According to recent research by Edward Howarth, lead writer for DashTickets, the Nigerian gambling market is thriving, with sports betting being the most popular form of gambling. Howarth compiled data from various studies to paint a comprehensive picture of the current state of gambling in Nigeria. Read the full article on gambling statistics in Nigeria by Edward Howarth on Tribune Online.
Half of the Adult Population Placed a Sports Bet Last Year
A survey conducted by TGM in October 2022 revealed that 51.73% of the adult population in Nigeria, or around 52 million people, placed a sports bet in the past year. It’s important to note that this statistic refers to adults aged 18-64, not the entire population of Nigeria.
Nineteen Percent of Adults are Daily Gamblers
Extrapolating data from various studies, Howarth estimates that 19% of all adults in Nigeria, or approximately 19 million people, are daily gamblers. However, this figure should be taken with a grain of salt, as the survey question may have been confusing for some respondents.
Nigerians Use Sports Betting as a Means of Survival
Many Nigerians rely on sports betting as a way to supplement their income and put food on the table. Howarth argues that for a large portion of the population, sports betting is seen as a fairer and more accessible way to earn money compared to finding a second job.
Children are Also Involved in Gambling
A 2018 study by Aguocha et al. found that 57.2% of school-age children in Nigeria have gambled at least once in their lifetime, and 77.6% of these children have gambled in the past year. Additionally, 58.3% of these respondents reported having free access to gambling facilities, often makeshift kiosks for football betting where children also work.
Nigeria Has the Second-Largest Gambling Market in Africa
Nigeria’s gambling market is currently worth $2 billion, trailing only South Africa’s $2.1 billion market. However, with Nigeria’s growing population, it’s expected to surpass South Africa as the largest gambling market in Africa in the near future, possibly as soon as 2024 or 2025.
Sports Betting is the Most Popular Form of Gambling
Sports betting is by far the most popular form of gambling in Nigeria, with many Nigerians preferring it over casino gambling due to the perceived ability to make educated guesses and control their level of risk. The online casino segment is projected to reach $250 million in revenue by 2024, which is surprisingly high considering the popularity of sports betting.
Most Bets are Small
While reports vary on the exact number of daily bets, it’s estimated that around 14 million bets are placed daily in Nigeria. However, the average bet size is likely to be around $1, as the majority of bets fall into this range.
In conclusion, the Nigerian gambling market, particularly the sports betting sector, is thriving and plays a significant role in the lives of many Nigerians. As the market continues to grow, it’s crucial to address the potential risks and ensure that gambling is conducted in a responsible and ethical manner.
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