Real Money Gambling at Online Casinos in Nigeria

Even though the history of legalized gambling in Nigeria does not go too far back, real money gambling has always been a part of the culture. With over 200 million residents as of 2020, Nigeria is the most populous country on the continent. Recent estimates indicate that over 50% of Nigerian adults gamble every day. Perhaps this shouldn’t be too surprising considering how so many people now have mobile devices and access to the internet. This certainly benefits the many great real money gambling sites that offer their services to the Nigerian market.

This guide will dive into online casinos for real money in Nigeria. You will be introduced to the games on offer, the bountiful bonuses, and a few other nuggets of helpful information that will make your real money online casino adventure an exciting and memorable one.

Best Real Money Gambling Casinos Online in Nigeria

---

Are Real Money Casinos Online Legal in Nigeria?

If the statistics are even remotely close to being correct, millions of Nigerians play at real money casinos online every day. While a lot of them do it without even thinking about the legal ramifications, some folks want to know if what they are doing is legal. For those who are unsure, rest assured that real money gambling in Nigeria is legal. However, there are few things you should know.

You can legally take to the internet and wager on such things as the lottery and sports. There are many legal and regulated online betting platforms operating within the country and they are licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. You can buy lottery tickets or place sports bets online or at any of the many retail outlets. On top of being legally allowed to bet on sports, Nigerians can attend land-based casinos to get their casino gaming fixes. However, casinos are not permitted to offer their services online in Nigeria.

The thing is, there are no laws that prohibit Nigerians from playing online casino games at offshore sites. So, it is illegal to operate an online casino in Nigeria, but it isn’t illegal for Nigerians to play online casino games. As luck would have it, many of the best foreign sites to spin and win real money at accept Nigerian customers and some even support the Naira.

---

Best Games to Win On

Every real money online casino buff wants to know which games give them the best chance to win. After all, winning money is the name of the game. So, how can you tell which games pay out most? To figure that out, you really only need to know what a game’s Return to Player, or RTP is. While there are exceptions, a lot of online casinos don’t openly display this information. Nevertheless, a simple search of the vast internet factory should immediately reveal the answer.

The basics of RTPs are straightforward. If a game offers a high RTP, then the game is usually prone to paying out frequent wins. While you normally win more payouts on high-RTP games, those payouts have a propensity to be relatively small. On the other side of the spectrum are the low RTP games. A low RTP game will likely yield fewer wins than high-RTP games, but the payouts are usually bigger.

Knowing this, we can look at the topic at hand in two ways. We can ask which games are best for winning more frequently, and we can ask which games are best for winning more money. If you want to win more often, then high-RTP games are for you. You want to play slot games like Book of 99, Marching Legions, or Mega Joker. These slot games all have RTPs of 99% which means that players can expect an average return of 99+%. In other words, if you were to wager ₦1,000 on one of these slot games, you could expect to get a little over ₦999 in return. Anything over 98% is considered a high-RTP game.

This is a good time to bring up the fact that many table games like blackjack, European roulette, and baccarat also have high average RTPs. Most variants of blackjack pay out between 99.3% and 99.6% while French roulette has a 98.65% RTP. Those who play NetEnt’s Baccarat Pro enjoy a 98.94% average return. The best live casinos also feature plenty of high-RTP action.

Those who like hunting big game will likely stalk low-RTP games. These are real money online casino games that have an average return of less than 94.99%. One of the lowest-RTP slots also happens to be one of the most popular ones. While Mega Moolah’s RTP is a mere 88.12%, fewer if any slot has made so many instant multi-millionaires. You might go through your dry spells, but playing low-RTP games offers a better chance of bringing home the big money.

It’s important to understand that a game’s RTP is just an average. You could win a bunch of money just as you could lose your bankroll for the session. This is the nature of gambling. You win some, you lose some, and other times you break even.

---

Best Real Money Casinos

You will come across high-RTP casinos, low-RTP casinos, and ones that fall anywhere in between. A site’s RTP is just an average of the RTP of all games in the site’s collection. A real money gambling site might have a high RTP, but that doesn’t mean the casino won’t have plenty of low-RTP games too. Just as a low-payout site will have loads of high-payout games. The best casinos online for Nigerians cover the entire gamut of volatilities and RTPs.

