Betting, especially sports betting, is one of Nigeria’s oldest known forms of gambling. From being played only as a simple pastime activity in a few designated outlets, betting sites have turned into a multi-billion-naira business.
According to a report on betting in Nigeria, about 60 million Nigerians between 18 and 40 spend more than N2 billion daily on sports betting. While betting companies generate up to N20 million monthly and use between N5 million and N7 million to meet winners’ obligations in terms of payment. Technological advancements have turned gaming into a 24/7 hobby or profession for some customers. Most of them now place non-stop bets on the internet via their iPhones, iPads and other mobile devices, unaware of the high risk they attract. However, this article won’t dwell on this. Primarily, we will talk about betting and the leading betting sites in Nigeria.
Betting sites
There are many betting sites punters can patronise online, with sports sites being the leading ones. We have Bet9ja, Nairabet, BetKing, Merrybet, BetBiga, Naijabet, Surebet247, Sportybet Supabets, 1960bet, Nairastake, Parknbet, 360bet, Plusbet, Skybetnaija, Winnersgoldenbet, and many more. However, choosing the correct betting site is crucial as it will affect your life. If you choose the right site, it is more likely to increase your chances of winning. Choose a fake? Your illusions will quadruple. Therefore, risk reduction requires informed choices, which a bettor can rely on. You need to know which bookmakers to hire to place your bets. Or better still, which sports betting websites you should go with? We shall come to that later.
Odds competitiveness is key when choosing a sports betting site. All bettors are looking for the best possible value when placing bets. Therefore, it is crucial to have an account on a sports website that works with small margins. It is the difference between smiling to the bank and frowning at your spouse.
Can you trust the website?
No punter will relish an unpleasant experience with an online betting site. Trust is key here. We have discovered that some betting sites do not conveniently answer questions in the mind of most punters. You would like to know what deposit options are available to you, right? It’s hard to withdraw money from your account, isn’t it? How many betting options are offered on the site? Etc.
Some websites answer those questions; some don’t. The worst are the ones who pretend to answer the questions only to renege on their promises after luring you in. We have two rules of thumb: look before you leap and observe ‘once bitten, twice shy.
Promotions and Offers
Investigate the betting site to see if it offers any bonuses, free bets or concessions. Some offer a 0 per cent edge on selecting certain key games. This means that the site receives no commission when you win, making the odds as competitive as possible. Some have a 100 per cent welcome bonus. Your account is credited with a certain amount of money (this varies from site to site) after a successful first deposit.
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Payment options
Know the payment options that the site offers you. Most of them allow deposits through platforms like Interswitch, Paystack, or directly from your personal bank account. Before initiating any financial transaction, you must ensure the site has a payment security certificate and a secure and encrypted HTTP domain.
Online Customer Service
Only interact with a website that knows the importance of having a meaningful and productive conversation with you. Some have a FAQ section and a tutorial page you can read to enhance your betting experience. Look for a website that has a presence on social media, especially Facebook and Twitter. This shows they know how valuable customer service is.
Retail outlets
What stands out a betting site from another is offline/retail outlets. You might be holed somewhere with a poor network and need to play that ‘sure game’ between Manchester City and Burnley. With your phone and network acting up, a betting site with outlets at every nook and cranny of Lagos is the difference between winning and losing. A well-equipped outlet with hardware and software betting systems that perform several tasks simultaneously should always be an alternative to betting online.
Betting sites in Nigeria
As we said earlier, sports betting is the most popular among patrons. Most of the betting sites offer diversified portfolios like football, boxing, darts, Aussie rules, beach volleyball, baseball, basketball, bowls, tennis, cricket, cycling, ice hockey, handball, volleyball, etc.
Here are the leading betting sites in Nigeria.
Bet9ja
As most Nigerians call all beverages Milo, Bet9ja is a synonym for sports betting. Since it began business nine years ago under KC Gaming Networks Limited, the betting site remains the most reputable, with prompt payment of winnings at zero fuss. According to Alexa.com, Bet9ja is the most visited website in Nigeria. Why not jump on the bandwagon by visiting https://promo.bet9ja.com
Betbonanza.com
This betting site, which gives up to N100,000 welcome bonus and ten free bets, has one of the best interfaces with users on an easy to navigate platform. It offers one of the biggest odds in the industry and several bonuses like One Game Cut, Yakata Bonus, Goalless Draw Offer, In-Play Cash out, Sports Jackpot, etc. You can visit https://betbonanza.com/register for more info.
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22bet Nigeria
Aesthetics rank high with most men, who make up the biggest betting site patrons. But those who visit www.22bet.com are still attracted to the site, for its offerings, despite its inelegant look and feel. Established in 2017, the site has broadened its customer base by being reliable and transparent when it comes to service delivery. The franchise is available in the UK, Canada, India, and Kenya.
1X BET
Founded in 2007, this betting site is among the leading bookmakers in Europe and most parts of Africa. With a N100,000 welcome bonus, its Nigerian punters can win by predicting the outcomes of various events on offer. And you don’t have to gamble away the money in your account reserved, say, for your children’s school fees in May. The betting site is among the few that accept bitcoin to wager on a bet. This Russian owned betting site can only invade your phone if you visit www.1xbet.ng.
