18th August, 2022
Every country is different when it comes to gambling and especially online gambling. As the iGaming industry develops faster every day, governments are trying to play catch-up.
However, in countries like Nigeria, the law is well-defined concerning land-based activities, but less so when it comes to playing online.
Hence, the difficulty for online players to know if they can play and how they can enjoy games. If you reside in Nigeria, you may wonder if you can play online casino games.
In this article, we’ll tackle Nigeria’s current position on online casino gaming and give you tips to play safely.
The State of Gambling in Nigeria
Gambling laws in Nigeria exist, but they have yet to cover every area. Online sports betting is lawful and Nigerian citizens can place bets on their favourite sports. However, when it comes to online casinos, there’s a grey area.
If you refer to the 2005 National Lottery Act, games of skill are authorised, but games of chance aren’t. This act considers that lottery, land-based casinos and sports betting are legal.
However, it banishes games like roulette or dice, which you can find at land-based casinos.
How It Works in Practice
Despite the uncertain legality of online casino gaming in Nigeria, in practice, it doesn’t stop people from playing. The fact is Nigeria doesn’t have the power to enforce its laws.
Even countries like the United States can’t do much to prevent people from playing online the way they want.
Online gambling is a growing market projected to reach $876 billion globally by 2026, with millions of players worldwide. So, it’s logistically impossible to track every player at all times.
Moreover, the law doesn’t state anything about offshore online casinos, and it’s common practice for Nigerians to play at international casinos without being monitored.
Can You Play Online From Nigeria?
Given the current gambling laws and the way they’re enforced, it’s entirely possible to play online casino games when the casino isn’t based in Nigeria.
Much like in Canada, no one will prevent you from playing and withdrawing your winnings. However, there are still a few things you should worry about to avoid scam sites.
You Should Check the Site’s Safety and Licensing
Licence
Before you do anything, it’s recommended to scroll to the bottom of the site to see if the offshore casino operates with a licence. Playing at unlicensed online casinos exposes you to scams and identity theft. Here are the most commonly used licences you’ll encounter:
● GCB (Gaming Control Board) of Curacao
● UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission)
● MGA (Malta Gaming Authority)
● Kahnawake Gaming Commission
● Isle of Man Gambling Commission
● HM Government of Gibraltar Remote Gambling
These governmental bodies will enforce their local laws, so it’s vital to learn more about how gambling works in their jurisdiction.
For instance, the UKGC will be very strict with many controls and audits, while Curacao’s licence is easier to get and keep for an online casino.
Safety
As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so you should always select online casinos with a secured site. You can verify this by checking if the site has a lock icon next to the address bar in your browser.
Additionally, an exhaustive FAQ section, responsible gambling tools and adequate customer support will indicate the casino’s professionalism.
Ensure You’ll Get Paid How You Want
Depositing is always accessible at an online casino. However, when it’s time to withdraw, you may have a more challenging time if the site is shady. A trustworthy online casino will let you see the withdrawal options and tell you right away about the documents it needs from you.
Don’t hesitate to look at users’ feedback to see if there are complaints about the withdrawal process. Some reviews might be fake or from people who just need help from the casino. However, if there are dozens of complaints, then it might indicate the casino does everything it can to refuse to pay its customers. If that’s the case, we recommend avoiding it altogether.
Additional Factors to Consider Before Playing in Nigeria
Once you’re confident the online casino you want to play at is offering sufficient security measures and offers your preferred payment methods, it’s time to have a look at the rest of the site. At this stage, we recommend checking out the game library to ensure it’s varied with slots, live dealers and sports betting. It’s crucial to avoid getting bored, and the more games a casino has, the longer you’ll stick with it.
Finally, online casinos offer generous bonuses you should check out. However, don’t just look at the welcome bonuses. Also, inspect recurring bonuses and VIP programs if you plan to stick around.
Also, don’t forget to read the terms and conditions of every offer to ensure you can meet the requirements.
Time to Choose Your Online Casino to Play in Nigeria!
You have all the keys to select an online casino and have fun without risking your personal information. Remember to play only at licensed and secured online casinos before creating your account.