Sports betting has become a major part of everyday life in Nigeria, and Ibadan is no exception. Home to over 4 million residents, Ibadan is the largest city in Oyo State and one of the most populous cities in West Africa. The city has a deep passion for football, and with that passion has come a rapidly growing sports betting culture that has taken root across neighbourhoods throughout the city.
Football is by far the most followed sport in Ibadan, with locals closely tracking both the Nigerian Professional Football League and the major European leagues. Ibadan is home to Shooting Stars SC, one of Nigeria’s most storied football clubs, giving residents a local team to follow and bet on throughout the season.
There are a large number of betting shops and kiosks spread throughout Ibadan. Local brands such as Bet9ja and NairaBet operate numerous locations across the city, with NairaBet alone reported to have over 200 agents operating in Ibadan.
Internet access continues to expand rapidly across Nigeria, and Ibadan residents are increasingly turning to online sportsbooks to place their bets. While local brands have an online presence, international platforms like Bet365.com give bettors access to a far wider range of markets, competitive odds, and live betting options.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ibadan?
Sports betting is legal in Nigeria. The Criminal Code Act of 1990 prohibits certain games of chance such as roulette, non-skill card games, chacha, cowries, and dice games outside of backgammon. However, the same law explicitly permits sports betting and horse race wagering throughout the country. Ibadan residents are free to place bets on football, basketball, and other sports both online and through licensed retail outlets.
Best Betting Sites for Ibadan Residents
Bet365.com is our top rated sportsbook for Ibadan residents. Bet365 is the largest and most respected sportsbook in the world and they accept players from Nigeria. While local brands like Bet9ja and NairaBet dominate the retail scene in Ibadan, Bet365 offers a level of depth, reliability, and market variety that local operators simply cannot match.
Bet365 offers new players a welcome bonus on their first deposit. They carry the widest selection of betting lines of any sportsbook online, and offer live streaming of football matches and other sporting events at no extra cost. For Ibadan residents who want to bet on Nigerian football, European leagues, or international sports, Bet365 is the best online option available.
Read our full Bet365 review here.
Offline Betting in Ibadan
Ibadan has at least one licensed land-based casino for residents looking for table games and slots. The Premier Hotel Casino, located at Mokola Hill in Ibadan, is one of the known casino establishments in the city, offering a selection of table games and slot machines. It is currently closed for construction at the time of this article update.
As for retail sports betting, Ibadan is very well served. Bet9ja and NairaBet both operate a large number of kiosks and shops throughout the city, and locals can walk in to place wagers on football and other sports without needing an online account. MerryBet also maintains a presence in the city.
Major Sports Teams in Ibadan
- Football
- Shooting Stars SC (3SC) – Nigerian Professional Football League
How to Bet on Sports in Ibadan – 3 Step Guide
Getting started with Bet365 is quick and straightforward. Here’s how to place your first bet as a resident of Ibadan:
Step 1 – Create Your Account: Visit Bet365.com and click the “Join” button. Fill in your personal details to create your account. The sign-up process takes just a few minutes.
Step 2 – Make a Deposit: Once your account is open, head to the cashier and select a deposit method. Bet365 accepts Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, and Neteller for players in Nigeria. Choose your amount and confirm the deposit.
Step 3 – Place Your Bet: Browse the sportsbook and find the event you want to bet on. Head to the football section and scroll to the Nigerian Professional Football League to find Shooting Stars SC and other Nigerian sides. Select your market, enter your risk amount, and click ‘Place Bet’ to lock in your wager.
Ready to bet? Click here to visit Bet365.com.
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