Legal Online Gambling In Nigeria 2025
Nigeria is often considered the “giant of Africa” because it is the most populated country that holds the strongest economy. Given the economic state, legal online gambling in Nigeria is one of the most popular forms of wagering. Residents particularly like to place bets on sports, play casino games and play online poker.
The country consists of 36 states with only a couple of states housing brick-and-mortar casinos. In recent years internet and mobile phone usage have gone up dramatically across the country giving residents access to online gambling services such as mobile casinos, online sportsbooks, and live dealer video poker games.
Legal online gambling in Nigeria has been on the rise and in recent years the number of players has spiked alongside with the advancement of technology. This page was constructed to inform residents and tourists alike of the legal Nigerian online gambling options available throughout the western African country.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Nigeria?
Yes, there are no laws that forbid online gambling from offshore sites in Nigeria. Nigerian gambling laws include no mention of offshore online gambling, so it is practiced by many and presumed legal. The Nigerian criminal code outlaws un-licensed gambling houses therefor online casinos operating within Nigeria’s borders are considered illegal.
Many residents often turn to licensed offshore wagering sites to bet on sports, play casino games and play online poker.
Top Rated Legal Online Gambling Sites Accepting Nigerian Players In 2025
Our industry professionals have scoured the internet to find the best high-quality online gambling sites that accept registrations from Nigeria. These sites are licensed and regulated by their respected gaming commissions and implement today’s top security features including SSL encryption, firewalls, and frequent auditing by trusted gaming commissions.
The sites listed here are verified “safe to play” in Nigeria by our industry professionals. They also provide the best variety of new and classic casino games and the best deposit and withdrawal options for Nigerians.
Only Reputable And Trustworthy Sites Listed
Site Name Bonus Offer Nigerian Accepted Visit Site
Casino
100% Max $3,000 
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Sports Betting
50% Max $2,500 Play Now
75% Max $1,000 Play Now
Poker
100% Max $2,500 Play Now
100% Max $2,500 Play Now
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In Nigeria?
The legal gambling age is 18 in Nigeria, but players must be 20 to gamble in the brick-and-mortar casinos. Sports betting, lottery, and online gambling are all allowed at the age of 18.
What Forms Of Gambling Are Legal In Nigeria?
Below are the different forms of legal gambling in Nigeria. While gambling operations in Nigeria are regulated, many people still doubt the legitimacy of the regulators. Our suggestion is that you do your research before playing any legal gambling operation regulated by Nigerian gaming commissions.
Casino Gambling:
There are several casinos located in Nigeria spread out amongst a few different states. The Nigeria criminal code outlaw’s games of chance such as craps, certain card games and all games that include dice. Casinos are allowed to offer blackjack, poker, and other games that winning is considered to be based on skill.
Sports Betting:
Sports betting is by far the most popular form of betting in Nigeria. Residents particularly like to bet on football/soccer. There are a lot of sport betting shops located in the 36 states. Online sports betting is permitted and residents over the age of 18 are allowed to place wagers with online sportsbooks or at the bet-shops. In some instances, sportsbooks will even accept bets over the phone or by text message.
Lotteries:
Lotteries are very popular across the Nigerian states and there are many lotteries to choose from. Nigerians can play lotto games online, at the lotto shop or by text message. Lotteries are regulated by National Lottery Regulatory Commission established by the National Lottery Act of 2000. All lotteries in Nigeria are considered charity-based lotteries since the revenue goes back to some national or state government program.
Online Gambling:
Online gambling is allowed because there are no laws that state online wagering is illegal. Online Nigerian residents are allowed to play whatever games they like and deposit and withdraw money how they choose. Online casinos and online poker rooms are often played because players can wager on the games that are outlawed in the brick-and-mortar casinos.
Online Casinos In Nigeria
Legal Nigerian online casinos are available to Nigerian residents offshore and over the internet. Trusted online casinos that accept Nigerian residents can be hard to find so our industry professionals have reviewed multiple sites and have determined which destinations are among the most trusted, legally sanctioned and legitimately regulated options for Nigerian players. Domestic online casinos are outlawed in Nigeria but not policed very well.
Online Poker Sites In Nigeria
Nigerian’s are permitted to play online poker games legally available through legal Nigeria online poker sites. Since many games of chance are outlawed and not offered in the domestic casinos or poker rooms, residents often turn to online poker sites for a wider range of gaming opportunities. Online poker sites offer incentives and bonuses while providing multiple gameplay options. Some of the poker games you will find online available to Nigerians are: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud Poker, HORSE, Caribbean Stud and others.
Online Sportsbooks In Nigeria
Sports betting is the number 1 form of gambling in Nigeria and is legal in all 36 states. In 2014, 60 million Nigerians were estimated to be placing bets on sports per day and wagering around $25 million (USD) a day. Football is their favorite sport to wager on and accounts for approximately 70% of the wagering.
Offshore sportsbooks are the usual preferred choice for their vast promotional and bonus options. Nigerians can legally bet online without the fear of prosecution because there are no gambling laws in Nigeria that prohibit online gambling domestically or through offshore sportsbooks.
Domestic sportsbooks can offer their services online. There are literally hundreds of sportsbooks set up in betting shops around the country that offer their service to anyone over 18. Players are also allowed to place bets on their mobile devices via text message.
Who Regulates Gambling In Nigeria?
- The Lagos State Lottery Board is responsible for regulating sports betting shops, printed lotteries, and casino games in the state of Lagos.
- The National Lottery Regulatory Commission regulates lottery operations for all of Nigeria and was established by the National Lottery Act of 2005.
Can I Use Nigerian Naira To Gamble Online?
Any of the legally sanctioned online gambling sites that do not process transactions using the Nigerian naira (NGN) offer currency conversion services to accommodate players from Nigeria. Also, many modern services such as eWallets and pre-paid options, allow players to deposit into their account using their preferred currency. Players can then use their account to transfer funds in GBP, EUR or USD into their online gambling account. Registration is free and there are no fees associated with starting an account.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Winnings In Nigeria?
In Nigeria, gambling winnings are not taxed but gaming operators must pay taxes and levies.
Is Mobile Gambling Legal In Nigeria?
Yes, mobile gambling from offshore gambling sites is legal for Nigerians to play. We suggest that Nigerians only play at legally licensed online casinos, poker rooms and sportsbooks that are in compliance with their reputable gaming enforcement commission. An online casino that is legally licensed offers a sense of security to regional and foreign players.
Nigerian Gambling Addiction Resources:
- Placid Way - 303.500.3821
- Forerunners Healthcare Consultants – 234.171.0.1094