Features of the Best Bookmakers for Sports Betting
Choosing the best site to bet in Nigeria is always subject to personal preferences. However, certain things are must-haves for all sports betting sites. This is what this section is all about. We will explain some of these must-haves and give you a guide on how to filter online sportsbooks and create a shortlist of operators.
License and Security
First and foremost, if you decide to register at a sports betting site in Nigeria, you must make sure that the platform meets international standards. To meet this criteria, the operator must hold an international or domestic sports betting license.
To check whether the sportsbook has this accreditation, you just need to scroll to the bottom of the homepage. This is where all the license information is featured. Cross-reference the data with the regulator to make sure that the license is real.
A licensed sports betting site should also utilize the latest security system and enforce responsible gambling. To check the security system, simply click on the lock right next to the URL of the platform. Check whether the certificate is valid. If it is, then it means that the site encrypts the data that you send and hence, it is secure.
As for responsible gambling, all platforms that allow you to bet in Nigeria should be partnered with RG organizations and enforce tools such as:
- Time limits
- Wagering limits
- Deposit limits
- Self-exclusion programs
- Gambling addiction questionnaires
If the online sports betting platform meets these conditions, then you are safe to register. You will find it pleasing that when signing up, you don’t have to use your real name. Instead, you are allowed to use an alias, which gives you a certain anonymity level.
Available Betting Markets
Each Nigerian punter has its own preferences in terms of the sport that they like to bet. So, when checking the betting markets, the first thing that you should do is look at whether the platform features your favourite categories.
Of course, the more markets are available, the better. Not only that, but you should look at the available betting options. A reputable sports betting site should give you massive flexibility in terms of which types of bets you can place. Moneyline, system bets, single bets, etc. should all be available.
Bonuses and Promotions
Thanks to bonuses and promotions, you will have a chance to increase your potential betting winnings. There are several things that you should keep in mind when checking this feature. First, take a look at which offers apply to your favourite sports.
There’s no point in using a bonus on a sport that you are unfamiliar with. That only increases your chances of losing. If the offer applies to your category, then check how rewarding it is and whether it is easy to use it.
Terms and conditions will tell you that. The easier it is for you to meet the T&Cs, the easier it will be to withdraw potential bonus winnings. Some terms that sports betting bonuses in Nigeria feature are:
- Minimum deposit
- Wagering requirements
- Validity period
- Eligible sports betting categories
- Maximum bonus amount
- Maximum bet
- Restricted payment methods
As for the available bonuses, some of the offers that a reputable sportsbook should feature are welcome offers, bet boosts, early cashouts, match offers, cashback bonuses, loyalty programs and free bets.
Mobile Compatibility
Mobile betting is considered the future of the sports wagering industry. In Nigeria alone, mobile penetration increased by 10% in the last couple of years. Millions of people are actively using their smartphones and many of those like to bet on sports on these devices.
So, having mobile compatibility is a must for sportsbooks. Checking whether a certain operator is mobile-friendly is very easy. There are two ways to do so. First, you should open your store and see whether the brand has its own app. If it does, then it is compatible with mobile devices.
The second option applies if the brand doesn’t have a dedicated app. Use your mobile browser to access its website. If the site opens and it fits the screen, then the operator is using the latest HTML5 technology. In other words, it is available on phones and tablets.
Customer Support
If you stumble across a certain problem, the customer support team should assist you most efficiently and effectively. All the best bookmakers have teams on 24/7 standby. You can reach them via live chat, mail, phone or all three.
Additionally, they have FAQ sections that contain answers to the most commonly asked questions by Nigerian punters. The questions and answers are in relation to your account, payments, bonuses, betting, verification, etc.
Sports Betting in Nigeria
If you are going to bet in Nigeria, you ought to know all about the industry in this country. This includes the legal status, regulators, comparison between the land-based and online bookmakers and much more.
So, let’s start at the beginning. The first forms of betting in Nigeria appeared during the 1920s. These were the so-called pool betting in which people had to predict the outcomes of football matches. By the 1950s, they became so popular that the government had to regulate them. Hence, the Nigerian Football Pools Association was formed.
Pool betting reached its peak during the ’60s and the ’70s, but the 1990s brought a different player to the picture – sports lottery. This form of wagering was more or less identical to pool betting. The only difference was that sports lottery companies were privately owned.
