The rise of sports betting and gambling apps in Nigeria has sparked legal confusion—what’s allowed, what’s not, and who’s in charge? This episode of Legal Matters shed light on the regulatory landscape, revealing that while betting is legal in Nigeria, it comes with clear rules and restrictions.
Dual Legal Control — But States Take the Lead
Nigeria operates a federal-state legal structure, and as of a 2024 Supreme Court ruling, states now have primary jurisdiction over gambling regulation. That means platforms operating outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) must comply with state-specific laws, like those of Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun.
What’s Legal?
Licensed sports betting platforms like Bet9ja, BetKing, and SportyBet
Online/mobile betting with proper state or federal licenses
Government-approved lotteries and promo games
What’s Illegal?
Unlicensed or offshore betting platforms
Games of pure chance (e.g., roulette, non-skilled card games)
Underage gambling — legal age is 18, and platforms must enforce age verification
Regulators in Charge
NLRC licenses operators with national scope (mainly FCT)
State licensing bodies (e.g., LSLGA in Lagos) handle local operators
FCCPC oversees consumer protection and fair play
Operators must meet strict financial and legal requirements, such as capital thresholds and compliance audits.
Consumer Rights & Responsible Gambling
To protect users, laws now require:
Verified age checks
Transparent odds and fair games
Limits on advertising (especially to minors)
Self-exclusion and deposit controls for problem gamblers
Consumers can report grievances to the FCCPC, NLRC, or state authorities, who are empowered to investigate and penalize violators.
Final Thoughts
Betting is legal—but only when done responsibly and through licensed channels. Users are urged to know their rights, avoid unregistered apps, and report unfair or illegal practices.