Best betting sites in Nigeria (2024): Rated by a Nigerian betting expert

Betano, BetKing, Bet9ja, Paripesa, and MELbet are among the top 10 betting sites in Nigeria in 2024. However, finding the right betting site to suit your needs can be quite difficult, which is why I've compiled a carefully researched list of the best betting companies in Nigeria as of 2024.

Let's explore what makes each of these top 10 betting sites stand out, focusing on their features, betting markets, ease of use, and overall user-friendliness. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the best betting sites in Nigeria to meet your specific needs.

Top 10 betting sites in Nigeria reviewed

To help you find the ideal betting site based on your specific needs, I've categorized the top Nigerian betting platforms according to their standout features.

1. Betano

Betano Nigeria was founded in 2018 and it is ranked first on this list because it is ahead of other betting sites in Nigeria in terms of odds. I've compared the odds across all the top betting sites, and Betano consistently offers some of the most competitive odds around, especially when it comes to the Over/Under goals market and 1×2 bets.

Additionally, Betano offers features such as Live Streaming and BetBuilder which allows you to combine multiple selections from the same match into a single bet for potentially higher payouts. With Betano, you can stream live matches in HD as long as your betting account is active.

Even better is that you can organize a “watch party” with your friends on Betano. This feature allows you to invite your friends to stream a match with you.

Imagine you and your friends living in different cities across Nigeria streaming the El Classico between Barcelona and Real Madrid together at the same time while placing live bets. It makes your betting experience more interesting.

Our rating: 5/5

2. BetKing

BetKing was founded in 2018 in Nigeria and it ranks second on this list because of its awesome welcome bonus. Who doesn't love a good welcome bonus when signing up on a new sports betting platform?

If you're looking for an incredible welcome bonus, BetKing is the way to go. They offer free bets worth up to ₦1,000,000, which is an incredible value. With these free bets, you can explore new betting markets and stake with confidence using the massive BetKing welcome bonus. Plus, they have ongoing promotions that give you extra chances to win big without risking your own money.

Something unique I love about BetKing is its “fantasy mix”. This allows you to combine real-life teams playing different matches together and place a bet. You create your own fantasy fixture with this feature.

For example, if there is a match between Man City and Tottenham and another between Arsenal and Burnley, you can use fantasy mix to put Man City against Arsenal and bet on the fantasy match instead.

Also, BetKing allows you to book bets. This helps you generate a code after adding selections to a bet slip. You can use this code to place a bet later or even share it with your friends to place a similar bet.

Our rating: 5/5

3. Bet9ja

Bet9ja was founded in 2013 by Kunle Soname. This bookmaker is 3rd on this list because it focuses a lot on grassroots sports. Whenever you want to place bets on the Nigerian Professional Football League or even local Nigerian tournaments, then Bet9ja is your best bet.

Most local sports tournaments in Nigeria are always available on Bet9ja, unlike some other bookmakers that are heavily invested in foreign tournaments and only feature selected Nigerian games. This makes Bet9ja the number 1 choice for bettors interested in local Naija tournaments.

In terms of promoting sports in Nigeria and improving the country's economy, no bookmaker comes close to Bet9ja. The bookmaker has sponsored the Lagos City Marathon, SociaLiga, and even Big Brother Naija.

Something I find fascinating is that Bet9ja has its own blog where expert analysts write about forthcoming matches, betting tips, and transfer news. So, with Bet9ja, you're getting not just a bookmaker, but also a reliable sports news website.

Our rating: 4/5

4. Paripesa

Paripesa was founded in Nigeria in 2019. Something remarkable about this site is that it offers a massive selection of esports you can bet on. On Paripesa, you can bet on League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

Something I find interesting about Paripesa is that it offers up to 150,000 NGN to new customers. With this bonus, you can explore several betting markets in the English Premier League. The best part is that Paripesa's welcome bonus has easy wagering requirements compared to 1xbet.

