrive frustrated after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 2–2 draw with Chelsea. With both sides chasing European places, early pressure is already building.

Saturday begins at 1:30 p.m. as Manchester City travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest. City are in blistering form, winning five straight to close within two points of leaders Arsenal. Forest, hovering above the relegation zone, are coming off a narrow defeat at Fulham and face a stern test against Erling Haaland and the league’s most clinical attack.

At 4:00 p.m., league leaders Arsenal welcome Brighton to the Emirates. Arsenal secured a gritty win at Everton to remain top at Christmas, but Brighton have often proven awkward opponents. With the title race finely balanced, Arsenal will be keen to avoid any slip against a Brighton side fresh from a goalless draw.

Kicking off at the same time, Liverpool host bottom-placed Wolves at Anfield, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Liverpool’s win at Tottenham has reignited their top-four push, while Wolves remain rooted to the bottom after eleven straight defeats. The Reds will be expected to dominate, though the festive schedule allows little room for complacency.

Saturday’s standout fixture follows at 6:30 p.m. as Chelsea host Aston Villa in a heavyweight top-four clash. Villa arrive as the league’s most in-form side, with seven straight wins and recent victories over Arsenal and Manchester United. Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to search for consistency after just one win in five.

The round concludes on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. with Crystal Palace hosting Tottenham. Spurs’ season continues to unravel after another defeat to Liverpool, leaving them 14th. Palace were humbled by Leeds last time out but remain competitive in the top half and will look to capitalise against a Tottenham side short on confidence.

Weekend Highlights

Friday, Dec 26

Manchester United vs Newcastle United — 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec 27

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City — 1:30 p.m.
Arsenal vs Brighton — 4:00 p.m.
Liverpool vs Wolves — 4:00 p.m. (SS Football)
Chelsea vs Aston Villa — 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec 28

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham — 5:30 p.m.

All matches across Matchday 18 will be shown live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Stream every match live on DStv Stream or GOtv Stream. Don’t forget to also catch all the AFCON games this weekend as well on SS AFCON (DStv ch. 202 and GOtv ch. 59).Upgrade or stay connected via the MyDStv or MyGOtv app, dial *288#, or visit the official websites.

Sports

AFCON to Hold Every Four Years from 2028 as CAF Launches Nations League

Published

5 days ago

21/12/2025

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) would be held every four years from 2028.

CAF President, Mr Patrice Motsepe, disclosed that the tournament, which has taken place every two years since 1968, with a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions, will switch to a four-year cycle after the 2027 AFCON in East Africa.

Mr Motsepe also announced the creation of an African Nations League which will take place annually from 2029.

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Mr Motsepe said.

“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”

Also, CAF has increased the prize money for the winners of Afcon from $7 million to $10 million.

These decisions came from resolutions made after a meeting of CAF’s executive committee in Morocco before the start of the 2025 edition of the tournament scheduled to start in Rabat on Sunday.

The biennial hosting of AFCON has long caused issues with the football calendar, with the vast majority of recent tournaments held midway through the European club season. However, CAF remained committed to scheduling the tournament every two years.

CAF had made a resolution for AFCON to be held in a June-July slot from 2019 onwards and began its new plan in Egypt that year.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic and weather conditions in host nations in Central and West Africa meant the 2021 and 2023 editions in Cameroon and Ivory Coast respectively were staged in January and February instead.

FIFA’S expanded 32-team Club World Cup was held in June and July this year, forcing CAF to opt for mid-season dates once again.

As a result this year’s AFCON in Morocco will take place over Christmas and the New Year for the first time, with the final on January 18.

The dates for the 2027 edition in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are yet to be announced, and that will be swiftly followed by another tournament in 2028 – with the hosts of that edition yet to be decided.

After that, the continent’s biggest tournament will become a quadrennial tournament taking place in the same year as the European Championships.

Mr Motsepe said the decision had been made in conjunction with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the world governing body’s general secretary Mattias Grafstrom – and that Caf “have to compromise”.

The CAF President said the African Nations League will take place in September, October, and November every year from 2029.

The competition will see all 54 member associates split into four zones, with six nations in the Northern zone and 16 nations in the Eastern, Western and Central and Southern zones.

Matches will be played in September and October, with the champions from each region meeting in November to then decide an overall winner.

Mr Motsepe said the new competition will be “the equivalent of an Afcon every year” and will be held in partnership with Fifa in order to attract top-class sponsors.

“Every year in Africa, the best African players who play in Europe will be with us on the continent,” Motsepe added.

“Every year we will have a competition with 54 African nations with all the best players coming here to play.

“We are going to have a world-class competition every year.”

