Breaking the House: New Firm Challenges Status Quo as Religious Police Target Betting Shops

Meet CEOs/MDs of business behind Nigeria's $2 billion Sports wagering industry.

sports betting has developed considerably in Nigeria from traditional forms like pool staking and Baba Ijebu to a successful sports betting wagering industry. Historically tied to European football leagues, pool staking was a typical sight at motor sports betting parks and sports betting kiosks, where enthusiasts would bet as low as N50-N200 on matches.

Slowly, with increased internet access came virtual sports betting, which parallels worldwide patterns. The sports betting market is valued at $89.91 billion in 2023 and is predicted to nearly double to $182.02 billion by 2030.

In spite of economic difficulties such as inflation, Nigeria's sports betting sector has actually grown, attracting millions, especially amongst the youthful group facing high joblessness rates.

Reports show that approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18-40 actively take part in sports betting, driving an industry that generates an estimated yearly income of N730 billion. The federal government has actually not gone undetected by this development, which is thinking about regulative procedures like import tax tasks and VAT boosts to manage the sector.

The National Lottery Act of 2005 recognized regulative bodies like the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to ensure reasonable operations in spite of challenges in enforcement. Concerns such as inadequate age confirmation and marketing rule breaches reveal market regulative gaps.

Despite these obstacles, sports betting wagering business continue to thrive through effective business models and aggressive marketing methods, leveraging the creator influencer market.

These efforts have added to Nigeria's robust $2 billion gaming sector, with CEOs playing crucial functions in expanding audience reach and driving market growth. Here are the CEOs of leading sports bettingwagering business who have actually substantially added to Nigeria's $2 billion gaming empire through their comprehensive audience reach.

Sheriff Olaniyan - CEO Surebet247
Constable Olaniyan is the CEO of Surebet247, sports betting a sports betting book business he co-founded with Badmos Olasupo in 2011. His varied career spans different roles in the video gaming and entertainment industry, consisting of operating at among the United Kingdom's largest gaming centres, The Palace Bingo Club, where he worked as the Lead Engineer in a Bingo and Bowling Club.

Olaniyan holds a BSc in Geography from the University of Ilorin and a Master's in Geographical Information Systems from the University of Glamorgan, Wales. Surebet247, founded in August 2011, sports betting has grown into a leading e-commerce service in the wagering and video gaming sector, operating through online, mobile, and retail channels. The business was incorporated in Nigeria on November 7, 2006, sports betting and has since expanded its existence, accomplishing over 5,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.
Sam Sadi - CEO Livescorebet
Sam Sadi has over 25 years of experience in wagering brand names and sports betting media. In 2019, he ended up being the CEO of LiveScore Group, a fully integrated environment that integrates appropriate sports betting material, sports betting engaging functions, and sports betting a world-class sportsbook.

Considering that taking the helm just before the pandemic, Sam has actually driven significant development for sports betting LiveScore Group. The company's staff member headcount has increased by 29%, and yearly revenue has actually risen from approximately ₤ 10 million to over ₤ 80 million.

Sam's leadership and tactical vision have actually moved LiveScore Group's success and helped shape the market's instructions. LiveScoreBet has actually attained major user engagement, with over 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.
Anthony Werkman - CEO of Betway Group
Anthony Werkman was designated CEO of Betway in November 2017, having actually formerly acted as the company's Marketing and Operations Director because 2015. He joined Betway in 2013 and has actually remained in the online gaming industry considering that 2000, holding numerous effective roles, consisting of General Manager of a data analytics group and Director of a digital marketing company.

Under Werkman's management, Betway has actually continued to grow its market presence and boost its offerings. The business's app has gathered considerable user engagement, sports betting with over 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.
Damilare Alabi, Co-Founder, Managing Director NairaBET
Damilare Alabi has actually identified herself as a senior sports betting executive with a track record of transforming start-ups into institutionalized services. Her competence covers the gaming, real estate, and credit lending markets, where he has established himself as a strategic and functional leader.

Damilare has actually contributed in NairaBET's success for over 14 years. Since June 2019, she has acted as Managing Director and has supervised the company's development and operations in Lagos, Nigeria.

Before this, she was the Chief Operating Officer from 2010 to June 2019, essential in the company's functional strategies and market growth.

She founded DearDammy Women's Initiative (DDWIN), a non-profit company empowering women-owned organizations. DDWIN provides frHer educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Geology/Earth Science from the University of Ibadan, finished in 2005.