Another interesting feature of PariPesa.ng is that it allows you to place anti-accumulator bets. This type of bet is the opposite of acca bets, for you to win an anti-accumulator bet, at least one event on your bet slip must fail. Once this happens, you'll win the anti-acca bet. If you're interested in placing strategic anti-accumulator bets, then Paripesa.ng is the ideal bookmaker for you.

Our rating: 4/5

5. 1xBet

If you're looking for a betting site that offers a wide range of payment methods, 1xbet.ng is the place to be. This bookmaker offers 81 different payment methods, including OPay and Bitcoin. With 1xbet, you can rest assured knowing that you can easily make deposits and withdraw your winnings.

With 1xbet.ng, you can also place bets using cryptocurrency, which is amazing. So, if you're a bettor who has always had to convert crypto to fiat currency before being able to place a bet, you don't have to worry because 1xbet allows you to directly make a deposit using crypto.

1xbet offers an impressive range of options, from popular sports like football and basketball to more niche options like table tennis and esports. Plus, the bookmaker offers betting markets for non-sports events like politics and reality TV shows.

Our rating: 4/5

6. MELbet

MELbet was launched in Nigeria in 2019. This site has several interesting features including an “Odds Converter” feature which allows you to convert odds into different formats. With MELbet, customer support is also top-notch. They offer 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone (+2349151360255).

The best part is that calls to the MELbet official phone number are always toll-free, unlike other bookmakers where your airtime is deducted whenever you try to contact their customer support team. MELbet's support team is knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

I contacted their customer support via phone and my call was answered within 5 minutes, and the support representative was really nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. With MELbet, help is always around the corner. If you need a betting site where you can always get help easily, then I highly recommend Melbet.

What's more, with MELbet, you can also get a 300% welcome bonus of up to 180,000 NGN on your first deposit. With this bonus, you can bet MELbet's wide selection of games.

Our rating: 4/5

7. 22Bet

22bet was founded in Nigeria in 2017. With a trendy interface and numerous sports betting and casino options, 22bet is quickly becoming a favourite destination for bettors and igamers. The bookmaker also makes it easy to sign up and open an account thanks to its hassle-free registration process and welcome offers.

If you're a fan of handicap betting, then I highly recommend 22bet, as the site gives highly competitive odds to European handicaps, Asian handicaps, and other types of handicap betting. 22bet also allows you to make deposits and withdrawals using cryptocurrency, just like 1xbet.

With 22bet's “One Click” feature, you can automatically place bets and set your stake with a single click. Additionally, 22bet offers a welcome bonus of over 193,000 NGN to new users. With this bonus, you can place live bets or even play some of the bets you customize using its “Bet Builder” feature.

Our rating: 3/5

8. Nairabet

If you're looking for a reliable site where you're sure your winnings will be paid no matter how massive, then I recommend Nairabet. This bookmaker has been operating in Nigeria for around 15 years, and they've maintained their reputation over the years.

There haven't been major callouts by disgruntled unpaid customers. So, if you need a highly reliable betting site in Nigeria, I suggest signing up with Nairabet. The bookmaker also has a very high number of physical betting shops in Nigeria where you can always go to place your bets in case there is a technical problem and the site is inaccessible.

Our rating: 3/5

9. Wazobet

If you're new to online betting, you want a site that's easy to use and navigate. That's where Wazobet comes in. Their website is user-friendly, with a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to find the bets you want to make. Plus, they offer competitive odds and multiple payment options, so you can bet and win with ease.

So, if you're a new bettor and you're looking for a betting site that is plain, easy to navigate, and not overwhelming, then I recommend registering with Wazobet. The user experience is simply perfect for newbies.

Our rating: 3/5

10. BC Game

If you're looking for a more immersive betting experience, BC Game is the site for you. It is one of the top 10 betting sites out there. With BC.Game, you can actually place bets directly using crypto.