Rather than focusing on RTP, you should first focus on the key traits that top online casinos share. We will now briefly go over a few of the most things to look for when searching for a real money casino.

License

Perhaps the most important common characteristic of the world’s best real money casinos online is that they are licensed and regulated by respected gambling authorities. Agencies like the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and the Government of Gibraltar are just a few of the most notable regulators. You can pretty much trust that any online casino that is licensed by one or more of those licensing bodies is reputable and worthy of your trust.

Selection of Games

Those who played at online casinos in the earliest days of real money gambling online didn’t have a lot of games at their disposal. Things are so much more different these days as the casino software provider sector has exploded over the past decade. In these modern times, many online casinos have partnerships with multiple developers. This allows them to offer up huge game libraries. Make sure to find an online casino that has a large selection of the games you want to play.

Bonuses & Promotions

While this tutorial will expand on the topic of bonuses and promotions further below, let’s just say they should be a major consideration. A truly great bonus can kick-start your real money casino experience by easily fattening up your bankroll. Whether it’s a token no-deposit bonus, a welcome bonus, or a reload bonus, it’s a way to win nice chunks of free money. Let’s not forget how the best casinos keep the perks coming through their ongoing promotions and exclusive offers.

Reputation

It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about a restaurant, an airline, or an online casino; it’s essential to consider reputation before making your choice. Would you go to a restaurant that had a food poisoning outbreak the night before? Would you fly with an airline in the midst of a safety scandal? Probably not. Then why would you trust your money with an online casino that is the subject of complaints like not paying players, abysmal customer service, or, even worse, data breaches? We urge you to check out our comprehensive expert reviews and do a bit of Google searching to make sure the site you’re looking at has a solid reputation.

Security

You have to reveal a few personal details when you open a new account at one of our recommended online casinos. Playing real money online casino games also involves divulging some sensitive financial information. Let’s not be naïve, there are many malicious people out there who go to great lengths to steal this information. As such, you need to know that your online casino uses the most modern internet security protocols to keep you and your data safe. Always look for security certificates and ensure the site protects you using the latest SSL encryption, firewalls, and other security layers.

---

Play for Free and Win Real Money

A lot of prospective online casino players wonder if it’s possible to win real money for free. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Nigerians can win real money without having to put any of their own money on the line. There are a couple of ways to do this.

Claim a No-Deposit Bonus

Perhaps the easiest route to earning free money is taking advantage of the many no-deposit bonus offers that are up for grabs. We’ve got the best no-deposit bonuses right here on our site. After you claim it and open a new account with the casino, the no-deposit bonus will be waiting for you.

No-deposit bonuses usually come as free spins, bonus cash, or both. If you receive bonus cash, then you can use it to play real money slots, real money table games, and other games like Keno and Craps. With that said, you should always check the terms and conditions to find out what games you are allowed to play using your no-deposit bonus cash. If you successfully satisfy the no-deposit bonus’s conditions, then the bonus cash is yours to keep. You can withdraw it or keep on playing to win more money.

With no-deposit free spins offers, you can spin and win real money on the house. In most cases, you claim the no-deposit free spins when you are filling out the registration form. You can then use them to play eligible real money slot games. Free spins rules may differ depending on the operator and the bonus, but free spins winnings are often credited to the claimant’s bonus account. Because it is bonus money, you’ll have to meet the wagering requirements and other conditions before you can withdraw your money. However, you may find a free spins offer or two in which your winnings go directly into your withdrawable balance.

Cash in on a Welcome Bonus

Welcome bonuses usually require you to make a minimum qualifying real-money deposit. However, you don’t necessarily need to risk any of it to win free money. For example, let’s say you claimed a 100 free spins welcome bonus when you deposited ₦50,000. With so many free spins, you will almost certainly walk away with some money. You’re ahead of the game even if the money goes into your bonus account and is subject to wagering requirements.

You shouldn’t have much trouble finding a welcome bonus that offers USD$1,000 or more in bonus cash plus a whack of free spins. The important thing is that you read the T&Cs. In particular, pay attention to the rollover requirements. This refers to the number of times you have to wager through the bonus amount. If you have ₦10,000 in bonus cash and the T&Cs call for a 10X rollover, then you need to place ₦100,000 in wagers to make the bonus cash eligible for withdrawal.

