Nigeria is one of Africa’s fastest-growing iGaming markets, driven by a young population, rapid mobile adoption, and innovative payment systems. The country has more than 220 million people, yet land-based casinos are limited, which pushes players online. Smartphones are the main entry point, with most users preferring mobile betting and casino games.
Since a Supreme Court ruling in 2024, gambling has been regulated at the state level. Each state now issues its own licences, while the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) is limited to the Federal Capital Territory, the area of the capital city, Abuja. Sports betting leads the market, driven by football, while online casinos, poker, and roulette are steadily growing.
With over half of adults reportedly placing bets, a growing mobile audience, and new frameworks such as the Universal Reciprocity Certificate (URC) that simplify multi-state operations, Nigeria offers operators both scale and opportunity in a competitive West African market.
| Regulatory Authority | State gaming boards (e.g. Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Oyo State Gaming Board). Since a Supreme Court ruling in 2024, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) now regulates gambling only in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). All other states issue their own licences. |
| Key legislation | National Lottery Act (2005) + state-level gambling regulations |
| Allowed activities | Online sports betting, lotteries, and online casino games (slots, poker, roulette) – only if licensed at the state level. |
| Prohibited activities | Among others:
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| Taxation and fees | Taxation in Nigeria differs depending on the state, with additional federal levies applying nationwide:
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| Licence validity/duration | State gambling licences are generally valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Since 2025, operators can also apply for a Universal Reciprocity Licence (URL), which allows multi-state operations across 22 member states. |
| Benefits of the market |
Nigeria has a young population that uses smartphones as the main way to access iGaming. For most players, mobile is the entry point to betting and casino games.
Sports betting is the dominant form of gambling in Nigeria. More than half of adults place wagers, with football at the centre of player activity and the main driver of the online market. |
| SOFTSWISS products compliant |
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| Key legislation | State-level gambling regulations |
| Allowed activities | Allowed activities vary by state. They usually include licensed casinos (tables and slots), betting shops, bingo halls, gaming machines, and sometimes promotional competitions. |
| Prohibited activities | Among others:
Specific prohibitions may vary by state law. |
| Taxation | Set by each state authority. Rates and levies differ depending on the jurisdiction and type of business. |
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