Online gaming is a popular activity among Nigerians. There is a wealth of online gaming options in the country. Over the years, the online casino landscape has become better and as technology advances, a new era of online gaming is ushered in.
Nigerians’ passion for online gaming has increased over the years. But what casinos are the best in the country? How do you choose the most ideal one? That’s the whole essence of this guide.
We will walk you through the most crucial steps in choosing the best casino in Nigeria. On top of that, we will recommend the best sites in 2023. Read on!
Yes, online casinos are considered legal in Nigeria. However, there is a grey area in the country’s gambling laws. We will talk about that in a few.
Before any online casino is licensed in Nigeria, it has to go through stringent verification processes. This is to ensure they are reliable, secure, and financially stable not to run away with players’ winnings.
In the late 90s, policies and laws were introduced to govern and regulate gambling in Nigeria. Privatisation of certain gambling entities was made possible by the new laws and policies.
Also, legal and illegal forms of gambling were outlined. Legal forms of gambling include betting, racing, pools, and, most importantly, online casino games.
While the National Lottery Regulatory Commission regulates gambling in Nigeria, the law has no specific provisions to regulate online casinos. This is the grey area we were talking about.
Luckily, it’s not against the law for Nigerians to play on offshore casino sites. This means local players have plenty of options to choose from. However, when playing on offshore sites, you should be on the lookout for scams.
Only consider online casinos regulated by well-known organisations such as the MGA and the UKGC. Licensing from these jurisdictions ensures that you get fair treatment and that your information is safe and secure.
Generally, online casinos in Nigeria follow all the rules and regulations that apply to land-based casinos. And above all, they are legal.
After going live in 2020, MyStake casino has been working to improve the online gambling space in a variety of ways. First, they focus on providing modern games from popular providers. They don’t source these games from just any other developer. So, quality is always top-notch.
Secondly, the casino is determined to make an international presence. It not only accepts players from Nigeria but also from dozens of other countries.
In Nigeria, you can access it using any gaming device, be it a desktop computer or a mobile phone. Either way, you won’t regret it since the gameplay is always seamless.
Forget about language barriers at MyStake casino. The site is available in several dialects, with English being the default language. And if you studied French or German, you can test your language skills by playing around with the settings.
In the payments department, diversity is all we can notice. The casino accepts deposits and withdrawals via several banking solutions. As a Nigerian resident, some of the available options include Skrill, Web Money, and Visa.
Since the casino doesn’t support Nigerian Naira, you may opt for crypto payments. MyStake supports cryptos like BTC, ETH, LTC, and DOGE. Just choose what you prefer.
Hell Spin has been online since 2022. It’s a crypto casino, but also accepts payments in fiat currencies like EUR, USD, and NZD. Unfortunately, NGN is not one of them.
All in all, this is one of our highly-rated casinos, and we can honestly recommend it to any Nigerian gambler. It has all the gaming essentials, from the game selection to the payout speeds.
In the lobby, you’ll find all types of slots and table games. If you prefer doing business in the live dealer studio, Hell Spin has a whole section dedicated to exactly that. By the way, these games are available during the day and at night.
Regarding accessibility, Hell Spin works well in all gaming environments. Playing on mobile is equally as fun as playing on a desktop computer. There are no limitations whatsoever.
Deposits and withdrawals here are easy peasy. All deposits at Hell Spin casino are instant while cash outs depend on what payout option you choose. For fast transactions, we recommend e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. We would recommend cryptos since there are no currency conversions required.
This online casino was established in 2021 and TechSolutions Group N.V. is the company behind its operations. It holds a licence from the Curacao government.
There are more than 4000 games in this online casino’s gaming library. They include slots, table games, and live dealer games.
As expected, the best software providers have contributed to this online casino. Some of them are Evolution Gaming, Big Time Gaming, and Evoplay, just to mention a few.
What stands out is the eye-catching website design. Big and bold icons are what dominate its layout. Besides, the colour scheme is best described as fun and playful.
So, what does this online casino offer apart from its simple interface? The main purpose of joining an online casino is to enjoy the variety of games on offer. Being the main attraction of this site, the gaming section is well-equipped.
The menu bar allows you to choose from a range of categories. Notably this section is divided into three main sections. They are slots, table games, and live dealer games.
As with many other online casinos, Bizzos has bonuses and promotions. But for you to unlock these bonuses and promotions, you need to deposit funds into your account first.
