SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Concerns are growing in Nigeria regarding the growing popularity of European football betting and the expansion of digital sports betting operators targeting male consumers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has published a report stating that Nigerians of all age groups spend almost NGN 2 billion (£7.5 million) daily on betting. NAN further estimates that over 60 million Nigerians (population: estimate 174 million) have partaken in online sports betting.
European football matches which are regularly broadcast on Nigerian television, are ramping interest in betting. A further key factor is the country’s improved digital infrastructure, which has allowed for Nigerian consumers to access sports betting operators via mobile verticals.
NAN claims that Nigeria currently has over 100 sports betting websites targeting its national consumers. Online betting wagering per player has increased to NGN3,000 (£11).
The growing popularity of football betting in Nigeria, has raised concerns amongst government officials and Nigerian health organisations. Ministers have begun to question whether Nigeria has the correct policies and frameworks to monitor betting operators actively targeting Nigerian consumers.
Chris Alagbosu of Health Nigeria commented on the matter “Betting online in Nigeria has become very fast and very easy. You see people of all ages accessing betting websites using mobile phones. Betting is becoming a growing concern.”
At present there are no Nigerian state licensed sports betting operators. Nevertheless sports betting has hit Nigerian news headlines and public agenda as Akin Alabi, Founder of Nairabet Nigeria’s most popular betting operator announced that he is seeking to be elected as a Federal Legislator in Nigeria.