Unlike 22bet, which simply allows you to make deposits and withdraw your winnings using crypto, BC.Game allows you to place bets directly using crypto as your stake. So, not only do you withdraw using crypto, but you can also stake cryptos.

They offer live casino games, where you can play classic casino games like blackjack (my personal favourite) and roulette with real dealers in real-time. It's the closest thing to being in a real casino, without ever having to leave your house.

Our rating: 3/5

Best new betting sites in Nigeria

Apart from the established bookmakers in Nigeria, some new bookmakers have also pushed the boundaries of the Nigerian gaming industry in terms of technology, features, and ease of betting. Here are some of the best new betting sites in Nigeria right now:

1. N1Bet: This betting site is the best in terms of payment methods. It supports cryptocurrency payments, allows you to pay with Apple Pay, and other e-mobile payment methods like Skrill.
2. Frapapa: This is one of the best new betting sites in Nigeria, especially if you're a fan of live bets and detailed match analytics. It has a live score button that allows you to view current team standings, goalscorer charts, etc.
3. Mozzartbet: This site is the best new site with AI features for bettors. If you're looking for a new operator in Nigeria with impressive features, then I recommend Mozzartbet.

Full list of betting sites in Nigeria

There are currently over 50 licensed betting sites in Nigeria, with the number expanding annually due to the growing popularity of sports betting. The industry has seen significant growth, with the number of betting sites increasing by approximately 20% over the last five years.

Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most popular betting sites in Nigeria:

• 22Bet
• Bet9ja
• BetKing
• 1xBet
• Betway
• SportyBet
• Bet365
• Nairabet
• Betfair
• 888sport
• Unibet
• ComeOn
• Melbet
• Mostbet
• 1xBet
• Betwinner
• Betsson
• Betsafe
• William Hill
• Ladbrokes
• Coral
• Paddy Power
• Betfair
• Unibet
• ComeOn
• Melbet
• Mostbet

How I chose the best betting sites in Nigeria

Choosing the best betting site in Nigeria can be quite challenging, but with years of experience in the Nigerian market, I have personally tested and reviewed numerous betting sites to identify the top contenders.

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, I signed up with each bookmaker and used their platform for at least three weeks, placing bets across various sports and markets. This hands-on approach allowed me to assess their legitimacy, ease of withdrawals, and the diversity of betting options they offer.

When selecting a betting site, several factors are crucial. Live betting is essential for those who enjoy fast-paced betting where you get results quickly. Competitive odds ensure you get the best possible return on your investment and maximize your winnings. A seamless user experience, with an intuitive interface and easy navigation, is important for a positive betting experience. Additionally, the speed and quality of customer support are critical in case you encounter any issues or need assistance.

Generous bonuses such as welcome bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions can enhance your betting experience and provide additional value. The ability to place bets without using your mobile data, known as a data-free experience, can help you cut costs and enjoy more convenient betting. Lastly, a wide variety of betting markets is essential to ensure you can find the right bets for your preferences and interests.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a betting site that aligns with your preferences and provides a safe and enjoyable betting experience. I curated a list of the best betting sites in Nigeria based on different factors including legitimacy, ease of withdrawals, and the available betting markets.

This list is designed to help users make informed decisions and choose platforms that offer a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding betting experience.

My best betting sites ranking breakdown

Here is how the best betting sites in Nigeria rank in terms of odds, welcome bonus, features, payment methods, and customer support.

Bookmaker	Odds competitiveness	Welcome bonus	Features	Payment methods	Customer support	Total score
Betano	5/5	4/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	5/5
BetKing	4/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	4/5	5/5
Bet9ja	4/5	4/5	4/5	4/5	4/5	4/5
Paripesa	4/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	4/5	4/5
1xBet	4/5	4/5	5/5	5/5	3/5	4/5
Melbet	3/5	3/5	4/5	4/5	5/5	3/5
22bet	3/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	3/5	3/5
Betika	3/5	4/5	3/5	4/5	3/5	3/5
Wazobet	3/5	3/5	3/5	3/5	4/5	3/5
BC Game	3/5	4/5	4/5	5/5	4/5	4/5

As you can see, Betano and BetKing are on top because not only do they offer competitive odds and a generous welcome offer, but they also make it easy to contact customer support in case you ruin into an emergency.

