Sports
Is Sports Betting Legal in Nigeria?
Sports betting, just like all gambling activities, can be quite sensitive to regulation. If left uncontrolled, the losses could be massive- from bookies losing their stakes and winnings to serious gambling addiction. We take a look at the legality of sports betting in Nigeria, the law regarding the same, and the gaps that need to be filled.
Legislations on sports betting in Nigeria
Nigeria, one of the biggest economies in Africa and with the highest population boasts of a robust betting following. There are major legislations that have made sports betting legal in Nigeria. The National Lottery Act of 2005 is the most recent legislation that was specifically passed to control and regulate the betting affairs in Nigeria.
The National Lottery Act of 2005 provides for The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) which is the body mandated to regulate all the gaming activities in the country. The commission is further mandated to protect the interest of all the players in the gambling industry, in addition to ensuring transparency within the sector.
It is important to note that the commission issues three types of licenses- Promotional Permit, Lottery licenses, and Sports Betting License (Online and Offline). The licenses cover betting, bingo, online casino, lotteries, fantasy sports, and online poker.
The Act prohibits gambling to persons below the age of 18, provides for the requirements that a company needs to have to be legally allowed to operate in Nigeria, and also the mandate of the Commission.
Other State Licenses legalizing Betting
Federal states like Lagos and Oyo are some of the States that have enacted specific pieces of legislation that cater to the specific needs of their particular population. Lagos has the Lagos State Lottery Law of 2004, which specifically regulates betting in Lagos.
There have been tremendous calls to regulate the industry even more. For instance, the Gaming Machines Act of 1977 barred the ownership, importation, and operation of gaming machines within Nigeria by the government. Later, the Criminal Code of 1990 went ahead to classify the legal and illegal gaming activities that would be allowed in the country.
Overview of current requirements for sports betting in Nigeria
We now look at a general overview of the gaming laws in Nigeria that make it a legal and safe activity.
To begin with, all companies or entities that wish to conduct betting business in Nigeria must be incorporated under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This leaves very little room for the dubious foreign companies that tend to set shop and disappear with the wagers of bookies.
Further, and even after acquiring a license, the individual states have a Lottery Board that tends to monitor and follow up on the licensed companies’ activities, which further makes gambling secure.
Betting companies have also been put on high alert, before being awarded the licenses. For instance, the application and processing fee to be considered for a license is a whooping N2 million which is non-refundable. The names and profiles of the directors and other key staff of the company are scrutinized deeply to establish the authenticity of the information provided.
The proposed activities of the bookmaker must also be pretty straight and acceptable to the regulator. The mode of distribution and the areas of interest must be precisely within the precincts and conventional channels. To cap it all, a detailed financial framework must be presented, with evidence of a 5-year projection as a going concern.
From the foregoing, it is clear that the bar for obtaining the operating license is a long and very thorough one- but in essence, it is meant to protect the bookies who wish to stake their money. Additionally, responsible betting is encouraged by the regulator who defines the legal age for gambling and closely monitors the content that is used to entice gamblers.
To conclude, sports betting is legal, and it has evolved, although there are loopholes that have been occasioned by the evolution of technology in recent days. It would be interesting to see how fast the regulator would continue to update the legal framework to match and catch up with the technological advances!
The Super Bowl is far more than a football game. Each year, it becomes a global cultural moment, where sport, music, and social conversation collide. Super Bowl LX promises to be no exception. While fans anticipate the on-field clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, much of the world’s attention has shifted to the halftime stage airing on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219), where three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will make history.
The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to become the first non-English-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His selection has sparked debate in the United States, particularly amid ongoing anti-ICE protests, but it also signals a broader recognition of his cultural impact. Known for pushing artistic boundaries and amplifying underrepresented voices, Bad Bunny brings a rare combination of commercial appeal and social consciousness to the NFL’s biggest stage.
The timing of his performance carries added weight. Just a week before the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos). He used his acceptance speech to address immigration and human dignity, declaring: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out,” and calling on audiences to respond to hate with love. That statement has heightened expectations that his halftime show will blend spectacle with message, marking a performance that is about identity as much as entertainment.
As anticipation builds, questions linger over how Bad Bunny will translate this cultural moment on the field. Will the show lean entirely into his chart-topping hits, or will it echo the themes of unity and resistance he spoke of at the Grammys? Either way, the performance is already being framed as a defining cultural moment of 2026, with viewers worldwide eager to witness history in the making.