What payment options are available? Amazingly all conventional payment options are available in Bizzo casino. Payment options available include card payments, e-wallets, and also cryptos. This online casino supports multiple currencies like AUD, CAD, USD, EUR, and many others. At the moment you cannot transact using Nigerian Naira.
Although it’s relatively new, this online casino is a recognized brand in the gaming community. It first burst out into the online gaming scene in 2021. It’s licensed by Curacao and operated by Invicta Networks N.V. under the ownership of Brivio Limited.
Finding what you need from this website is easy. On top of that, you step into a colourful bright blue display. It gives you the feeling of walking into a cool icy ambience. Also available are multi languages making it convenient for any person visiting Nigeria.
This online casino has an impressive gaming library. There are more than 4000 games you can choose from. If you are a fan of slots, table games, or live dealer games, there is definitely something for you.
Game providers play a crucial role in any online casino. More than 30 software providers have contributed to this online casino’s impressive game collection. Some of these providers are NetEnt, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and others.
Ice casino has an impressive array of bonuses and promotions. An impressive welcome package and VIP programs are some of the best in the iGaming industry. Definitely, they do improve your gaming experience.
Making payments using Ice casino shouldn’t be a problem since it supports multiple currencies. You will be able to transact using USD, NZD, EUR, and many others. The only downside is that you can’t transact using Nairas at the moment.
The main core values of this online casino are safety, convenience, and comfort. Nigerians can also play this online casino on their mobile devices.
Owned by Rabidi N.V., this online casino was launched in 2021. It holds a licence from the famous Curacao Gaming Commission. This is not a problem since they serve outside their jurisdictions, including Nigeria.
Nigerians are guaranteed an excellent array of excellent gaming titles. There are more than 3000 games available. These games are provided by some of the best software providers in the gaming industry.
You’ll find online slots, live dealer games, video poker, and table games. Impressively this online casino has a habit of launching new games every month.
You will be impressed by the number of deposit options availed to you. If you plan to deposit with fiat currencies, you can opt for card payment options or e-wallets. Crypto users are not left out.
There is also an option of depositing using various cryptocurrencies. This online casino is also known for its fast payouts which is a good option for Nigerians.
Neon54 online casino supports multiple currencies including EUR, USD, RUB and many others. Unfortunately, at the moment you cannot transact using the Nigerian Naira.
Fantastic promotions are on offer all year round. If you are a new player, there is a unique opportunity for you to choose your welcome bonuses. Also, your loyalty will be rewarded with various perks as you play for real money.
A huge number of the Nigerian population gamble online. Therefore, it's not surprising that the country has a wide range of online casinos. If you are thinking of online gaming, it's essential you do your research. That will be tough, especially with the stiff competition among casinos. To lessen the hassle, here are some steps to help you make informed decisions.
1
Choose a licensed online casino
It’s vital to check whether a casino is regulated by relevant authorities. Some online casinos operate without valid licences, so make sure you pick one that is legal and legit.
2
Which games are available
Online casinos with a wide range of games tend to be reliable. Imagine how an online casino with few choices can be limiting. After all, a fun and exciting gaming experience is the ultimate goal.
3
Which payment methods can you use?
Most online casinos in Nigeria use both traditional and contemporary payment methods. Traditional methods are considered to be card payments or bank transfers. Contemporary methods are e-wallets and cryptos.
4
Effective customer service
It’s only right for the best online casinos in Nigeria to have excellent customer service. A 24/7 support team is very important. This will put your mind at ease in case you encounter any issues.
New online casinos in Nigeria
In the past, gambling in Nigeria was limited to playing cards and throwing dice. As technology advanced, a new era came in where the internet has taken over. Understandably, online casinos have taken advantage of these advancements.
The number of online gamers in Nigeria increases daily. Most Nigerians prefer to bet online rather than in land-based casinos. Therefore, it’s only prudent for new online casinos to come up regularly. The good thing is that Nigerians can play at local and foreign online casinos.
Due to the competition in the industry, operators are launching new online casinos regularly. With Nigerians being iGaming fanatics, most online casinos wish to tap into this market.
New online casinos in Nigeria offer top-notch games, high payouts, and numerous payment methods. Also, user-friendly interfaces and generous bonuses have become the norm in new online casinos.
Here are some new online casinos you should check out in 2023.
There is no denying this is one of the most popular slots in Nigeria. It was first launched in 2014. Play’n Go has definitely done an outstanding job here. Rich Wilde, the Indiana Jones-like character, goes on a mission to Egypt to uncover ancient artefacts.
As you can imagine, the slot has great graphics with a background inspired by ancient Egypt. Also, you will find 5 reels and 10 paylines. The good thing is that you can play for real money or in the demo mode for free.
