Yes. Betting is legal in Nigeria when the operator is licensed by the right regulator. Since a Supreme Court ruling in November 2024, each state sets its own gaming rules, so the licence that matters depends on where you live.
Is betting legal in Nigeria?
Licensed betting is legal in Nigeria. What changed is who does the licensing. On 22 November 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that lotteries and gaming are matters for state Houses of Assembly, not the federal government. It declared the National Lottery Act 2005 unconstitutional and stopped the federal government applying it in any state.
In practice, there is no single national betting licence any more. Each state, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), regulates betting inside its own borders.
Who licenses betting where you live?
- Lagos: the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), which licenses both online and offline betting. See who regulates betting in Nigeria for the full picture.
- Abuja (FCT): the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office, set up in May 2025. Licences the old National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) issued remain valid inside the FCT only.
- Rivers, Ogun and Plateau: these states had their own gaming bodies before the ruling.
- Other states: many are still building their rules.
What is the Universal Reciprocity Certificate?
On 7 May 2025, the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria adopted a framework that lets an operator work across member states with one authorisation, the Universal Reciprocity Certificate (URC). More than 20 states have joined. It does not apply in states that have not joined.
How to check an operator is licensed
- Find the licence details, usually in the site footer, and note the regulator's name.
- Check that the regulator is the one for your state or the FCT, or that the operator holds a URC.
- Be careful with an operator that cites only an old NLRC licence and offers service outside Abuja. That licence no longer covers it there.
- You must be 18 or older.
Do you pay tax on betting winnings?
It depends on the state. In Lagos, licensed platforms have deducted 5% of a player's net winnings at payout since February 2026 and sent it to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. Other states set their own rules.
What about the federal Central Gaming Bill?
The National Assembly passed a Central Gaming Bill in 2025 that would have brought back federal control of online betting. The President did not sign it, so gaming remains a state matter. See also why Nigerian states rejected the FCCPC lottery rules and who can legally power a sportsbook in Nigeria.
Frequently asked questions
Is online betting legal in Nigeria?
Yes, when the operator is licensed by the relevant state regulator or holds a Universal Reciprocity Certificate. Rules differ by state.
Who regulates betting in Nigeria now?
Each state regulates betting inside its borders. In Abuja, the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office is the regulator.
Is an NLRC licence still valid?
Only inside the Federal Capital Territory.
Is betting income taxed in Nigeria?
In Lagos, 5% of net winnings is deducted at payout on licensed platforms. Other states set their own rules.
What is the minimum age to bet in Nigeria?
You must be 18 or older.
This guide is for information, not legal or tax advice. Rules differ by state and change often. Gambling is for adults only (18+).
