New report ranks Nigeria lowest for illegal gambling in West Africa
Nigeria has been identified as the most regulated online gambling market in West Africa for 2025. However, the rise of unlicensed platforms is leading to a staggering $3.55 billion in lost tax revenue.
- A new report by Gaming Compliance International ranked Nigeria as West Africa's most regulated online gambling market in 2025
- Africa's total online gambling revenue hit $23 billion in 2025, but unlicensed platforms captured the vast majority of that figure
- GCI found that illegal gambling operators across Africa cost governments an estimated $3.55 billion in lost tax revenue in 2025
Nigeria has ranked as the best-performing country in West Africa for online gambling regulation, according to the first continent-wide assessment of the sector, published by Gaming Compliance International (GCI).
GCI is a proven leader in regulatory gaming compliance technology and consultancy, providing end-to-end oversight of the ever-expanding online and land-based gaming industry.
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Nigeria outperforms regional peers
In West Africa, total online gambling revenue climbed to $4.8 billion in 2025, up from $4.3 billion the previous year. Regulated operators contributed $1.5 billion, or 31 per cent, while $3.3 billion, equivalent to 69 per cent, went to unlicensed platforms.
Nigeria stood apart from its neighbours, recording an unregulated market share of 56 per cent. That figure was significantly lower than the West African average of 69 per cent and the continent-wide average of 77 per cent, pointing to stronger enforcement and licensing frameworks within the country compared with the rest of the region.
Illegal operators cost governments billions
The GCI report also tracked participation figures, finding that the number of people gambling online across Africa grew from 198 million, about 13 per cent of the population, in 2024 to 215 million, or 14 per cent, in 2025.
Alongside that growth, the number of unlicensed platforms targeting African consumers rose to 4,129 in 2025, up from 3,644 in 2024. GCI estimated that this illegal activity cost African governments roughly $3.55 billion in tax revenue during the year.
GCI President Ismail Vali called on governments to build competitive, well-regulated markets that give consumers a reason to choose licensed operators, which would in turn boost public revenue and draw greater investment into the sector.
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