Guide to Gambling Laws in Nigeria 2025

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By Joshua Mwatu

Online gambling is booming in Nigeria. More foreign betting sites are now open to Nigerian players. On these platforms, enjoy slots, table games, or bet on sports. But is gambling legal in Nigeria? Our team looked into this and checked all the key info. Now, we’re sharing it with our readers. Read on to find out if gambling online in Nigeria is legal and if you need to pay taxes on winnings!

Is Gambling Legal in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, gambling is overseen by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). Even though there are laws, the industry isn’t tightly controlled, and illegal betting sites are common. Legal casinos can be found in cities like Lagos and Abuja, with The Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos being the biggest. Lagos casinos are known as the best places to enjoy yourself and win some cash. The government also works to tackle illegal gambling and money laundering. The national lottery became official in 2005, while online gambling laws date back to Chapter 22 of the Criminal Code Act from 1990.

As for Nigeria online gambling, the law doesn’t give clear guidance. Online betting and sportsbooks are allowed as long as licensed operators stick to local rules, but the government hasn’t fully legalized it yet. At the same time, it hasn’t been banned, leaving a lot of gray areas.

Is betting legal in Nigeria? Sports betting has always been big in Nigeria. Online sports betting sites started gaining momentum in the late 2000s. Now, there are around 40 sportsbooks in the country. Over 60 million Nigerians bet on sports daily, with all websites regulated by the Nigerian Lottery Commission.

Licensing and Compliance Requirements for Operators

Operating a legal gambling business in Lagos comes with strict rules and requirements of the Nigerian government. Businesses need proper licensing and must follow compliance measures to stay legit. Here’s everything you need to know about 1xBet Nigeria and other casino laws:

In Lagos, two main government bodies issue Nigerian gambling licenses. The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) manages warrants for activities across Nigeria. To focus on Lagos alone, the Lagos State Lottery Board (LSLB) is in charge. These organizations guarantee gambling businesses operate within the law and protect users.

There are several types of permissions available, depending on the kind of online gambling the online casino plans to offer. A sports betting license covers Nigerian betting shops and online sportsbooks. A lottery permission allows operators to run lotteries, raffles, and similar draws. If the business is all slots, poker, or table games, a casino license is a must. It’s important to apply for the correct license to avoid penalties.

Penalties for operating without a license are serious and can ruin a business. Authorities may impose large fines, shut down operations, or even take legal action against operators. These rules are in place to protect the public and maintain a legal gambling environment.

To keep their warrants, gambling operators must comply with several key requirements:

  1. Step 1

    Guarantee games are fair and unbiased, with no rigged outcomes.

  2. Step 2

    Protect betters by safeguarding personal data and proving minors can’t gamble.

  3. Step 3

    Offer tools for responsible gambling, such as spending limits or self-exclusion options.

  4. Step 4

    Maintain clear and honest communication on terms, conditions, and winnings.

What is the Legal Gambling Age in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, bettors have to be at least 18 to gamble. Lagos and Jacaranda casinos stick to this legal age in Nigeria, so anyone younger won’t be allowed in. This applies to most Nigerian gambling activities: sportsbooks, lotteries, and online casino games. Some states might tweak the rules for certain types of gambling, though. Licensed operators have to check IDs to make sure people are old enough.

Most Nigeria betting sites also require account verification using an ID or driver’s license. If players skip this step, they won’t be able to cash out winnings. Underage gambling is against the law, and breaking it could mean fines or losing licenses. Gambling sites must stick to these rules to keep running legally.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?

In Nigeria, gambling winnings used to be tax-free for players. Before 2025, operators paid taxes on their revenue, but players didn’t have to worry about winnings. Some websites might have taken taxes out directly for certain games, but this wasn’t common.

Things changed in 2025. Now, taxes are taken out before people get winnings. This applies to games of chance: lotteries, sports betting, and even reality show prizes. Operators handle the tax part, so players don’t have to report anything themselves.

The current rate is 5%. For example, gamesters win ₦10,000, and the platform will take ₦500 as tax and give out the rest. This way, the government checks casino taxation is upfront.

It’s smart to keep an eye on updates, as tax laws can change. Always check and know the rules.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be fun, but it’s important to stay in control. Some people get carried away and lose more than they can afford. That’s why responsible gambling is such a big deal.

In Nigeria, there are tools and resources to help people manage their gambling. One popular option is self-exclusion. This program lets gamblers block themselves from using sports betting platforms or going to land-based casinos. Once you’re on the list, operators won’t let you gamble —simple as that. For example, the GambleAlert website makes self-exclusion easy and effective.

There are also helplines for problem gamblers. These offer private support and advice for anyone struggling. If you need help, talk to someone who gets it and who won’t judge.

Trusted gambling sites and sportsbooks in Nigeria also take responsibility and provide tools.

  • Deposit limits to settle how much money to add.
  • Session timers to track how long to spin the wheels.
  • Reality checks to remind the time to take a break.

Set a budget for what to afford to lose and stick to it. Never gamble with money you need for bills, food, or savings. By keeping charge, gambling stays a safe and enjoyable activity.

Stay smart. Play safe. And if it ever feels too much, aid is available.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, this guide covered the key aspects of responsible gambling and staying informed about Nigeria’s gambling laws. Understanding these rules is not just following the law—it’s about enjoying a safer and more secure betting experience.

Responsible gaming tools like self-exclusion, deposit limits, and helplines are there to help players stay in control and avoid problems. Trusted operators also play a big role by promoting safe gambling habits and offering support when needed.

It’s important to keep up with changes in gambling regulations. Laws can evolve, and knowing the latest updates proves to stay compliant and play responsibly. Gamble wisely, stick to limits, and enjoy the fun without the risk.

FAQ

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

    Illegal casinos or sportsbooks may not have a proper license or regulation. Always check for valid licenses from recognized authorities. Be cautious if the site doesn’t have clear contact info or security features like SSL encryption.

  • Yes, it’s legal to withdraw real money from licensed Nigerian online casinos. However, make sure the site is properly regulated and offers secure payment methods for withdrawals. Always read the terms and conditions regarding withdrawals to avoid surprises.

  • Look for platforms licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) or other recognized gambling authorities in Nigeria.

  • If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are helplines and support resources available in Nigeria. Reach out to services like GambleAlert or contact local counselors who specialize in gambling addiction.