Akin Alabi, sports betting the founder of NairaBET.com, Nigeria's pioneering sports bettingbookmaking business, sports betting developed the business in 2009. While NairaBET was not the first sports betting wagering platform in Nigeria, it was the first to launch a totally functional website, setting a standard in the market.
Femi Babalola- General Manager of 1Xbet Nigeria Limited
Femi Babalola is the Managing Director of 1XBET Nigeria Limited, a franchise of the international sports bettingbusiness based in Cyprus. 1XBET, founded in 2007 by the late Sergey Karshkov, has actually developed itself as one of the largest bookmakers in Europe and the world. The company operates in more than 50 countries, consisting of Nigeria, where it is totally licensed.

Under Babalola's leadership, 1XBET Nigeria has expanded its footprint in the competitive Nigeriansports betting wagering market, using a wide range of wagering choices and an easy to use platform. The 1XBET app has more than 500,000 downloads on the Play Store.
Gossy Ukanwoke - CEO of Betking Nigeria
Gossy Ukanwoke is the CEO of BetKing, Managing Director of KingMakers, and Chairman of Vend Capital. In addition to leading these endeavors, Ukanwoke has collaborated with African socio-economic organizations and federal governments to create developmental policies targeted at empowering young people. In 2015, Ernst & & Young honoured him as the Winner of the Accelerating Category-- World Entrepreneur of the Year.

BetKing, established and released in Nigeria on February 22, 2018, by Byron Petzer and Adekunle Adeniji, operates under the brand name of Lake Ventures Ltd. This pan-African sports betting and sports betting entertainment business has actually rapidly grown its presence in Nigeria, with outlets in significant cities and over 500,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.

In 2020, BetKing entered into a partnership with the Lagos Employment Trust Fund, sports betting developing over 100,000 tasks, the number of which is increasing annually. In the very same year, MultiChoice broadcaster purchased a 20% stake in BetKing, which was increased to 49% in 2021.
Denise Coates - CEO Bet 365
Denise Coates is a British billionaire businesswoman, the founder, sports betting bulk investor, and joint Chief Executive of Bet365, an online sports betting business she established in 2000. Bet365.com was introduced in 2001 as an online sports betting site and sports betting has actually since grown into one of the world's largest online gaming business.

By 2016, Bet365 produced $2 billion in revenues and helped with $45 billion in annual bets. The company likewise holds a bulk stake in Stoke City Football Club. Bet365 has gathered significant user engagement, with over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
Ayo Ojuroye - CEO/Cofounder Bet9ja
Ayo Ojuroye is the CEO and co-founder of Bet9ja, a leading sports betting wagering company in Nigeria, sports betting developed along with entrepreneur Kunle Soname, who also owns Portuguese club CD Feirense and sports betting Nigerian club Remo Stars.

Ojuroye is likewise the Chairman of Mango Asset Management, an independent Nigerian property management company that creates financial investment returns and uses special investment insights and options to both private and institutional customers.

Founded in 2012 under KC Gaming Networks, Bet9ja has actually rapidly grown in popularity, with over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store. Under Ojuroye's leadership, Bet9ja has become a substantial gamer in the Nigerian sports betting wagering industry.
Fikayo Ogunfuye - Country Director 22bet
Fikayo Ogunfuye is a seasoned professional in the industry. He has been functioning as the Country Director for sports betting 22BET in Nigeria because June 2021. In this function, he has contributed to the company's growth through partnerships, sports betting company strategy, and brand-new organization development.

Fikayo's experience includes functions such as Chief Operations Officer (West Africa) at 22BET, where he managed item advancement and consumer experience, and Country Manager at 22BET, concentrating on marketing method and budget plan management. Before 22BET, he led marketing efforts at LuckyBet.NG and held different digital marketing roles at Laclic Services and Betty Bingo.

His career started at Jumia Group, where he worked in SEO, CRM, and content management. Fikayo likewise served as a Human Resource Officer at SIFAX Group.

He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Management and Accounting from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a Master of Science (MS) in Business Administration, Management, and Operations from ESTG University in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

22Bet is an online sports betting platform that uses sports betting wagering, casino games, and live dealership video games. It was introduced in 2017 and is owned and operated by Marikit Holdings Ltd, a business signed up in Cyprus and a subsidiary of Orakum N.V.. They are likewise the owners of Betwinner and a chain of gambling establishments worldwide.
Sudeep Ramnani-- CEO Sportybet Group
Sudeep Ramnani is the Founder and CEO of SportyBet, a company he developed in 2013.