For audiences in Nigeria, Super Bowl LX and Bad Bunny’s historic halftime performance will air live on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219) on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:30 am WAT. Be sure to also take advantage of the ongoing We Got You offer, where you pay for your current package and DStv upgrades you to the next higher package at no extra cost. This offer runs till February 28, 2026.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the leading financial services groups in Africa, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, is championing great experiences and heritage by being the main sponsor of NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament.
The competition is one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events and for this year’s edition, it will bring together top local and international polo teams and spectators from across the continent and beyond.
The contest commenced on Tuesday, January 27 at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi and will end on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament will feature top‑tier teams competing for major prizes, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup, among others.
Guests can expect a fusion of thrilling equestrian action, polo-inspired lifestyle showcase, and curated hospitality experiences. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences online to share in the excitement and spectacle.
Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, the chief executive of the firm, Mr Segun Agbaje, said, “This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence.
“Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage. Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”
The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament has long been celebrated not only for its thrilling competition and equestrian excellence but also for its rich heritage and cultural resonance within Africa’s sporting tradition. GTCO’s sponsorship embodies the Group’s commitment to creating platforms that unite communities and drive social impact across diverse audiences.
If you’re looking for a fun, reliable, and exciting online betting experience in Nigeria, you’re in the right place. PariPesa Nigeria brings together casino entertainment, sports betting, and modern gaming options designed just for you. Let’s break it all down.
Casino Games
At PariPesa Nigeria, the casino lobby is brimming with exciting games. They are split into categories to help you navigate. You can search for titles using the search bar or narrow down the type of game you enjoy using the filter menu on the left-hand side of the page.
The filters on the left let you pick based on provider, feature, theme, and game types. If there is a title you particularly like, you can also favorite it! There are two separate categories of casino entertainment that depend on your individual casino activity. Recent games are all the ones you have tried, and the favorites section, as you can guess, lists the ones you starred.
Take a look at the main categories of games available.
Slots
Slots are the most popular casino games. They’re beginner-friendly, simple to follow, and you can try them for free in demo mode! At PariPesa Nigeria, you’ll find classic, video, and jackpot slots. Some have Nigerian-themed designs, bright colors, and sound effects that bring the experience close to home.
Table games
Are you a blackjack fan or do you prefer to watch the wheel spin in roulette? Either way, PariPesa Nigeria has a large selection of table games for you to choose from. You will find multiple variations of these titles, along with tables with varying betting ranges. Poker has by far the largest number of variants.
Crash games
These games have extremely quick rounds, so understand the mechanics before you place any real money bets. The concept is simple, really: a multiplier increases, and you cash out before an object “crashes.” The longer you wait, the higher your potential win, but if it crashes before you cash out, you lose that round. Aviator, Chicken Crash, and Doodle Crash are among the more popular games in this category.
Live casino games
Those tired of playing against generated algorithms will find live casino games a welcome break. At PariPesa, you can play poker, blackjack, roulette, and more against a live croupier. You can interact with your dealer and watch everything that happens in real time through video streaming. Remember that these tables are time sensitive, so you will have to place your bets before the window closes, and no, you cannot demo these games.
Sports Betting
Nigerians love sports, and what better way is there to be a part of the action than betting? Football is obviously the favorite, but you can also wager on over 150 sports at PariPesa. You can use the in-house statistics to make well informed bets on your preferred teams and players. Furthermore, the betting markets at PariPesa are top-notch.
- Over/Under
- Total Score
- Match Winner
These are only some of the many, many bets you can place.
eSports
eSports are a hit among young Nigerians. Games like FIFA, CS:GO, and Dota 2 have become part of the sports betting market, and they’re big players. Instead of physical matches, you’re betting on professional gamers competing online.
Virtual Sports
If you enjoy sports but want a quick fix, virtual sports are computer-generated matches that run all day, every day. There are no weather issues and no match postponements or player injuries to affect your strategy. Results are decided by certified random systems, so they’re fair and unpredictable.
Responsible Gambling Policy
No matter what, responsible gaming is an important feature of any online casino platform. PariPesa Nigeria takes this policy very seriously, too. This means you’re encouraged to play for fun, not to chase losses or risk money you can’t afford to lose. You can use the following tools to make sure you don’t go overboard.
- Deposit limits
- Self-exclusion between 6 months and 1 year.
- Session limits
- Regular check-ins
If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, use the resources available online to get help.
PariPesa is synonymous with a complete gaming experience in Nigeria. From casino games and betting to eSports and virtual sports, everything is covered. The navigation is simple, reliable, and let’s be honest, entertaining! So, join PariPesa Nigeria today and enjoy top choices made for people like you!
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