Top 7 Online Casinos Nigeria [2023]
Nigerian players have a vast selection of online casinos at their disposal. The majority are reliable and secure, providing a high-quality gaming experience that is both seamless and diverse. Moreover, there are excellent bonuses available for players to benefit from.
Having said that, there are some online casinos that residents of Nigeria should avoid, these include those that are unlicensed and unregulated, and brands that have a history of cheating or not paying out winnings.
In this article, we discuss the top online casinos that Nigerians should play at. Read our reviews, sign up and enjoy playing. Remember, gambling is a form of entertainment but can be taken to the extreme. So please gamble responsibly.
Nigerian Online Casinos Reviewed
When deciding on an online casino to sign up to and play at, there are various aspects to consider. These can range from Welcome Bonuses, Customer Service to game play.
Understandably, not all players are looking for the same thing. Some prefer online slots, others are looking of real dealer at Live Casinos. In comparing online casinos, it can therefore be quite difficult.
Having said that, in reviewing online casinos, there are some core features that all players should consider. Hence, at GambleDex, we assess the core features first and foremost, then branch out to other aspects. Our gambling analysts have a passion for online casinos and have lengthy experience with real money gambling. They have played at the various online casinos that are on offer to Nigerians, and have assessed them accordingly.
The core features that are used to assess the best Nigerian Online casinos, include: Safety and Security, Bonuses and Promotions, Gaming Quality and Variety, Customer Service, Mobile App and Gaming Delivery.
There are other features that then support ranking casinos into the following top 8 categories for Nigerians.
- Best Overall Online Casino
- Best Bonuses
- Best Return to Player
- Best Online Slots
- Best Table Games Casino
- Best Live Casino
- Best Customer Service
- Best Honest and Fairplay Casino
Safety and Security – This is a core feature that any player should be looking for, irrespective if you are from Nigeria or not. Many online casinos are advanced with technology to install the best cyber security that includes encryption methods to ensure privacy of player details and safe transfer of payments. In addition, gaming (in the past) was exposed to malware, spyware and other viruses. In today’s world, online casinos, especially offshore casino sites that accept Nigerians, and well across the dangers of offering a poor service to their players and have the latest SSL layers in place.
We also include in Safety and Security the honesty and integrity of an online casinos. Nigerians are fully aware of the dangers of scams, especially via online services and products. The feature of honesty of an online casino is impossible for a player to assess prima-facie, however at WagerDex, we have the experience to assess which casinos can be the most trusted.
Please note: ALL online casinos will have complaints, just like the review of any restaurant. This should be acknowledged, but also understand that some complaints are unjustified and unwarranted.
Bonuses and Promotions – many assume that comparing casinos against bonuses is simple. Pick the one with the biggest bonus, right? Well, it’s not actually as easy as that. Bonus structures across online casinos aren’t always the same. Some give you an upfront bonus only on the first deposit / Welcome Bonus, others spread the bonus across several deposits.
There are also Terms and Conditions that need to be considered. Terms and Conditions often include Wagering Requirements and limitation of the bonus to particular games. Wagering requirements require you to place a minimum number of bets and dollar value in order to cash out the bonus. Whilst there may be limitations that the online casino applies regarding where the bonus can be used. For instance, many online casinos do NOT allow the bonus to be used on Live Casinos (but this is gradually changing as there is strong competition in Live Casinos).
Gaming Quality and Variety – reviewing gaming quality and variety is relatively simple, however, this will most certainly come down to your preference. You may like playing online slots, and if so then naturally you would steer towards the best online casino for slot games. Or, you may love Live Casinos (using real dealers), and if so, then pick the best online casino for live real dealer games. Other players, may want to try a whole range of gaming and want a broader range of variety. We review the games on offer at Nigerian online casinos and classify them into the categories of preference to help you choose.
Customer Service – even though playing at online casinos is simple, easy and convenient, there will be times when you will need customer service. It’s important to know which online casinos offer the best customer service, because you don’t want your gaming experience to be spoilt with unresolvable issues. Customer Service for some casinos is easily accessible, while others only accept emails and take sometime for a response to be received.
Payment Options – most of the reputable online casinos will accept the common payment options of credit cards, direct credits, bank transfers. But now they also extend to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Nigerians are big uptakers in using BTC, hence online casinos are now accepting cryptocurrencies.
Best Welcome Bonus for Nigeria – Betway
The online casino with the best Nigerian Welcome Bonus is Betway. Betway has a reputable, trusted online casino that has been in the industry for many years. Suffice to say, you will not be disappointed when signing up to Betway. Now, comparing Bonuses is not always as simple as looking at which has the largest bonus offering. But in this case, Betway by far offers a Welcome Bonus that cannot be beaten. It beats all other casinos by at least a massive 10 times multiple, and the Wagering Requirements are reasonable (especially given how large the bonus is).