The game has an average RTP of 96.21%. This also means that the house edge is 3.76%. Another thing to note is that this slot has high volatility.
As the name suggests, you will be taken to a world made up of candy, cakes, and sugary fruits. This game was released in 2019 by Pragmatic Play. The sugary theme has definitely made it popular among Nigerians.
Once you enter this sugary world, this game plays out on 6 reels and 5 rows. Symbols are filled with fruits and candy and different combinations will give you different multipliers. The highest-paying one is the lollipop scatter symbol.
And if you land at least 8 identical symbols anywhere on the reels, you’re good. The cascading reels can give you plenty of consecutive wins on every spin.
The game has an RTP of 96.52%, which is slightly above the industry average. It’s also highly volatile. You might benefit from sugar bomb symbols which have impressive multipliers.
With twists and turns, Legacy of Dead is a slot game worth your precious time. Amazing graphics and visuals will definitely enhance your gaming experience, not forgetting the intriguing soundtrack.
This Egyptian-themed game is one of the latest creations of Play’n Go. It has 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines displayed on a dimly lit background.
Here, you can double or quadruple your winnings by guessing the correct card suit or colour. But it goes both ways. You can lose it in a double-or-nothing fashion.
This is a high variant slot. It has an RTP of 94.51%, meaning that the house edge is 5.49%. Notable symbols here include Egyptian gods, low-value card suits, Tutankhamun, and a burial chamber of gold. You can win by matching 2 and 5 symbols on a payline.
Online gaming is a big deal in Nigeria. For this reason, online casinos operating in Nigeria tend to have a massive gaming library. Definitely, this is an added advantage to Nigerian players.
Apart from slots, table games, poker games, and lotteries are a big deal in the country. Table games and poker games can be played live at your favourite online casino which improves your gaming experience. Instead of going to land-based casinos, you can enjoy these games at home.
At the end of the day, all these games guarantee you plenty of excitement. Here are some popular casino games in Nigeria.
Blackjack
This online game has been at the top of the list of many online casinos. It’s also known as 21. It’s an easy game to learn and also fun to play. The main aim is to get a total card value of 21 or something close to that while betting against the dealer.
Poker
It has been a fan favourite over the years. However, it’s quite a complex game where you must continuously build your skills. But once you get the hang of it, you will never get bored playing poker. Also, accessing this game is easy.
Roulette
The good thing about this game is that it does not require much knowledge. The goal is to predict where the ball will land once the roulette table is spun. The stakes vary from the number value it will land on to the colour it will land on.
Baccarat
In this game, you will either place your bet on the bank or the player. You decide who you think will win. To win, cards are placed on the table, and it depends on the numbers. It sounds complicated, but once you get into it, you will see it’s an easy game.
Nigerian Sports betting sites
One of the hallmarks of online gambling sites is the sportsbook section. Sports betting has an enormous following in Nigeria. The growing online gaming industry has changed the perspective of both gaming providers and players. Over the years, many positive changes have been introduced to favour players.
Betting on sports in Nigeria is a popular activity. All sorts of sports are available to bet on However, sports such as football, basketball, tennis, and rugby have a larger following in the country. With the revolution of the iGaming industry, virtual sports lovers are not left out.
So, how do sports betting work? Most online betting sites provide different betting options. You’ll find total bets, parlays, futures and more.
In Nigeria, decimal odds are mostly used.
When all is said and done, choosing the best online betting site is crucial. With hundreds of options available, you won’t miss some which are untrustworthy.
It’s advisable you research extensively. Check which features are available. For example, is there an option for live betting? Is there a cash-out option? Which bonuses are available? Lastly, does it have a reliable customer service team?
Based on these factors, here are some sports betting sites we recommend in Nigeria.
Most popular casino payment methods in Nigeria
From the earliest games of chance to the current online casinos, making money has been the main goal. But to earn real cash, you need to make a real money stake. That’s where payment methods come into play.
Banking options have been evolving over the years. There is an abundance of payment options that Nigerians can use.
Different payment options have varying time limits and fees. Also, the option you use to deposit funds will be the same method you use to withdraw. Therefore, before you start playing at any online casino, check out the various payment options available.
Let’s look at the most common methods of payment used in Nigeria.
Visa
This is one of the most used payment options in Nigeria, not only in casinos but also in other online shopping activities. It’s a safe and secure way of transacting. Other notable features include ease of use, fast deposit speeds, and wide acceptability.
