Is Crypto Gambling Legal in Nigeria? Licences and Risks

Who licenses gambling

Since a Supreme Court ruling in November 2024, gambling is regulated by the states. The National Lottery Act now applies only in the Federal Capital Territory. Lagos licenses operators through the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, and other states have their own boards.

Licensed sites that take ETH

1xBet, Melbet and 22Bet hold Lagos licences and accept ETH next to naira. Playing there keeps you under a Nigerian regulator.

Offshore Ethereum casinos

The other casinos in our list hold licences from Curaçao, Anjouan or nowhere we could confirm. They accept Nigerian players but are not licensed in Nigeria. If something goes wrong, no Nigerian regulator can help, and some states have warned against unlicensed operators.

Your checklist

Be 18 or older.
Prefer a site licensed in Nigeria if the regulator matters to you.
Keep records of deposits and withdrawals.
Use crypto exchanges registered with the SEC Nigeria to buy and sell ETH.

Questions

Will I be punished for playing at an offshore casino?

The rules target operators rather than players, but you give up any local protection.

Do I pay tax on crypto winnings?

Tax rules change; ask a tax professional and keep records.