Premier Lotto was the first privately-owned sports lottery company and in the following years, several other companies opened up shop and started offering their services to locals.
To have better regulation over the market, the government established the Premier Lotto (NLRC) in 2005 with the National Lottery Act. This regulator is in charge of issuing licenses for all types of gambling, including sports betting.
There’s also the Lagos State Lotteries Board, which is responsible for overseeing betting activities in Lagos itself.
As of right now, online sports betting is allowed in Nigeria, but operators must possess a license from the NLRC. All punters who are older than 18 can register at these sites and place real money bets.
When it comes to comparing land-based sportsbooks with online operators, the latter ones have the upper hand as they provide punters with tons of advantages. Some of those include:
- Flexible access
- Better odds
- More bonuses and promotions
- Higher security
- More payment methods
- Better market availability
The advantages are the reason why online sports betting sites in Nigeria have risen in popularity a lot in the past couple of years and why they will continue to do is in the upcoming period.
What are Betting Promotions and Bonuses?
Throughout this guide, we mentioned bonuses and promotions several times and noted how they are one of the best features on sports betting sites in Nigeria. It is time to dive a bit deeper into this service and see how you can use it to make your experience much better.
A betting bonus is a promotion that allows you to either bet to win real money rewards without wagering your own money, a promotion that can increase your potential winnings or both. There are two types of bonuses at sports betting sites in Nigeria – deposit and no deposit.
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Deposit Sports Betting Bonuses
As the name itself suggests, if you wish to claim these types of bonuses, you must make a deposit at the sportsbook. Three offers fall into this category:
- Welcome bonuses
- Match bonuses
- Reload bonuses
Match and reload bonuses are ongoing promotions and you can claim them on a regular basis. In most cases, they will just match your deposit and give you extra funds. A welcome bonus, on the other hand, is a one-time offer.
It is available to new players only and you can claim it only when you make your first deposit at the sportsbook. In some cases, operators might give you an extra reward apart from matching your first deposit and throw in a free bet.
No Deposit Sports Betting Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are the opposite of deposit bonuses – they do not require you to transfer funds to your betting account. In most cases, all you have to do is log in on a specific day to claim them. There are three types of no deposit bonuses:
- Bonus money
- Free bets
- Cashback bonuses
Operators that offer bonus money usually give it to you when you successfully sign up. This is not a welcome bonus though. They may also give you extra cash when you reach a new loyalty level. Free bets allow you to wager on various events without putting your own money on the line.
As for cashback bonuses, they redeem a percentage of your lost amounts over a certain period. Your loyalty status can affect the percentage that you receive.
Different Types of Odds Offered
When it comes to sports betting, everything here revolves around the odds. To calculate your potential payout on a betting slip, you must multiply your odds with your wager. Nigerian sportsbooks offer three types of odds: fractional, moneyline and decimal.
Fractional odds are also known as UK odds. They are split with the “/” symbol. The left number will tell you how much you will win when you bet the number on the right side. So, let’s say that you come across a football match and the home team’s odds of winning are 10/3. That means that if you wager $3 on the game, you will win $10.
Decimal odds are also referred to as European odds. They are split with a fraction and come in the shape of 1.25, 3.55, etc. To calculate what your possible payout is with these odds, you multiply the decimal with your bet. For example, if you wager $10 on a game whose odds are 2.55, you will win $25.5.
Finally, we have moneyline odds, also known as US odds. They are expressed in positives or negatives. A positive moneyline odd example is +350. A negative moneyline odd is -350. Here’s what they mean.
Positive moneyline odds are a representation of how much money you will win if you bet $100. In our example, +350 means that you will win $350 when you bet $100. A negative moneyline odds type signifies the opposite – how much money you need to stake in order to win $100. So, in our case, if you wish to win $100 on an event whose odds are -350, you need to wager $350.
In most cases, Nigerian sportsbooks feature the decimal type. The fractional is the second most popular type and the moneyline odds come at number 3. A majority of reputable online sports betting sites in Nigeria will allow you to set your preference between the three.
What are the Most Popular Markets to Bet On?
Online betting sites in Nigeria offer a plethora of sports to bet on. A few outrights that are worth mentioning are football, basketball, combat sports, tennis, handball, horse racing, virtual sports, eSports, American football, Aussie rules, etc.