SportyBet is a worldwide sports betting and sports betting real-money video gaming operator known for providing an omni-channel home entertainment experience in managed emerging markets. Under Ramnani's management, SportyBet has ended up being a considerable player in the industry, with over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store.

In addition to his role at SportyBet, sports betting Sudeep is an active financier in fintech and mobile payments and a strong supporter for the growing African internet ecosystem. His financial investments reflect his commitment to promoting innovation and advancement within the area.

On April 30, 2024, Sudeep Ramnani bought Chowdeck, taking part in a seed round valued at $2.5 million.
The company is set to disrupt the sports wagering industry.

Sunbet Sporting International Limited has said it is concentrated on revolutionising how countless Africans engage with sports betting. In an industry worth over $1.5 billion yearly, with double-digit growth forecast in the coming years, sports betting according to reports from the African Sports Betting Association and PwC, the company aims to take advantage of cutting-edge technology and a dedication to responsible gaming to revolutionise the sector.

Backed by the monetary power of four prominentAfrican billionaires, Sunbet, which will introduce in the very first quarter of 2025, intends to be the continent's biggest and most innovative sports bettingwagering platform.

At a press instruction, the company's spokesperson, sports betting Akin Babatunde, sports betting stated that the increase in Internet penetration, mobile usage, and the continent's deep enthusiasm for sports betting, specifically football, has set the stage for Sunbet's ambitious entry. He included that the firm's robust sponsorship and expert team will allow it to scale and dominate the marketplace rapidly.


Islamic police raid wagering shops in northern Nigeria

Islamic cops in Nigeria's northern city of Kano have begun closing down sports betting shops, which they state are operating unlawfully.

"As you understand, wagering is prohibited in Islam," Mujahid Aminudeen, deputy chief of the Sharia police, called the Hisbah, informed the BBC.

Grievances from neighborhood leaders and moms and dads prompted the crackdown, worried about the growing number of sports betting addicts, he stated.

On the first day of raids, 30 shops were closed in one suburb alone, and their owners were sent out home with a caution, the Sharia officer stated.

But Mr Aminudeen alerted that now that the general public was aware that the Hisbah was clamping down on gambling, sports betting those flouting the rules would be detained.

Kano city is the capital of Kano state, which has a bulk Muslim population and operates the Islamic legal system - Sharia - alongside nonreligious law.

Bookies and bars tend to be permitted to run in Kano's Christian areas, though they too can deal with action if the Hisbah believes Muslims are frequenting them.

Nevertheless, the existing crackdown is concentrated on Muslim locations of Kano, a vast city and the economic hub of northern Nigeria.

Sports betting stores can be found all over the city. The majority of have television screens, and sports betting consumers watch the outcome of worldwide football matches or horse races on which they have actually staked cash.

Mr Aminudeen said such bookmakers had actually been able to operate under the radar as they had actually opened under false pretenses.

"They don't have licences to operate as they were permitted to run video games centres, which they later converted to sports betting stores," he said.

The sports betting wagering industry has broadened drastically throughout West Africa over the last few years. The area is roughly divided between a mainly Muslim north and a primarily Christian south.

Many individuals go to bookmakers to enjoy the sociability of other gamblers, though mobile apps are likewise popular for sports betting on the result of occasions and groups.

Nigeria's crippling economic crisis has actually likewise meant individuals want to risk a percentage in the hope of winning huge.

But this had caused extensive addiction, and moms and dads were even complaining that children were dropping out of school to gamble, Mr Aminudeen stated.

"These financial problems we are dealing with in Nigeria is God telling us to change our methods by stopping sins," he said.

The raids on Tuesday concentrated on Munjibir, considered a resort area in the northeast of the city-- visitors flock there at weekends.

"I am recommending those running those sports betting stores to either closed down or we'll apprehend them and take them to [a Sharia] court," Mr Aminudeen said.

It is uncertain what punishment they would deal with - frequently, such violations carry a fine.

Sharia was presented in Kano in 2000 - as it remained in 11 other Muslim-majority northern states - and prostitution, gaming and the consumption of alcohol were banned.