Gambling Laws in Nigeria

Oluwaseun Olowosile
By Oluwaseun Olowosile

Online gambling has become extremely popular in Nigeria. More and more international gambling websites offer their services to Nigerian users. This is where they can play slots, table games or place sports bets. But is betting legal in Nigeria? Our experts dived into this theme and explored all valuable resources. Now, we wish to share this with our readers. Run over this review and learn if online gambling is legal in Nigeria and whether you need to pay taxes on winnings!

Is Gambling Legal in Nigeria?

Gambling in this country is regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). However, gambling in Nigeria lacks strict regulations. There are laws in place, but many illegal betting sites operate across the country. Legal land-based casinos are located in Lagos and Abuja. The largest one is The Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. Overall, Lagos Casinos are considered the best places to have fun and win money in this country. Nigerian law combats money laundering and illegal gambling activities. The national lottery was legalized in 2005. However, gambling is defined by Chapter 22 of the Criminal Code Act activated in 1990.

The law does not explicitly address Nigeria online gambling but the growth of online gambling websites and Nigeria sports betting is tolerated if operators comply with local regulations. As of now, the Nigerian government hasn’t fully legalized online gambling, but it hasn’t made it illegal either, creating a somewhat grey area.

Sports betting has always been popular in this country. However, online sports betting started growing in the late 2000s. Now, Nigeria has around 40 sports betting websites. Statistically, over 60 million Nigerians place sports bets every day. All those betting sites are regulated by the Nigerian Lottery Commission.

Licensing and Compliance Requirements for Operators

NLRC controls Nigerian gambling at the national level. It is guided by the National Lottery Regulations 2007 and the National Lotteries Act 2015. Each state has its own Lottery Board to control gaming permits. For example, the Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) regulates gambling in Lagos. The Oyo State Gaming Board handles it in Oyo State. They provide different certifications for sports betting, lotteries, and casinos. 

Here’s a list of requirements for obtaining a license in Nigeria.

  • National Lottery Regulatory Commission application form
  • Certificate, MEMART, and Application Form 1.1
  • A minimum share capital of N30,000,000.00 
  • Proof of filing annual returns
  • Address of the company’s administrative office
  • Domain name registration (.ng or .com)
  • Proof of tax payment.

Running a Nigerian gambling site without a license is illegal. This can lead to big fines or being shut down. Operators must follow strict rules to make sure games are fair and players are safe. This includes offering secure gambling, using strong encryption, and promoting responsible play. If you take a moment to learn about 1xBet Nigeria or other casinos, you can check if they are licensed, regulated, and trustworthy.

What is the Legal Gambling Age in Nigeria?

The legal age in Nigeria is 18 +. Any Lagos or Jacaranda casino won’t accept players under this age. This applies to most forms of gambling, including sports betting, casinos, and lotteries. However, some states may have different rules for specific types of gambling. Licensed operators must verify the ID of players to be sure they are over 18. Almost all betting sites ask users to verify their accounts and provide IDs or driving permits. They do this to check their ages. Otherwise, gamblers won’t be able to withdraw winnings. Underage gambling is illegal, and violators can face fines or even revocation of licenses. Gambling websites must obey the rules to stay legal.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?

Before 2025, gambling winnings were not directly taxed for Nigerian players. Operators paid taxes on their revenue, but players didn’t need to report winnings. Some licensed operators may deduct tax at the source for specific online casino games, but this was rare. However, tax laws were changed in 2025, so it’s a good idea to stay updated on any new rules. As of now, the rules state that winnings from games of chance, like lotteries and betting, will now have taxes taken out before you receive them. It is done to make sure operators stick to the tax obligations before they distribute net winnings. When these rules come into play, the winnings from lotteries, reality shows, and gaming will have rates of 5% for gamblers in Nigeria.

Responsible Gambling

Online gambling is an emotional thing and not all gamblers can control themselves so risk losing a lot of money. Regulated operators understand this and adhere to responsible gambling practices. In Nigeria, self-exclusion tools and legal gambling helplines are available to support problem gamblers. Self-exclusion is a program that allows Nigerians to ban themselves from gambling. When you are on a self-exclusion list, you will be denied to access land-based and online sports betting sites. And this really works! For example, GambleAlert is one of such websites. 

Plus, there are helplines that help people struggling with these problems in Nigeria. They offer confidential support and guidance. Trusted betting sites also provide tools such as deposit limits, session timers, and reality checks. As a result, people limit their spending and even set timers when playing slots or live games. But the most effective practice is to set a sum that you can afford to lose and never bet more. Obey this rule of thumb and you won’t face these issues.

Conclusion

Overall, online gambling in Nigeria is regulated by the NLRC. However, no one can prevent you from playing at an offshore site with a valuable license and a good reputation on the web. The only thing to keep in mind is choosing a trusted and licensed casino. In such a scenario, Nigerians won’t face any issues related to withdrawing money or fair play. So, pick one of the regulated gambling sites, sign up for it, and start playing right away! Good wins are calling you!

FAQ

  • How to detect an illegal casino or sportsbook in Nigeria?

    You should check if it lacks a license from the NLRC or a state lottery board. Avoid sites with unclear terms, no responsible gambling tools, or poor reviews. 

  • Yes, you can withdraw your winnings legally. Just make sure you conform to the casino rules. 

  • Review the casino and check if it holds the licenses from NLRC or State Lottery Board licenses in Nigeria.