Of course, some categories are more popular than others. The punters’ preferences vary from one country to another. In Nigeria, fans mostly bet on:
- Football
- Basketball
- Athletics
- Combat sports
Football is without a doubt, coming in at number 1. This sport is the main reason why a majority of punters register at online sports betting platforms in Nigeria. Apart from being able to wager on domestic competitions, you will also have the chance to bet on events within the world’s most prestigious leagues (Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Champions League, Bundesliga, etc.)
To make things even better, the number of betting options in this category is as vast as you can imagine. Match winner, draw, over/under, exact score, first one to score, half-time result, handicaps, system bets and the number of fouls/yellow and red cards/corners are just a few to mention.
Similar to football, basketball is a popular pick for Nigerians. Apart from betting on the NBA, you can wager on local competitions, as well as the World Cup, EuroCup, etc. What’s interesting is that athletics comes in at number three.
Considering the fact that this sport is major in Africa, this comes as no surprise. The odds are always fantastic and bookmakers have splendid coverage.
Finally, we have combat sports, especially MMA. This doesn’t come as a surprise because two of the world’s best fighters in MMA come from Nigeria – Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman. Bets on competitions such as the UFC are high in volume and betting sites always put special bonuses when good events are taking place.
What to Think About Before Selecting The Best Sports Betting Operator for Your Needs?
Our list of bets betting sites in Nigeria features operators that will give you maximum security. They are also known for their rewarding promotions and fantastic odds. But how can you pick a bookmaker that fits your personal preferences? Here’s what you ought to take into consideration.
Markets
First up, you should make sure that the online betting site features your favourite markets. Not only that, but it is smart to dive into them a bit deeper to see whether the specific sports have the competitions and leagues that you would like to bet on.
Promotions
Next, when it comes to promotions, you should be able to claim rewards on a regular basis. So, look for bookmakers that have weekly and daily promos. Furthermore, it is a major benefit if these rewards are specifically designed for your preferred betting category.
Odds
The math with odds is always simple. The higher they are, the better. Compare the odds between several sportsbooks on our list to see which ones are the best. Good odds equal handsome payouts and that is something that you should always look for.
Usability
There’s no point in placing bets at an online sportsbook that has bad navigation and even worse usability. When it comes to the design, you should enjoy maximum simplicity. All betting markets and related categories and menus should be just one click away. The easier it is for you to use the website, the more seamless your experience will be.
Mobile
Just as we mentioned earlier, the mobile penetration rate in Nigeria is pretty high and it increases with each passing year. The perfect solution is to have an app that you can download on iOS and Android. However, being HTML5-powered and accessible via your mobile browser is also a good solution.
Live Betting
Who doesn’t like the thrill of placing live bets? A majority of online sportsbooks allow registered punters to place in-play bets. However, the coverage varies from one platform to another. So, compare the services and find out which sites allow you to place live bets on your preferred sports.
Legality
We cannot forget about the legal status. In order for a platform to allow people to bet in Nigeria, it must possess a license from the NLRC or an international regulator. Scroll to the bottom of the home page to see whether the bookmaker holds a license and double-check the information on the regulator’s website.
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
If you are going to place real money bets, you will have to deposit money into your account. If you happen to win a certain amount, there will come a time when you will want to cash out. This is where the payment methods come into play. The more options you have at your disposal, the better. Additionally, many of those banking options should be local to Nigeria (Verve, Interswitch, Pay at the ATM, Pay an Agent, PayCom, etc.)
Our Reviews Feature All of the Aforementioned Information
The reason why we encourage Nigerian punters to read our reviews is that we make sure to list all of the aforementioned information. Instead of having to manually access and register at every bookmaker, you can simply browse our casino ratings to get first-class and hands-on information. This will make the process of selecting an online sportsbook much more efficient.
Free Betting Predictions and Analyses
When it comes to placing bets, we are more than a team of expert reviewers. We always aim to provide Nigerians with extra services. Not only can we help you get started with online sportsbooks, but we also provide you with free betting predictions and analyses.
We rely on statistical data and we analyse it to predict outcomes of certain events. In doing so, we increase the chances of hitting potential winning combinations. Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the world of sports, but with expert analysis, we can increase your chances of winning.