All top online casinos in Nigeria accept Visa payments. Some have gone to the extent of offering various bonuses and promotions if you use this option.
PayPal
Online casinos have diversified their payment options. In Nigeria, almost all modern gaming sites accept PayPal deposits. This option is the most commonly used e-wallet by Nigerian players.
It’s an easy, fast, and secure way to make casino deposits and withdrawals. Strong encryptions have been put into place to protect your personal data. Further, you can access its services either through a mobile app or a website. In case, you need to access your winnings much faster, then this is the payment option for you.
Interswitch
This is a renowned payment option that allows players to transact using their different bank cards. There are a variety of options to choose from, including Verve, Webpay, and Quickteller.
Payments made through Interswitch are processed instantly. The payment method is also widely available in Nigeria. If you’re worried about security, relax. All your personal information will remain confidential at all times.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a form of cryptocurrency used all over the world. Nigerians have been dubbed to be the most curious nation when it comes to bitcoin. They have been known to have most people searching about bitcoin and how to use it.
Online casinos have taken advantage of this curiosity and now accept payments in BTC. Transactions through crypto are very safe, especially bitcoin. It’s one of the safest methods of payment, and only takes a few minutes to process transactions.
Gambling regulator in Nigeria
Right off the bat, online gambling is legal in Nigeria. You should not worry whenever you play online casinos. However, the law concerning gambling is somehow unclear.
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission regulates gambling in Nigeria. This legislation was implemented under the National Lottery Act of 2005. Other gambling forms are considered illegal under the Criminal Code Act of 1990.
Based on the country’s gambling laws, lottery, sports betting, and land-based casino gaming are legal. Meanwhile, games of chance like roulette, dice games, and non-skilled games are considered illegal.
The National Lottery Act of 2005 brought the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to life. Their purpose is to oversee lottery businesses in Nigeria. The NLRC has the mandate to issue three types of gambling licences: lottery licences, online and offline sports betting licences, and promotional permits.
At the moment, there is no law indicating that locals can place bets on foreign online casinos. Nonetheless, several offshore casinos accept Nigerian players and are regulated by recognized organisations.
Online casinos in Nigeria follow the same laws and regulations as their land-based counterparts.
Nigeria-specific Gambling restrictions
Like many countries, Nigeria also has a few restrictions when it comes to gambling. There are some acts passed by the government to control gambling activities in the country. The two main acts we will look at are The Gaming Machine (Prohibition) Act and The Nigerian Criminal Code Act.
The Gaming Machine (Prohibition) Act was passed in 1977. It bans the ownership and usage of gaming machines in Nigeria. Gaming machines are defined as mechanical coins or token-oriented gaming or gambling devices.
They may be used to entice individuals with the expectation of winning. The penalty for running such machines may lead to a jail time of 1 year without a fine. Additionally, your machines and proceedings will be confiscated by the government.
The Nigerian Criminal Code Act addresses gambling in subsection 1 of section 236 in chapter 22. This Act defines legal and illegal gambling activities in Nigeria. Illegal games in this law are roulette, dice games, and non-skilled card games.
Illegal gaming houses are also prohibited under this Act. You may be fined 1000 naira or jailed for 2 years if caught.
The law also regulates slot machines. Only licensed operators can run slot machines. Also, gambling on blood sports is restricted. Remember, only citizens aged 18 years and above can gamble legally in Nigeria.
Gambling taxes in Nigeria
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. Therefore, it’s understandable that they have a large customer base in the gambling industry.
Definitely, the government sees this as an opportunity to increase its revenue. The World Bank also recommended that the Federal Government look into betting taxes to increase revenue.
In recent years, there have been candid conversations concerning betting taxes in Nigeria. As of 2020, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was set to start taxing betting activities.
They had drawn up a proposal to ensure that a value-added tax of 7.5% applied to the online betting industry. This move was not a surprise since Nigeria is a hub for online gaming.
Are winnings from bets placed in Nigeria taxable? Yes, they are. In case you win big, be ready to give the government its share. Also, if you are a professional gambler, your winnings are subjected to income tax. This is because gambling activities are subjected to general income tax laws.
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission also thinks it would be difficult to implement the 7.5% VAT on betting stakes. They suggest that the VAT should be deducted from the winnings before payouts.
Clearly, the NLRC and FIRS are not on the same page concerning gambling taxes. Obviously, online casinos are not in favour of these tax measures as well.
History of Gambling in Nigeria
Let’s start this journey from when Nigeria attained its independence. In 1963 Nigeria got its independence from the United Kingdom. However, they did not adopt the U.K. gambling laws.
