Online betting is available in Nigeria, with support for mobile devices. Nonetheless, you can still place wagers on your favorite sports from your PC. The key is identifying sportsbooks worth your money and time with adequate features for smooth sailing.
Most Nigerian sportsbooks have live streaming and cashout features to enhance the online betting experience. You can pay using local banking methods, with some allowing funding through vouchers from their physical shops. Even so, you must know the acceptable minimum and maximum deposits.
Our brief take on betting online in Nigeria will cover the primary factors you should consider. It will give you a smooth start when placing your first wager. So, here are a few vital details you must know about betting online in Nigeria:
Finding the Best Online Betting Sites in Nigeria
The first step in placing wagers is finding a sportsbook. You’ll find several on the Nigerian market. However, not all are worth your time and money.
You should consider several aspects of a bookmaker before opening an account. They include the following:
Reputation
These are a few points to consider under reputation:
- Does the sportsbook offer quick payouts?
- Are documented features like cashout available?
- How fast does it respond to player complaints (customer service)?
- Does the site have downtime?
Those checks should get you started on finding a good bookmaker. Player reviews are the easiest way to find information about a sportsbook’s reputation. They contain other players’ experiences, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn about any site.
You can also check with independent reviewers to learn about their views. Reputable sportsbooks are easily identifiable using this approach.
Security
Your data (personal details like name, date of birth, and address) is essential and should be protected from online hacking. Hence, security should be among your primary considerations when looking for a bookie.
Sportsbooks often include security features for data and fund protection. The most prominent is SSL encryption, which prevents hackers from retrieving data during transmission. Other security features include the following:
- 2-factor authentication
- Restricted access to servers
- Firewall protection for the servers
Licensing
Like other countries, Nigeria offers licenses to local sportsbooks. They often come from the federal and state governments. Even so, you might find bookies with only one federal or state government license.
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) is the government body regulating online betting in Nigeria. Hence, most sportsbooks will have a license from them.
Run the license number through the NLRC database to confirm its validity. That is because licenses have expiration dates and must be renewed after that.
Reputation, security, and licensing are the primary checks for finding a good bookmaker in the country. The next step is checking the available features, supported payment options, and sports available.
Popular Features Available
Betting is as simple as picking a sporting event and placing a wager. However, certain features augment the experience, improving your chances of winning. They include the following:
Live Streaming
This feature allows you to follow matches in real-time. You can use it for the cashout feature (discussed in the next section) or to place live wagers. The latter refers to bets placed during a game.
Live streaming gives you a brief insight into gameplay before placing wagers. Hence, it is one of the prominent features of digital wagering platforms.
Cashout
The days of waiting for all the games on your bet slip to play out are long gone. Today, the cashout feature allows you to take your winnings even when you have yet to exhaust the events on your bet slip. It is essential if you are unsure of the coming events.
Statistics
This feature provides information on previous matches. You can use it to learn about the results of the last clashes or team performances before the game. The feature can also contain information on the players.
Statistics help punters analyze a game better before wagering. It is one of the most prominent features of bookies.
Payment Options
Typical payment options supported by sportsbooks in the country include the following:
- USSD code transfers
- Mobile app bank transfers
- Debit cards
- Payment vouchers
- Funding at physical shops
You can fund your account using local banks like GTBank, UBA, etc. Go to the cashier section and pick a payment method that works for you. In addition, note the transaction limits (upper and lower) of the option before you proceed.
Betting Markets Available
Nigerian bookies offer sports from around the world. You can bet on prominent football leagues in Europe or basketball in America. Within them are typical wagering markets you’ll find at international bookies.
The markets include the following:
- Moneyline: This refers to wagers n game winners.
- Totals (over/under): This market involves wagering on total points scored during a match with a set threshold
- Handicap: Bookies will handicap the favorites in a match to even the playing field with the underdogs.
- Half-time: You can wager on which team will have the lead before half-time.
These markets will have several odds. The latter determines how much you will make if you win. Pick the best and add it to your betting slip.
Bonuses Available
Most betting sites in Nigeria offer bonuses when you register. They also provide promotions to spice up the experience, provided you remain on their platforms.
Typical bonuses and promotions include the following:
- Welcome offer, often a deposit match
- Accumulator boosts if you have a specific number of events on your bet slip
- Cashbacks
How to Start Betting Online in Nigeria
Placing your first bet is as simple as browsing the world wide web on your mobile device. Follow the steps below to get started betting online in Nigeria:
- Find a reputable and licensed bookmaker.
- Open an account with the bookie.
- Verify your account by submitting the “Know your customer (KYC)” documents.
- Fund your wagering account. Note the minimum deposit for any welcome bonuses available.
- Go to the sports section and pick a sport.
- Find upcoming or ongoing events in the sport.
- Review the betting markets and odds available.
- Pick an odd and add it to your bet slip.
- Set your bet amount. You will see how much you will earn if the wager wins.
Modupe Gbadeyanka