You can read our latest predictions at any time and the best part about them is that they come at zero cost.
Want to Give Yourself A Better Chance of Winnings? Check Out Our Betting Guides
As sports betting in Nigeria and the world keeps expanding, the number of new punters to these sites increases every day. Newbies may have a hard time navigating and learning all that online sportsbooks have to offer.
This is where our betting guides can help you. We provide Nigerian punters with guides on every aspect of online wagering. This includes:
- Registering an account
- Placing your first bet
- Betting types explained
- How to use bonuses and promotions
- What you should look out for
- Betting markets
- Betting options
Thanks to our comprehensive guide, you will have a chance to quickly catch up with the latest updates in the industry and use them to your advantage.
Looking for the Best Betting Strategies? Betting-Sites.ng Has You Covered
Just because the world of sports is unpredictable, that doesn’t mean that you cannot use strategies to increase your winnings. Betting-Sites.ng has you covered in this field as well. Our experts will provide you with the latest strategies for sports betting.
These strategies are tailored to each sport. We will give you a full explanation of the math behind each strategy and how can you use it to increase your winnings. However, it is important to note that strategies do not guarantee you rewards; they only increase the chances of one.
Betting Tips
To make your betting experience much better, we would like to share a few betting tips. After all, we pride ourselves in giving Nigerians all the information that they need regarding sports betting. So, let’s dive into the details.
Define Your Budget and Stick to It.
The first and arguably the most important tip is to always bet responsible. In other words, define your budget and stick to it. Never bet more than you should. Remember, the goal here is to have fun, not to take any risks.
Keep a Record of Your Betting History.
Online sportsbooks often feature a page where you can take a look at your betting history. This can serve you well as it can give you an overlook of how much you’re spending, which leagues you are more effective in and which do not go your way, etc.
Do Your Research and Find the Betting Site Which Suits You the Best.
Finding a sports betting site is all about finding a platform that matches your preferences. There are thousands of operators in Nigeria. Hence, there’s no doubt that you will find one according to your taste.
Find an Area Where You Want to Excel and Become Very Knowledgeable.
There are countless sports in the world. Sportsbooks also offer tons of betting options in each category. Make sure that you wager funds on sports that you are familiar with. Additionally, never stop learning – the more you master a certain sport, the more confident in your betting slips you will become.
Always Do Your Homework Before Betting.
Betting is all about doing proper research. The better the research, the higher the chances of winning. Check out the history of your team. See how well they play in a certain tournament, what is their recent form, how well they play historically against that specific opponent, etc. All of this information can serve you extremely well.
Don’t Let Emotions Get in Your Way.
Always make sure that you bet rationally, not emotionally. Emotions are known to cloud people’s judgements and perspectives. The more emotions you put in, the less likely you are to make the right choice.
Follow Live Events Closely When Using the In Live Feature.
It is always smart to track your selections live. Online sportsbooks often have live streams in their in-play menus. That is how you can make an accurate prediction of an upcoming event in your match (next goal, next card, final score, etc.).
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
The good thing about Nigerian sports betting sites is that they allow players to place bets with extremely low amounts. So, it is nice to experiment from time and time and discover new possibilities. However, make sure that you do that in the most responsible manner.
Deposit Methods
By depositing money into your account, you will unlock your path towards real money wagering and claiming bonuses and promotions. Nigerian bookmakers often feature quite a lot of deposit methods. Hence, you will enjoy extremely high flexibility. Some of the most popular in Nigeria are:
- Verve
- Pay an Agent
- Credit and debit cards
- Boku
- Pay by Phone
- Online banking
Other options that you will have at your disposal include cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tether, Ethereum, Ripple, etc.), Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Apple Pay, Neosurf, Paysafecard, AstroPay and much more.
To deposit money into your account, you must first register. Then, go to the cashier’s section and choose the deposit menu. Select your payment method and enter the amount that you wish to transfer.
Just as we stated before, each online sportsbook has a minimum and maximum limit for depositing. The maximum limit may be per transaction, or during a certain period (daily, weekly, monthly). It all depends on the policies of the operator.
In most cases, deposits are instant and sports betting sites in Nigeria do not charge fees. If the payment provider charges them, then they are out of the control of the site.
