Modupe Gbadeyanka
Ever since the start of PwC last April 2016, the gaming industry in Nigeria changed over the last few years. Since then, the gaming industry and every sector that came with it has expanded thanks to a huge population of youngsters. With that they are considered as key to the improvement of internet infiltration and greater access to devices that can support internet.
Likewise, the betting industry, especially in sports, is gradually proving itself to be a lucrative sector that leverages the large demand of football in Nigeria and its culture.
There are a number of huge leagues – for instance, the Spanish La Liga and the English Premier league – which garners a million fans within the country. With that, the practice of betting has given Nigerians different opportunities to earn money and, at the same time, do what they love to do.
Even though the momentary dip with regards to the economy and its accompanying activities back in 2016, there are still expected growth. Said growth is projected to be positive despite the rebounds in the economy and the stabilization of individual income.
On the other hand, it’s also expected that the customer base is getting bigger because a large population of youth are contributing to the rise of gaming industry in Nigeria. Aside from the kids, middle-class Nigerians are also breaking the stereotype that only those who have money can become invested in the gaming industry.
In fact, the statistics are showing that the people in lower-income bracket are also contributing to the numbers seen in the gaming industry charts.
Many companies are now targeting Nigerians since people of different ages are getting attracted by the concepts of gaming and other factors that come with it.
Moreover, the statistics being shown are not only supported by numbers but also by the improved trends in mobile penetration. The surge in numbers when it comes to users are also attributed to gaming websites like Betway. A sports betting website like Betway gives the users the opportunity to bet on their favorite teams anytime, anywhere. With that, the flexibility that Betway have to offer are largely contributing to the people who are continuously immersing themselves in the gaming industry.
As per the data gathered by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), it suggests that there’s around 50% increase from the previously recorded 36% within the last three years. This recorded increase corresponds to the greater awareness brought by vigorous expansion and marketing initiated by the operators.
Furthermore, there are enhancement in the field of technology to aid in different payment options by various internet platforms. To a certain level, the desire for extra income in the middle of the latest economic dip has left a significant amount of youths without jobs or scouring for measly-paying jobs. But on a brighter side, they helped in boosting the population of gamers, particularly in the industry of sports betting and lotteries.
Another data obtained by a football betting publication in Nigeria back in 2015 has told that a majority of Nigerian bets are placed via betting stores and the other increasing number are traced via online betting. This goes to show that the technology is keeping up with traditional betting practices.