Participate in Promotions

The best online casinos for Nigerians feature a no-stop stream of regular promotions. If you enjoyed cashing in on your no-deposit bonus and welcome bonus, then you will like the promotions just as much or even better. Whereas no-deposit bonuses and welcome bonuses are great for attracting players, it is the regular promotions and exclusive offers that keeps bringing them back.

Promotions are an ideal means of claiming more free spins, bonus cash, risk-free play, and other perks like cashback. What could make an online casino adventure better than constantly having access to so much free money? You can spin and win real money all day long. We should also point out that the best casinos online have some excellent Loyalty Rewards and VIP programs. These give players even more benefits. Contrary to popular belief, these programs aren’t just for high rollers. Small-time players can reap a lot of benefits too.

---

Types of Real Money Casino Games

If you are familiar with some of the top online casinos, then you probably already know how many games these sites have. Almost all sites categorize their games to make it easier to find the game you want to play. Let’s examine the most common categories.

Slots

Video slots are hands-down the most popular games at online casinos. Very few games offer such big payouts while being so highly entertaining. While most video slots more or less look the same, there are actually several types. You’ve got your stand-alone slots that come in a variety of themes and have a variety of special features. Some slots are based on the classic three-reel single-payline slots, while others have five, six, or more reels and thousands of paylines. They can offer high RTPs, low RTPs, or fall in the middle.

Of course, progressive slots give you the best chance of winning a life-changing windfall. Some slots like Divine Fortune and Arabian Nights are on huge progressive networks which is why the jackpots grow so large. Even progressives on smaller networks and stand-alone progressive slots can pay out very handsome sums of real money.

Table Games

The top-tier online casinos for real money feature a diverse selection of table games. Not only do they offer traditional titles like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, but they offer several variants of those games. If you are a blackjack fan, then you can play real money blackjack games like:

 

 

• Blackjack Switch
• Blazin’ 7s Blackjack
• Multi-Hand Blackjack
• Pontoon
• Bonus Blackjack

Do you like baccarat? Then you should have plenty of variations and stake sizes to choose from. Roulette aficionados can play variants like:

• American Roulette
• European Roulette
• Multi-Wheel Roulette
• Mini Roulette
• French Roulette

We should add that these popular table games are available in the RNG casinos as well as live dealer casinos. The same can be said of casino poker games like:

• Pai Gow Poker
• Caribbean Stud
• Let It Ride
• Casino Texas Hold ‘Em
• Three-Card Poker

But the table game collections you find at the top online casinos go much deeper. Craps is a wildly popular game, especially in North America. Then there are real money table games like Sic Bo, Teen Patti, Lightning Dice, and a variety of Rummy-based games.

Live Casino

Live casinos used to be a bit of a novelty. While a few forward-thinking operators tried to offer live dealer games in the early days of internet gambling, the technology and internet speeds simply weren’t there. These days, virtual live dealer rooms are a standard offering at online casinos for real money. Instead of playing against the house’s Random Number Generator, you play against a professionally trained dealer or croupier. All of the action is streamed to your computer or mobile device in real-time. Live casinos are as close as it gets to a realistic land-based casino experience.

The top-tier live casinos offer many of the same games as you would find in a superior online casino’s table game section. You can play multiple variations of blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. Live dealer casinos serve up a spectacular selection of casino poker games and other games like the aforementioned Craps and Sic Bo. You can also immerse yourself in the entertaining world of game-show games.

Evolution Gaming is largely credited with making live game-show games popular. These games take popular games and incorporate a gambling element into them. Deal or No Deal Live and Monopoly Live are two of the most popular game-show titles at live casinos. Mega Wheel Live, Football Studio, and Big Six Wheel are popular with Nigerians who prefer to rely on luck than implementing strategy.

Other Games

Some real money sites have a “Specialty Games” category although many of these games could easily fall under the slots or table games sections. Games like Slingo, Bingo, Keno, and scratch cards generally fall under the specialty games umbrella. We will also include virtual sports here. If you are unfamiliar with virtual sports, they are essentially automated video games that you bet on. While the results are 100% random, they do use a variety of algorithms to make the outcomes realistic. Virtual sports are the perfect alternative for those who want to bet on sports without having to sit through a 3-hour match to get the results. Virtual sports matches only last a few minutes.