Withdrawal Methods
When it comes to withdrawing money, the number of available methods may not be as vast as the deposit ones. For example, mobile payment methods (PayviaPhone, Boku) are available for deposits only. The same applies to vouchers and prepaid cards. So, if you are planning on cashing out, you will have to rely on options such as:
- Credit and debit cards
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Apple Pay
- Cryptocurrencies
- Bank transfers
- Wire transfers
Unlike deposits, withdrawals are not always instant. They have a processing period and a transfer period. These depend on the policies of the sportsbook and the method itself. For example, credit and debit have a processing time of 3-5 business days. E-wallets usually offer same-day payouts and cryptocurrency withdrawals are instant.
When withdrawing money from your account, you should consider two things – verification and bonus terms and conditions. Bookmakers will require you to verify your account before making your first withdrawal.
They might also do that at random intervals and/or when you request to withdraw a lot of money. To verify your account, you must send photos of personal documents such as your ID, driver’s license, utility bill and proof of address. Verification teams take about 72 hours to review these documents.
If you are using a bonus to place bets, then you must remember that every bonus has terms and conditions. Pay extra attention to the wagering requirements. They state how much real money you must stake before being able to cash out with bonus winnings. Only after you’ve met the T&Cs you will have the opportunity to request a payout.
FAQ: Sports Betting in Nigeria
Betting online is safe as long as you do it with a licensed operator. Betting-Sites.ng features the most reputable bookmakers in Nigeria. All of them hold valid licenses and are legitimate. You are more than welcome to browse the list and choose one that matches your preferences.
Nigerian law states that gambling winnings are not a source of income. As a result, you don’t need to pay any taxes on the potential rewards. Professional gamblers are an exception. For them, gambling is a source of income and hence, any winnings that they earn must be taxed.
In Nigeria, the sports betting market is regulated by the NLRC. Only sites that are licensed by this authority can legally offer their services to punters. Although the NLRC is not the most effective in its job, it holds standards and makes sure to protect Nigerian bettors.
You should never consider betting as an activity that can lead you to making profits. This is an entertainment activity that brings fun and thrill. Bet only to have a quality time, not to take unnecessary risks.
Cashing out at Nigerian sportsbooks is simple, but not as easy as depositing. Before you make your first withdrawal, you will likely have to verify your account. Additionally, if you are using a bonus, you must make sure that you meet its terms and conditions before sending a request. Once you complete these two steps, you can withdraw with a few simple clicks.
To get a sign up bonus at an online sports betting platform, you must register and make your initial deposit. Read the terms and conditions of the welcome bonus to see what is the minimum required deposit and whether you need to enter a bonus code. If a code is not required, the casino will automatically transfer the bonus to your account.
No, you don’t need a big bankroll to start betting. Most online sportsbooks in Nigeria have low minimum deposit requirements and that is all you need to make to place your bets. You should never wager large amounts of money as that increases the risk.
Most online sportsbooks in Nigeria these days are optimized for mobile use. So, while it is a decent benefit to have a computer, this device is not actually a must-have. You can place bets from your smartphone or tablet. Just make sure that your connection to the Internet is stable.
Responsible Gambling
Apart from maintaining maximum security at Nigerian sports betting sites, you should also remember that responsible gambling is a top priority. This falls upon you, the punter, and the sportsbook itself.
Your responsibility is to always keep track of how much time and money you spend when you bet in Nigeria sportsbooks online. As for the operators themselves, they have an obligation to track the betting patterns of their clients.
If they notice that you are overspending, they have the right to suspend your account for a certain amount of time. Apart from that, they partner with RG organizations to provide free aid to those in need. And if that is not enough, online sportsbooks allow you to use their tools to make sure that you play for entertainment purposes only. These tools include:
- Setting your time limits
- Setting your budget limits
- Self-exclusion programs
- Problem gambling questionnaires
Conclusion
Betting-Sites.ng is a platform where you can find all the best online sportsbooks in Nigeria. Our team is dedicated to providing you with transparent and unbiased information. After all, we believe that honesty is the key to forming a good relationship. Not only that but through honesty and transparency, we will always help you find a platform that matches your preferences.
As a way to remain engaged, we offer various strategies, tips, analyses and predictions to all of our readers. They are 100% free and you are more than welcome to read and inspect them. If you have any questions that you would like us to answer, you are more than welcome to reach out to our support team.
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