Sports

BC.Game: A Rising Star in Nigeria’s Betting Scene

Published

1 week ago

18/12/2025

Dipo Olowookere

BC.Game has quickly gained traction in Nigeria as a prominent online betting platform, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern gaming experiences. Known for its user-friendly interface and innovative features, BC.Game caters to both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike. The platform provides a wide range of betting options, including sports betting, casino games, and its signature blockchain-based games, which set it apart from competitors.

One of BC.Game’s standout features is its commitment to transparency and fairness, leveraging blockchain technology to ensure secure and verifiable transactions. Nigerian users appreciate the platform’s support for local payment methods, making deposits and withdrawals seamless. Additionally, BC Game register offers enticing bonuses and promotions, further enhancing its appeal.

With a growing community of players and a reputation for reliability, BC.Game is carving out a niche in Nigeria’s competitive betting market, attracting users seeking a trustworthy and innovative gaming experience.

Exploring the BC.Game Official Website: Design and Navigation

The official website of BC.Game is a testament to modern web design, offering users in Nigeria a seamless and visually appealing experience. From the moment visitors land on the homepage, they are greeted with a sleek, intuitive layout that prioritizes functionality and user engagement.

The design is clean and vibrant, with a color scheme that reflects the brand’s dynamic personality. Key sections, such as sports betting, casino games, and promotions, are prominently displayed, ensuring users can quickly find what they’re looking for. The website is fully optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, allowing Nigerian players to enjoy a smooth experience regardless of their preferred platform.

Navigation is one of the website’s strongest points. A well-structured menu at the top of the page provides easy access to all major sections, including account management, game categories, and customer support. The search bar further enhances usability, enabling users to locate specific games or information in seconds. Additionally, the website supports multiple languages, including English, making it accessible to a diverse audience.

BC.Game’s website also emphasizes transparency and trust. Key information, such as terms and conditions, privacy policies, and responsible gaming guidelines, is readily available in the footer section. For new users, the registration process is straightforward, with clear instructions guiding them through account creation.

The platform’s design incorporates engaging visuals and animations without compromising loading speed, ensuring a fast and enjoyable experience. Promotions and bonuses are highlighted through eye-catching banners, keeping users informed about the latest offers.

BC.Game’s official website is a well-designed, user-centric platform that combines aesthetics with functionality. Its intuitive navigation, responsive design, and focus on user experience make it a standout choice for Nigerian players seeking a reliable and enjoyable online betting environment.

How to Register on BC.Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an account on BC.Game is a straightforward process, designed to get you started quickly and effortlessly. Follow these detailed steps to complete your registration:

Visit the Official Website. Open your browser and go to the official BC.Game website.
Locate the Registration Button. On the homepage, look for the “Sign Up” button, located at the top-right corner of the screen. Click on it to begin the process.
Fill in Your Details. A registration form will appear. Enter your email address, create a strong password, and confirm it. Alternatively, you can use social media options for a quicker sign-up process.
Accept the Terms and Conditions. Read through the terms and conditions, then check the box to confirm your agreement. This step is crucial to ensure you understand the platform’s policies.
Log In and Start Playing. Log in using your credentials, and explore the platform. You can now deposit funds, claim bonuses, and start betting.

By following these steps, you’ll complete the BC Game register process in just a few minutes. The platform’s user-friendly design ensures a hassle-free experience, even for first-time users.

Bonuses and Promotions on BC.Game for Nigerian Users

BC.Game offers an impressive array of bonuses and promotions tailored to enhance the experience of Nigerian players. These rewards are designed to attract new users and keep existing players engaged, providing excellent value for money.

Welcome Bonus. New users are greeted with a generous welcome package. Upon completing the registration and making their first deposit, players can receive up to 300% of their deposit amount as a bonus. For example, if a Nigerian user deposits ₦10,000, they could receive an additional ₦30,000, giving them a total of ₦40,000 to play with.
Daily Lucky Spin. BC.Game features a daily lucky spin where users can win free crypto rewards. Prizes range from small amounts to significant jackpots, adding an element of excitement to the platform.
Recharge Bonus. Regular players can benefit from recharge bonuses, which reward users for subsequent deposits. For instance, a second deposit come with a 100% bonus, while a third deposit could offer 50%. These bonuses ensure that loyal players are consistently rewarded.
Task Hub Rewards. BC.Game includes a unique Task Hub where players can complete specific challenges to earn additional bonuses.
VIP Program. High rollers and frequent players can join the VIP program, which offers exclusive perks such as higher withdrawal limits, personalized customer support, and special promotions. VIP members also enjoy cashback offers of up to 15% on losses.