---

Real Money Online Casino Payments

If you want to play at a real money casino online, you’re going to have to find a way to fund your account. If you plan on withdrawing your winnings, then you have to find a way to collect your winnings. Thankfully, the best online casinos support a wide range of safe, secure, and Nigerian-friendly payment solutions.

We should start by saying that you should choose the best 2-way payment method possible. That is to say, a payment option that allows you to deposit and withdraw. This significantly reduces your chances of encountering a problem or delay when cashing out. Let’s check out some of the most popular payment methods for Nigerians.

Credit/Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are the most widely supported options for online casino deposits and withdrawals. When you use a card, the funds immediately become available to your betting account as soon as you submit the deposit. Provided you play at one of our favorite fast payout casinos, you can expect credit/debit card withdrawals to reach you in two to five days.

eWallets

While brands like PayPal and Skrill have dominated the online casino eWallet market for decades, Nigerians have access to loads of other digital wallets including ecoPayz, Paysafecard, and many more. With the exception of cryptocurrency, most major eWallets provide the fastest withdrawal times. The best online casinos will process your withdrawals within an hour or so which means you have access to your winnings quickly. While most eWallets and other digital solutions facilitate deposits and withdrawals, some only allow you to deposit which means you’ll need to find another withdrawal method.

Online Banking

Online bank enables customers to directly transfer money from their bank to their online casino balance. All you need is a bank account. There are also a variety of payment platforms that act as a middleman between the casino and your bank. Instadebit and Neteller are prime examples. Like cards and most eWallets, online banking is a great way to conduct deposits and withdrawals which streamlines the process.

Cryptocurrency

While cryptocurrency doesn’t enjoy the same acceptance rate at online casinos, it is gaining traction as more operators embrace it. For those who value high levels of anonymity in addition to security, cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are the perfect choice. Cryptocurrency transactions come with some of the lowest fees and they often provide the fastest withdrawal times.

Pre-Paid Cards and Vouchers

The reality is that not all Nigerians have a bank account which severely limits their payment options. Nevertheless, it’s possible to use the money in your pocket to fund your real money gambling account. You can buy a variety of gift cards and other pre-paid cards at land-based venues like pharmacies, gas stations, and grocery stores. They are available in various increments and you use them just as you would use a credit card or debit card. The biggest drawback to most pre-paid options is that they usually don’t facilitate withdrawals.

Bank and Wire Transfers

The best online casinos for real money allow customers to deposit and withdraw using bank wires and wire transfers. You can simply walk into a bank, give the teller your money, and have them wire it to your online casino. There are also a few major wire transfer services like Western Union that serve the same function. Of course, you might have to wait anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days for the funds to reach your betting account. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait a couple of weeks for your money if you withdraw using one of these options.

---

How to Deposit Funds at Real Money Casinos Online

Assuming you have found the ideal online casino and opened an account, the next thing you’ll want to do is make a deposit. This process is fast, easy, and secure. All you need to do is follow these steps:

1. Log in at your online casino.
2. Select the “Deposit” option at the top of the page or find it in the banking section. This activates the deposit slip.
3. Select the payment method you wish to use.
4. Enter the amount you want to deposit. Don’t forget to claim any available bonuses when prompted.
5. Submit the deposit form. The funds will immediately be available in your casino account.
6. Start playing your favorite slots, real money table games, or whatever tickles your fancy.

---

How to Withdraw at Real Money Online Casinos

Withdrawals are just as easy to do as deposits. Be reminded that the most respected online casinos are required to verify your age, identity, and place of residence. You might not be allowed to withdraw your winnings until this is complete. You only need to provide digital copies of a couple of documents to get verified and you just have to do this once. You can then withdraw from your online casino by taking these steps:

1. Log in at your online casino.
2. Go to the banking section in your player profile and hit the “Withdraw” tab.
3. Select the payment method you wish to use.
4. Enter the withdrawal amount.
5. Submit the withdrawal request.

Unlike deposits which are automated, withdrawals are processed by real people. This is why they aren’t exactly instant. However, the best casino sites process withdrawals within 24 hours. In a lot of instances, they are done within an hour or less.

---