Best Online Slots for Nigeria – 22Bet
22Bet is well known as an online casino, and it’s offering of online slot games is the best for Nigerians. The slot variety is enormous, with over thousands of titles to choose from. Their partnership with gaming software providers is excellent, and is probably the most of all online casinos. Software gaming providers include:
NetEnt, Microgaming, Betsoft Gaming, Realistic Games, Rival, Pragmatic Play, Thunderkick, ELK Studios, iSoftBet, 2By2 Gaming, Blueprint Gaming, RealTime Gaming, BigTime Gaming, Mr Slots and Red Tiger
Best Live Casinos for Nigeria – 888 Casino
Live Casinos are becoming extremely popular, given how technology has advances to give super clear streaming and functions and features that can only be provided via online. In addition, the attraction to live casino gaming is that the results are true, unmanipulated and honest. 888 Casino uses Evolution to power its Live Casino gaming. Evolution is no slouch when it comes to live casino gaming. They are the leaders of Live Casino, offering the best experience with features that includes in-picture viewing at multiple angles, a selection of dealers to choose from ranging from ethnicity and language, plus variations of gaming that no other live casino platform providers for.
Best Payment Option for Nigerians Online Casinos – Bitcoin (BTC)
If you haven’t started to use Bitcoin in Nigeria, then you are falling behind. There is a huge drive to use Bitcoin in Nigeria due to the ease of transacting, the low transaction fees, and the convenience of avoiding the red tape that the local banks request. BTC is the new age of currency in Nigeria, hence there is a huge drive to find good quality online casinos that accept Bitcoin.
Best Land Based Casino in Nigeria
There are only three land based casinos legally allowed by law to be operated in Nigeria. Though only three, these three casinos are highly rated, offering Vegas like gambling.
Federal Palace Hotel and Casino – Lagos, Victoria Island, Nigeria
Relax and chillout, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean on a pristine beach, or play at the exciting games on offer in luxury and be pampered!
The Federal Palace Hotel is 5 stars! Owned by Sun International and long standing industry casino operator, you can be assured of having one of the best experiences. Located in the commercial district of Lagos, it is easy and convenient to get to. Casino games includes hundreds of slot machines, and a wide variety of table games that includes blackjack, baccarat, poker and craps, plus there is keno, bingo and regular door prizes and jackpots. The venue, includes a decadent outdoor pool, meeting and conference rooms, plus hotel accommodation.
Le Meridien Eko Hotel and Casino – Lagos, Nigeria
The Le Meridien Eko Casino is slightly smaller that the Federal Palace Casino, this it still offers a lot of fun. Hosting both table casino games and poker throughout the day, the hotel includes over 600 suites.
The Transcorp Hilton – Abuja, Nigeria
Are you bored in Abuja? Although it is the federal capital of Nigeria, there is not much to do except to visit the Transcorp Hilton. This casino is packed with fun and excitement. Play the tables and slot games, which are all located conveniently on one floor. Open during the day, till the early hours of the morning, there’s not a better place to visit than Transcorp.
Nigerian Gambling Overview
Lotteries regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, but some states have also passed
lottery regulation, leading to double regulation
There are only three land based casinos – gaming machines are outlawed, although the casinos appear
to be exempt from this sports betting has become very popular, both land based and online.
There is are many gambling offshore operators that provide for the Nigerian market.
Legality of Gambling in Nigeria
With the exception of the state lottery and three licensed casinos land-based gambling is illegal under
the Criminal Code Act 1990;
Online sports betting, lottery and gaming licenses have been agreed with a limited number of local
operators;
Minimum Gambling Age in Nigeria
The gambling age is 18.
Taxation on Gambling
- Sports betting is taxed at 3% of Turnover;
- Online casino gaming and lottery is taxed at 5% of Gross Proceeds
- There are some examples of double taxation from the local and federal government for lottery
operators
Regulatory Bodies
- National Lottery Regulatory Commission
- Various State Level Regulatory Agencies
Key Legislation
- Criminal Code Act 1990
- National Lottery Act 2005
- National Lottery Regulation 2007 and 2015
FAQ
Yes, it is permitted for Nigerians to play at online casinos, however it is a grey area. Technically all forms of gambling are illegal under the Criminal Code Act 1990. However, the exceptions include state lottery and three licensed land based casinos. Unaddressed is online gambling, which can be construed as legal and permitted because there is are taxes applied to online gambling by the government:
- Sports betting is taxed at 3% of Turnover;
- Online casino gaming and lottery is taxed at 5% of Gross Proceeds