With these bonuses and promotions, BC.Game ensures Nigerian users have plenty of opportunities to maximize their winnings and enjoy a rewarding betting experience. The platform’s transparent terms and clear reward structures make it a top choice for players seeking value and excitement.

BC.Game Sports Betting: A World of Options for Nigerian Players

The sports betting section on BC.Game is a hub of excitement, offering Nigerian players a comprehensive range of sports and betting options. Whether you’re a fan of football, basketball, tennis, or niche sports, BC.Game ensures there’s something for everyone. The platform covers a wide variety of sports, with football being the most popular choice among Nigerian users. Major leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and UEFA Champions League are well-represented, alongside local Nigerian leagues. Other sports, such as basketball, cricket, rugby, and even eSports, are also available, catering to diverse interests.

BC.Game provides multiple types of bets to suit different betting styles. Traditional options like match winner, over/under, and handicap betting are staples on the platform. For those seeking more dynamic options, live betting is a standout feature. This allows players to place bets in real-time as the action unfolds, adding an extra layer of thrill to the experience. Additionally, BC.Game offers special bets like player-specific outcomes (e.g., first goal scorer) and combination bets, which allow users to combine multiple selections into a single wager for higher potential payouts. The platform also supports accumulator bets, enabling players to bet on multiple matches or events simultaneously.

The user interface in the sports betting section is intuitive, with clear odds displayed for each event. Players can easily navigate between sports, leagues, and matches, making the betting process seamless. The inclusion of detailed statistics and live updates further enhances the experience, helping users make informed decisions. BC.Game’s sports betting section is a well-rounded offering that caters to both casual bettors and seasoned punters.

BC.Game Online Casino: A Thrilling Gaming Experience for Nigerian Players

The online casino section of BC.Game is a vibrant and diverse space, offering Nigerian players an unparalleled gaming experience. With a vast selection of games, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on entertainment, this section is a haven for casino enthusiasts. BC.Game’s casino features a wide variety of games, catering to all preferences. Slot games are a major highlight, with hundreds of titles available. From classic three-reel slots to modern video slots with immersive themes and bonus features, there’s something for every type of player. Popular titles from leading providers ensure high-quality graphics, smooth gameplay, and fair outcomes.

For fans of table games, BC.Game offers all the classics, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. These games come in multiple variations, allowing players to explore different rules and strategies. The platform also features live dealer games, where players can interact with professional dealers in real-time, creating an authentic casino atmosphere from the comfort of their homes. In addition to traditional casino games, BC.Game stands out with its unique blockchain-based games. These include provably fair games like Crash, Plinko, and Dice, which leverage blockchain technology to ensure transparency and fairness. These games are simple yet highly engaging, making them a favorite among crypto-savvy players.

The casino section is designed with user convenience in mind. Games are categorized for easy navigation, and players can use filters to find their favorites quickly. The platform also supports demo modes for many games, allowing users to practice before wagering real money. BC.Game’s online casino is a dynamic and entertaining space that offers Nigerian players a wide range of games, from traditional favorites to innovative blockchain-based options. With its user-friendly design and diverse offerings, it’s a top destination for online casino enthusiasts.

BC.Game Casino: Top Games from Leading Providers

BC.Game collaborates with some of the most renowned game providers in the industry, ensuring Nigerian players have access to a premium selection of games. These partnerships guarantee high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and fair outcomes across the platform.

The casino features games from leading providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, and Play’n GO, among others. Slot enthusiasts can enjoy popular titles such as Sweet Bonanza, Starburst, and Book of Dead, each offering unique themes and exciting bonus features. For table game lovers, providers like Evolution Gaming deliver immersive live dealer experiences, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. These games are streamed in high definition, offering real-time interaction with professional dealers.

BC.Game also includes innovative blockchain-based games developed in-house, such as Crash, Dice, and Plinko, which are provably fair and highly engaging. With such a diverse range of games from top providers, BC.Game ensures a world-class casino experience for Nigerian players.

BC.Game Support Service: Reliable Assistance for Nigerian Players

BC.Game offers a dedicated support service to ensure Nigerian players have a smooth and enjoyable experience on the platform. The support team is available 24/7, ready to assist with any queries or issues, from account setup to payment concerns. Players can contact the support team through multiple methods:

Live Chat: The fastest and most convenient option, live chat connects users directly with a support agent. Accessible via the website, it provides real-time assistance for urgent matters.
Email Support: For detailed inquiries or issues requiring documentation, players can reach out via email. The team typically responds within a few hours.
Help Center: BC.Game also features a comprehensive FAQ section, covering common questions about registration, payments, and gameplay.

With its responsive and professional support service, BC.Game ensures Nigerian players receive timely and effective assistance whenever needed.