SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Meridianbet has officially launched in Nigeria following a partnership with Masterslive Network.
The move builds on its success in other African markets such as Tanzania and South Africa.
Nigeria’s betting industry is one of the largest in Africa, with an estimated market value exceeding $2bn in 2023. A report from Statista suggests nearly 60 million Nigerians, primarily aged between 18 and 40, engage in betting activities regularly.
Lolu Desalu, Managing Director of Masterslive Network, commented: “At Meridianbet, we are redefining the betting experience in Nigeria with an innovative and responsible approach.
“We directly address the addiction risks inherent in gaming, which is why we’ve implemented advanced player protection systems designed to create a responsible gaming environment.
“Our technology actively identifies problematic gambling patterns in real-time, while our partnerships with licensed addiction specialists provide comprehensive support for vulnerable players. We firmly believe betting must remain entertainment – never a dependency or financial solution.”
Bettors in the country will now access the operator’s sportsbook featuring odds on local and international sporting events, an online casino, as well as virtual sports betting. It also offers an advanced Bet Builder.
“We understand that Nigerian players crave both excitement and trust in their gaming experience,” added Hassan Uthman, VP of Marketing at Masterslive Network.
“That’s why we rigorously tested the Meridianbet app with influencers and betting enthusiasts, refining every feature to ensure an intuitive, seamless, and engaging experience tailored to our market.”
Meridianbet continues to expand into new markets after it was acquired by Golden Matrix Group Inc (GMGI) in April 2024. Shortly after this, the company informed investors that the “global expansion of MeridianBet Group’s operations is well underway” in which it had already secured two new B2C licenses to operate in South Africa and Peru.