NairaBet
Nairabet became the first indigenous betting site in Nigeria when it was launched in 2009. Like old wine that gets better with age, NairaBet continues to innovate to keep up with the pace in the industry. As a subscriber, you get a 10 percent bonus on any deposits you make into their account. And you don’t have to worry if Harry Maguire scores an own goal that ‘cuts’ your ticket. The betting site eases your pain with the ‘Cut-1’ option. You can then smile all the way to the bank despite the Manchester United’s captain almost aiding your ‘village people’.
Melbet.ng
Some sites offer limited betting bouquets, unlike Melbet, which has it all. Their bonuses are mouth-watering, too. As a new subscriber, you are given a 100 percent welcome bonus and a maximum of $2,000 could be yours if your first bet doesn’t go south. This is a big deal if you consider what other betting sites offer newcomers. You can visit www.Melbet.ng for more info.
BetKing
You must have seen the former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, dancing on air before, during, and after a live English Premier League match on DSTV. The power of advertisement has helped propel this brand within the short period of its existence. And they have matched the blitz and razzmatazz with an exceptional user interface with the online platform. Theirs is not just about sports betting. Punters interested in Eurovision or politics can wager a bet there as well. If you need more info, and have not had enough of Okocha’s dance steps, click on www.betking.com.
Winners Golden Bet
Incorporated in 2013, the betting site is one of the most dependable sites in Nigeria. Probably the best name in the industry, Winners Golden Bet, offers high and competitive odds for top football leagues in the world. The site is equally strong in areas like virtual play, multi bets, and in-play live streaming. Visit www.winnersgoldenbet.com to see more offerings.
Sportybet Nigeria
Sportybet has one of the best odds, which it refers to as better-boosted odds for the Champions League and the English Premier League games than most bookmakers in Nigeria. They have other promotions like being rewarded with free bets when you refer friends who end up registering on the site. The platform is user-friendly as you can easily navigate from virtual sports to casinos or any other parts of the site you wish to visit. Click www.sportybet.com/ng and you shall find more goodies.
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MerryBet
If you are keen on safety and reliability, this betting site should be your first point of call. Your password is in safe hands because of the second level of authentication put in place. They won’t offer you a first deposit bonus, but their cashback services duly compensate for that. The orange background might not be as GT Bank-attractive and is pleasing to the eyes but after nine years of offering quality services, including prompt payment of winnings, who needs aesthetics. So, go ahead, and click www.merrybet.com right away.
Paripesa
If you are looking for an international betting site that accepts Nigerian punters, then click on www.paripesa.ng. It started location operation in 2020, with new subscribers entitled to a 100 percent deposit bonus up to N45,000 after depositing more than N4,500 in their accounts. Other exciting offers include getting your losing stakes refunded if your bets are insured, and having your accumulator odds increased. You also get a gift for your birthday. Isn’t that nice?
Naija Bet
It’s an indigenous betting company based in Ekiti State. Naijabet mobile offerings focus on over 21 sports, including the popular ones like football and the less common ones like Alpine skiing. If sports betting is a no-no, you can engage the 55 casino games on the site like the Lord of the Ocean, Book of Ra, Sizzling Hot, Just Jewels, Gorilla, Pearls, Dolphins, etc. You can even place bets on the outcome of political elections and winners of awards like Grammy and Oscar. View other areas of interest on the site by clicking on www.naijabet.com.
SureBet 247
If you are interested in constant reward as gifts, bonuses, and free bets, then you should always hook up to SureBet247, 24/7. Since the site hit the market in 2011, they have been known for prompt payment of winnings, a user-friendly platform, exemplary customer service, competitive odds, and exciting promos. Check www.surebet247. com for other mouth-watering offers.
1960bet
The brand’s unique selling proposition is its database of statistics for each betting segment. This helps punters to make informed bets backed by data. Its offline presence coupled with online has made 1960bet and appealing brand to its users. The site has been around for a long time and has earned the trust of punters in service delivery and quick payments of winnings. It’s not October 1 yet but a visit to www.1960bet.com and a mastery of the info should liberate a would-be bettor like you.
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Here’s a list of other notable betting sites
- www.betbiga.com
- www.lionsbet.com
- www.bet365.com
- www.betwinner.ng
- www.netbet.ng
- www.wazobet.com
- www.supabets.com
- www.betpawa.ng
- www.cloudbet.com
- www.betfarm.com
- www.zebet.ng
- www.ng.parimatch.com
- www.bangbet.com
- www.db-bet.com
- www.bigibet.com
- https://sport.accessbet.com
UK betting sites that accept Nigerian bettors
You might not call it online betting plus, but to mingle with the ‘big boys’ you will need to register with 888Sport (www.888sport.com), Betway (www.betway.com), and Betfair (www.betfair.com/ng) with your phone, laptop, or any gadgets at your disposal. The experience is not different from what you will get from the Bet9jas of this world. You will only be exposed to international odds and offerings.
Conclusion
When looking for an online betting site, don’t settle for less. Choose the one that exactly meets your needs. Choose the one that offers you all the features you need as a bettor. We have written about the leading ones and listed a few others. It’s now left for you as a new patron or an old one looking to port to stick out your neck for one. That’s what a good punter does.
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