From then, gambling was completely unregulated until 1977. This is when the Gaming Machines Act was implemented.
Then came the 90’s. In 1990, another law was introduced, known as the Criminal Code Act. It was until this period that the government took definite steps to define the legality of gambling activities. Gambling then became a formal industry in the country.
The early 2000s saw major steps taken around gambling legislation in Nigeria. States like Lagos started to push to establish their own gambling laws in a bid to regulate their own local markets.
In 2005, the National Lottery Act was passed. This led to the creation of a national lottery and the national regulator known as the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. In 2008, the law was updated. These amendments made it possible for the NLRC to issue multiple lottery licences.
With online casinos coming up, regulatory bodies started issuing licences to iGaming companies in 2009. Around this time, local betting sites opened their doors to players from other countries. Around this time, online sports betting was introduced in Nigeria.
Land-based gambling in Nigeria
Nigeria is well known for its gambling industry. Apart from online gambling, land-based casinos are also popular in the country. The Lottery act clearly defines which land-based games are legal and which ones are not.
Which types of land-based gambling are permitted in Nigeria? Physical casinos, sports betting, slot machines, raffles, and lotto shops are all permitted in Nigeria.
Land-based gambling is regulated at both the national and state level. Regulatory bodies in the country have the power to create new licences to accommodate the growing industry.
Land-based casinos may be part of a hotel or a resort. Alternatively, it can be licensed as a stand-alone casino.
Although Nigeria is one of the largest countries on the continent, there are only a few land-based casinos. The most popular one is the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino located in Victoria Islands. There’s also the Transcorp Hilton Casino located in Abuja, among others.
Nigeria Gambling addictions help
Gambling addiction can be described as continuous, uncontrollable gambling despite harmful consequences. What may lead to gambling addiction? The main cause is monetary gain fuelled by greed, poverty, economic hardship, and unemployment. Peer pressure from friends is another factor that may lead to addiction.
Deciding to stop gambling may be a daunting task. Most gambling addicts tend to hide their addiction from others. However, it may get worse and destroy their lives. Thankfully, there is a variety of support and treatment to help you quit. But one has to be patient for it to be successful. Currently, in Nigeria, there are no organisations or institutions where one can go for gambling addiction help. However, let’s look at some unconventional methods which might help you overcome problem gambling.
Self-exclusion services have become common in the online gambling world. These programs were designed in case you want to ban yourself from a gambling site. Actually, if you wish to quit gambling, all you need to do is download the app and register. Once confirmed, you cannot access the gambling platform.
Other options are gambling blockers or block transactions to betting sites. Seeking advice from professional counsellors is also a good option.
Definitely, the Nigerian government should do more to help gambling addicts. The Nigerian Gambling Commission should borrow a leaf from countries like the UK and introduce services such as GamStop. If introduced, players can place restrictions on their gambling activities.
Did you know?
It’s estimated that around 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 gamble. They spend approximately 2 billion USD yearly. This can mainly be attributed to the availability of online gambling using mobile phones.
FAQs
Yes, both online and land-based casinos are legal in Nigeria. They are also regulated by the NLRC, a government licensing body in the country.
In this review, you will find the best online casinos you can opt for. They are licensed either locally or internationally.
Online casinos in Nigeria have a variety of games. You can play slots, table games, live dealer games, baccarat, and many others.
Sports betting is a big part of the Nigerian gambling arena. Therefore, you’ll find several sportsbooks in the country. Some online casinos even have a sports betting section.
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission regulates all gambling activities in Nigeria.
Final verdict
It’s evident that most Nigerians gamble either online or in land-based casinos. Therefore, there are a number of online casinos operating in Nigeria. When choosing an online casino, before anything else, ensure that it’s licensed by the relevant authorities.
Nigerians have plenty of casino games to play. Slots, table games, live dealer games, and cards are popular in the country. However, sports betting has become a fan favourite since it came into the picture. When it comes to sports betting, football is the most popular sport in Nigeria.
There are plenty of payment options available for Nigerians. Luckily, online casinos operating in the country accept both fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies. However, Nigerian-owned casinos do not accept crypto since it’s illegal.
Also, it’s important to note that you can’t transact using the Nigerian naira with most offshore casinos. However, local casinos support this currency.
Always remember to gamble responsibly. If you feel your gambling habits are getting out of hand, seek help!
Stan is the one that founded CorrectCasinos.com back in 2018. He is really passionate about fair-play in online casinos, transparency and responsible gaming.
