You watch the Premier League every weekend, you know the teams and you predict the scores with your friends. What if you could add even more excitement to the beautiful game?

This guide is designed for absolute beginners in Nigeria. We will provide a simple, step-by-step walkthrough on how to bet on football in Nigeria, covering everything you need to know to get started safely and confidently.

We will show you how to go from zero to your first bet slip in under 10 minutes, so you can start enjoying sports betting Nigeria as a new hobby.

Before you bet: Is sports betting legal in Nigeria?

This is a very important question to ask first. Yes, sports betting is completely legal for adults aged 18 and over. It is regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). The NLRC ensures that betting companies operate fairly and securely, protecting you as a player.

To build trust and ensure your money and personal information are safe, you must only use bookmakers that are officially licensed by the NLRC. This is the foundation of how to start online betting in Nigeria.

Your 5-step guide to placing your first football bet

This is the core of our guide. Follow these simple steps to place your first football bet with confidence.

Step 1: Choosing a safe and licensed betting site

There are many betting sites in Nigeria, but not all are equal. To ensure a safe experience, look for well-known names like BetKing, Bet9ja, or SportyBet.

These companies are licensed and have a good reputation for reliability and fair play. They also offer user-friendly platforms and excellent customer support.

Step 2: Registering your betting account

Once you have chosen a site, you must create an account. This is a very quick process that takes under three minutes.

You will need to provide your name, phone number and a secure password. It is important to use your correct details.

The betting company may require you to verify your age and identity later. This is a key part of how to open a betting account in Nigeria.

Step 3: Making your first deposit

Now it is time to add money to your account. Most Nigerian betting sites offer multiple deposit options, making it very convenient. The most popular methods include:

USSD: This is a very fast and simple way to transfer money using a code on your phone.

Bank transfer: You can transfer money directly from your bank account to your betting account.

Debit card: You can use your Visa or Mastercard to deposit funds instantly. This step shows you how to deposit on a betting site quickly and safely.

Step 4: Finding a match and selecting your bet

After your deposit is complete, you will see a list of sports. Select Football. You will find a list of all the major leagues and upcoming matches.

For your first bet, choose a league you know well, like the English Premier League or the UEFA Champions League.

Click on a match you are interested in. This will open a page with all the betting options, also known as markets.

Step 5: Placing your bet and understanding the bet slip

After you choose a market and an outcome, your selection will appear on your bet slip. This is a digital ticket that shows your selections and potential winnings.

Enter the amount of money you want to bet your stake and the bet slip will automatically calculate your potential winnings. Click Place Bet to confirm. This is how to place your first football bet.

Understanding the basics: Odds and popular markets for beginners

This is a crucial educational section that will help you understand the core of football betting.

What are betting odds? (Decimal odds explained)

Think of odds as a multiplier. They tell you how much money you can win on your bet. In Nigeria, most sites use decimal odds.

For example, if the odds are 1.50, you multiply your stake by 1.50 to get your total return. If you bet N1,000, you will get back N1,500 if you win. Understanding these odds is a key part of understanding football betting odds.

1X2 or Match winner (The simplest bet)

This is one of the most popular football bets for a beginner and also the simplest. You are simply betting on the final result of the match.

1 means the Home Team will win.X means the match will be a Draw.2 means the Away Team will win.

This is the simple meaning behind what 1X2 mean in betting?

Over/under goals (Betting on the total number of goals)

With this bet, you are predicting if the total number of goals in a match will be over or under a certain number, for example, 2.5 goals. If you bet Over 2.5 goals, you need three or more goals to be scored in the match to win your bet.

Double chance (Covering two of three possible outcomes)

This bet gives you a higher chance of winning because you are betting on two of the three possible outcomes of a match. For example, you can bet on Home Team Win or Draw. If the home team wins or the match ends in a draw, you win.

Responsible gambling: The most important rule of all

Remember, sports betting is a form of entertainment, not a source of income. The most important rule is to only bet with money you are comfortable losing.

Set a budget: Decide on a budget for betting and stick to it.

Never chase your losses: If you lose a bet, do not try to win it back by betting more.

Know when to stop: If you are not enjoying the experience, take a break.

For more information and help, you can visit the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).

Frequently asked questions for new Nigerian bettors

Q1: How do I start online betting in Nigeria?

Answer: You can start by choosing a licensed betting site, registering an account, depositing funds, and then placing your first bet.

Q2: What is the easiest football bet to win for a beginner?

Answer: The easiest bets are the ones you understand best. The Match Winner (1X2) and Double Chance markets are very straightforward and perfect for beginners.

Q3: How much money should I start betting with?

Answer: Most betting sites allow a minimum stake as low as N100. It is a good idea to start with a very small amount to learn how it works.

Q4: Is my money safe with online betting sites in Nigeria?

Answer: Yes, your money is safe if you use a betting site that is officially licensed and regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).