Which betting site is right for me?

With so many feature-packed betting sites in Nigeria, you may be wondering which is ideal for you. As someone who has been betting for over a decade, here are my recommendations:

Best betting site in Nigeria for responsible gaming

If you want to bet with a bookmaker that allows you to bet responsibly, then I recommend Bet9ja. It has two interesting features to help you bet responsibly. The first is the “self-exclusion” feature which you can activate for a certain period of your choice and you won't be able to access your account or place bets during that period.

Let's say you chose to self-exclude your Bet9ja account for 90 days. You won't be able to access your account to place bets or deposit cash during this period. It's a good idea if you think you're getting too addicted to sports betting.

Another Bet9ja feature that makes it ideal for responsible gaming is the “account limit” feature. It allows you to limit how much you deposit to your betting account daily, weekly, or monthly. If you set your deposit limit to 5,000 NGN per month, you won't be able to deposit more cash into your account once you've reached the limit. This helps you stay in better control of the amount you spend on betting.

Best betting site in Nigeria for bonuses

When it comes to welcome bonuses and regular promotions, then I highly recommend BetKing, Betano, and Bet9ja. BetKing offers new users a welcome bonus of 1,000,000 NGN free bets which is higher than any other bookmaker in Nigeria right now.

Betano also offers regular bonuses and even gives new users a welcome bonus of up to 200,000 NGN. However, the biggest sports betting bonus in Nigeria right now is Bet9ja's betBOOM, which allows you to win up to 1 billion Naira. With betBOOM, whenever you win a bet, Bet9ja can multiply your winnings by a random number.

Let's say you're initially meant to win 10,000 NGN, Bet9ja can multiply your winnings by 50, boosting your winnings to 500,000 NGN instead.

Best betting site in Nigeria for crypto

When it comes to funding your betting account with cryptocurrency in Nigeria, 1xbet, BC.Game, and 22bet are the best betting sites in Nigeria for this.

With these three bookmakers, you can deposit into your account using Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and others. They are very convenient for people who prefer to conduct their transactions in cryptocurrency.

Best cash out betting sites in Nigeria

When it comes to bookmakers in Nigeria, you need to pick a bookmaker that allows you to cash out early to keep some winnings and cut down some of your losses.

However, some of them offer better percentages than others. I noticed that when it comes to cashing out my winnings, Betano and BetKing always offer me higher amounts in comparison to other betting sites like Paripesa and Bet9ja.

Therefore, if you're looking for a bookmaker that offers excellent cash-out amounts, I highly recommend Betano and BetKing.

Best esports betting sites in Nigeria

For eSports bettors, you may be wondering which betting site is ideal for you. I highly recommend Parimatch and 22bet. They offer a wide variety of eSports games with excellent odds. Parimtch offers Counter Strike, Dota 2, and any popular eSports you can imagine.

FAQs about betting sites in Nigeria

What is a bookmaker?

A bookmaker is a person or company that accepts bets on the outcome of events. They set odds for various sporting events.

What are the top new betting sites in Nigeria?

BetCorrect and Mozzartbet are the best new betting sites in Nigeria right now. BetCorrect is powered by AI and offers an intuitive betting experience including “swipe betting”. On the other hand, Mozzartbet's built-in AI analyzes your betting patterns and provides personalized recommendations based on your history. With this feature, you don't need to spend hours scrolling for your favourite type of betting event before you can place your bet.

What is the best crypto betting site in Nigeria?

The best crypto betting sites for Nigerian players include BC Game, 1xbet, and Stake.

What are Nigeria's best football betting sites?

The best football betting sites in Nigeria are Betano, BetKing, and Bet9ja.