Sports betting became popular in Nigeria only recently, namely around 2007 was the period when the first company that offers sport betting was registered in the country. And this facts proves that the increased popularity of this activity amongst Nigerians is even more impressive. In 2014 it was reported that Nigerians between 18 and 40 years of age spend about N1.8 billion on sport betting, per day.
About 60 million people in Nigeria, or roughly a bit more than a third of the population is engaged in recreational sport betting. The use of internet and the percentage of people who have internet in Nigeria also grew rapidly and in 2015 more than half of the total population of the country, had internet access. So a lot of people now prefer online betting to conventional and the number of online website that offer betting keep increasing.
It is important to note that sport betting is a form of gambling and not a form of investment, it is also a legal enterprise in Nigeria and regulated by the National Lottery Regulation Commission.
While football is of course the most popular sport in Nigeria, by far, online bookmakers include a lot of other sports in the offer. The type of bets that can be placed as well the number and type of markets that are available is truly astonishing nowadays. The competition is truly fierce, knowing how large the Nigerian betting market is. We now give you the five most popular sports betting sites in Nigeria.
Popular 5 Online Betting Sites
1960Bet was one of the first websites that was particularly designed for Nigerian players. It is very popular throughout the country, especially in Lagos. The estimated market share of 1960Bet is about a sixth of the whole market, a percentage which is quite significant. 1960Bet offers betting on various sports and their website is also optimised for mobile devices. Live betting is also featured. 100% match up bonus of up to 50,000 NGN can be offered on first deposit and a special bonus on accumulator bets.
MerryBet is one of the fastest growing online bookmakers in the country. It is extremely popular amongst people who prefer online betting and particularly amongst fans of fantasy football, especially because of the astonishing prizes that are offered, up to 10 million NGN once a fortnight. Another advantage of MerryBet is the fact that the online pay-outs are relatively faster compared to some other online betting sites. You also get a 100% match up bonus on your first deposit and a special bonus on accumulator bets.
360Bet is known for their high odds. They offer some of the best odds on the Nigerian online betting market. You can bet on more than 15 sport, and more than 45 national football competitions (major European leagues, but also Morocco, Qatar, Cyprus, etc.), plus lower divisions, as well as international football. In addition to sports, you can also bet on politics, for example on the American Presidential elections. Long term bets as well as special games are also available. You can qualify for a first deposit match up bonus of up to 30,000 NGN.
Bet365 is one of the most popular betting websites all over the world. It is safe, reliable, has a great offers of sports and matches to choose from, the interface is user-friendly in both the online and the download version. Bet365Naija is the Nigerian branch of Bet365. The website is also renowned for its great customer support and every enquiry you may have will be answered within 24 hours if you address them via email. Otherwise, you can call them via phone directly, or even via Skype.
And finally, last but not least, there’s SureBet247 which also offers you a chance to bet online from your PC, mobile phone or tablet. You can withdraw the winning within few hours with SureBet247 and you are also eligible on a 100% match bonus on your first deposit. You can choose from a variety of about 20 sports and you can also gain a special bonus on accumulator bets.
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