Nigeria remains the largest iGaming hub on the African continent. A Competitive Earning Baseline (CEB) in the country reaches almost $659 million, with a steady annual growth rate of 61.1%. The jurisdiction has entered a new stage of development and is of significant interest to operators considering expanding to the region.
Casino Market’s team has prepared a detailed overview of the Nigerian gambling sphere, its regulatory model, and the key benefits of launching projects there. We provide professional advice on starting and promoting a gambling business in Africa.
Turning Point in 2025: Legal Transformation
The country’s online entertainment sector remains open and actively overseen. Most brands operating in the state have local permits. At the same time, the framework continues to evolve, directly impacting the market structure.
Key events that defined the new direction of development:
- March 2005. The National Lottery Act was passed. It established the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) as the industry’s federal supervisor.
- November 2024. The Supreme Court annulled the document. Authority to oversee digital platforms was transferred to individual provincial governments.
- May 2025. The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) implemented the Universal Reciprocity Certificate (URC). Overall, 22 regions signed the agreement. Also, a mechanism for offshore operators was introduced, with an additional annual fee of $100,000.
- September 2025. A flat 11% tax on gross revenue was approved, along with a yearly licence levy of about $74,000 for each digital niche.
As a result of the reforms, the total fiscal burden on operators could reach 15–20%, depending on their business structure.
Key mandatory payments:
- 11% of GGR (the regulation came into effect in January 2026);
- 5% excise duty on all types of gambling services;
- 5% withholding from user wins;
- 4.5% on foreign deposits processed through the Sentinel system.
Based on current rules, industry companies can choose from 3 options for legal entry:
- Obtaining an FSGRN certification, which covers 22 states that have signed a mutual recognition agreement.
- Securing the Remote/Offshore Operator Permit (ROP).
- Receiving individual licences at the state level.
Nigeria’s iGaming Market in Figures
The nation ranks 1st in Africa in CEB. By this measure, it is ahead of:
- Tanzania ($450.3 million);
- Kenya ($415.4 million);
- The DR Congo ($344.3 million).
The local annual growth rate is the highest among the continent’s largest jurisdictions. Nevertheless, the market is not yet saturated: 174 operators offer services in the country, compared to over 205 in Kenya.
Against this backdrop, a transformation in the competitive landscape is noticeable. Major international brands such as 1xBet, Betway, and Betano are gradually losing ground in terms of audience reach and retention.
Companies focused primarily on localisation are actively taking over the vacated share:
- Bet9ja;
- BetKing;
- SportyBet, etc.
Nigeria’s demographic indicators also support interest in the jurisdiction:
- 236.7 million — population;
- under 20 years old — mid age;
- over 50% — level of Internet penetration;
- 86% of online wagering traffic — mobile segment;
- 12.2 million — potential audience acquisition per month;
- 174 — active brands, indicating a moderate level of saturation.
The combination of all these factors forms a solid foundation for further market expansion.
The Main Things About the Potential of Nigeria’s iGaming
The jurisdiction is showing steady growth, fueled by recent regulatory reforms and a constructive approach by government agencies.
Key investment attractiveness factors include:
- the rapid growth of web entertainment, thanks to the high share of mobile gadgets and increasing Internet coverage;
- a young population, with a significant portion of residents being under 20 years old;
- relatively moderate taxes with a combined rate of up to 20%, depending on the operating model.
These parameters create a favourable environment for launching and scaling digital projects. Now is the best time to seize the opportunity and join the ranks of local gambling leaders.
For detailed advice on entering the Nigerian market with a turnkey platform powered by cutting-edge, tailored software, feel free to contact our specialists.
Have questions or want to order services?
Contact our consultants:
- e-mail: manager@casino-market.com
- feedback form.
Check the information used to contact us carefully. It is necessary for your safety.
Fraudsters can use contacts that look like ours to scam customers. Therefore, we ask you to enter only the addresses that are indicated on our official website.
Be careful! Our team is not responsible for the activities of persons using similar contact details.
