Betting Wars: Hisbah Police Crackdown Intensify as Tech Company Challenges Nigeria’s Gaming Giants

Meet CEOs/MDs of companies behind Nigeria’s $2 billion Sports wagering industry.

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

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

Despite economic difficulties such as inflation, Nigeria’s sports betting wagering sector has actually thrived, bring in millions, particularly amongst the youthful demographic dealing with high unemployment rates.

Reports suggest that around 60 million Nigerians aged 18-40 actively participate in sports betting wagering, sports betting driving a market that creates an estimated annual revenue of N730 billion. The federal government has actually not gone unnoticed by this growth, which is considering regulative measures like import tax tasks and VAT increases to manage the sector.

The National Lottery Act of 2005 recognized regulative bodies like the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to ensure fair operations despite difficulties in enforcement. Issues such as inadequate age confirmation and advertising guideline breaches reveal industry regulatory gaps.

In spite of these obstacles, sports betting wagering companies continue to flourish through reliable business designs and aggressive marketing strategies, leveraging the creator influencer market.

These efforts have actually added to Nigeria’s robust $2 billion gambling sector, with CEOs playing crucial roles in broadening audience reach and driving industry growth. Here are the CEOs of leading sports betting wagering business who have significantly added to Nigeria’s $2 billion sports betting empire through their substantial audience reach.

Constable Olaniyan – CEO Surebet247

Sheriff Olaniyan is the CEO of Surebet247, a sports betting book business he co-founded with Badmos Olasupo in 2011. His diverse profession spans numerous roles in the gaming and entertainment industry, sports betting consisting of operating at one of the United Kingdom’s biggest video gaming centres, The Palace Bingo Club, sports betting where he worked as the Lead Engineer in a Bingo and sports betting 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, has grown into a leading e-commerce company in the sports betting and gaming sector, operating through online, mobile, sports betting and sports betting retail channels. The business was included in Nigeria on November 7, 2006, and has actually given that broadened its existence, achieving 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 became the CEO of LiveScore Group, a fully incorporated ecosystem that integrates relevant sports betting content, engaging functions, and a world-class sportsbook.

Given that taking the helm just before the pandemic, Sam has driven considerable growth for sports betting LiveScore Group. The business’s employee headcount has actually increased by 29%, and yearly revenue has surged from around ₤ 10 million to over ₤ 80 million.

Sam’s leadership and strategic vision have actually Group’s success and assisted shape the market’s instructions. LiveScoreBet has accomplished significant user engagement, sports betting 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 previously functioned as the company’s Marketing and Operations Director given that 2015. He joined Betway in 2013 and has remained in the online gaming industry considering that 2000, holding numerous effective functions, including General Manager of a data analytics team and Director of a digital marketing agency.

Under Werkman’s management, Betway has continued to grow its market existence and enhance its offerings. The company’s app has amassed substantial user engagement, with over 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.

Damilare Alabi, Co-Founder, Managing Director NairaBET

Damilare Alabi has identified herself as a senior sports betting executive with a track record of changing start-ups into institutionalized services. Her competence spans the video gaming, property, and credit lending industries, where he has established himself as a tactical and functional leader.

Damilare has been instrumental in NairaBET’s success for over 14 years. Considering that June 2019, she has actually functioned as Managing Director and sports betting has managed 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 business’s functional strategies and market growth.

She founded DearDammy Women’s Initiative (DDWIN), a non-profit organization empowering women-owned businesses. DDWIN provides frHer instructional background consists of a Bachelor’s degree in Geology/Earth Science from the University of Ibadan, finished in 2005.

Akin Alabi, the founder of NairaBET.com, Nigeria’s pioneering sports betting bookmaking business, developed the business in 2009. While NairaBET was not the very first sports betting platform in Nigeria, it was the very first to launch a totally functional website, setting a criteria in the industry.

Femi Babalola- General Manager of 1Xbet Nigeria Limited

Femi Babalola is the Managing Director of 1XBET Nigeria Limited, a franchise of the worldwide sports betting company based in Cyprus. 1XBET, founded in 2007 by the late Sergey Karshkov, sports betting has developed itself as one of the biggest bookies in Europe and the world. The company runs in more than 50 nations, including Nigeria, where it is completely licensed.

Under Babalola’s management, 1XBET Nigeria has broadened its footprint in the competitive Nigerian sports betting wagering market, providing a vast array of wagering options 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 sports betting Chairman of Vend Capital. In addition to leading these endeavors, Ukanwoke has worked together with African socio-economic organizations and governments to develop developmental policies focused on empowering youths. In 2015, Ernst & & Young honoured him as the Winner of the Accelerating Category– World Entrepreneur of the Year.

BetKing, established and introduced in Nigeria on February 22, 2018, by Byron Petzer and Adekunle Adeniji, runs under the trademark name of Lake Ventures Ltd. This pan-African sports betting wagering and sports betting entertainment business has quickly grown its existence in Nigeria, with outlets in major cities and over 500,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.

In 2020, BetKing participated in a partnership with the Lagos Employment Trust Fund, developing over 100,000 jobs, the variety of which is increasing every year. In the same year, MultiChoice broadcaster bought a 20% stake in BetKing, sports betting which was increased to 49% in 2021.

Denise Coates – CEO Bet 365

Denise Coates is a British billionaire businesswoman, the founder, bulk shareholder, and joint Chief Executive of Bet365, an online gaming company she established in 2000. Bet365.com was launched in 2001 as an online sports betting website and has since grown into one of the world’s biggest online sports betting business.

By 2016, Bet365 generated $2 billion in profits and facilitated $45 billion in annual bets. The business 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 business in Nigeria, developed along with businessman Kunle Soname, sports betting who likewise owns Portuguese club CD Feirense and Nigerian club Remo Stars.

Ojuroye is likewise the Chairman of Mango Asset Management, sports betting an independent Nigerian property management company that generates investment returns and provides distinct investment insights and solutions to both private and sports betting institutional customers.

Founded in 2012 under KC Gaming Networks, sports betting Bet9ja has actually quickly grown in popularity, sports betting with over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store. Under Ojuroye’s management, Bet9ja has actually ended up being a substantial player in the Nigerian sports betting wagering market.

Fikayo Ogunfuye – Country Director 22bet

Fikayo Ogunfuye is an experienced professional in the sports betting wagering market. He has been working as the Country Director for 22BET in Nigeria given that June 2021. In this role, he has actually added to the business’s development through collaborations, company strategy, and brand-new organization advancement.

Fikayo’s experience includes roles such as Chief Operations Officer (West Africa) at 22BET, where he handled product development and sports betting client experience, and Country Manager at 22BET, concentrating on marketing strategy and budget plan management. Before 22BET, he led marketing efforts at LuckyBet.NG and held various digital marketing functions at Laclic Services and Betty Bingo.

His profession began at Jumia Group, where he operated in SEO, CRM, and content management. Fikayo also acted 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, sports betting and Operations from ESTG University in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

22Bet is an online gaming platform that offers sports betting wagering, gambling establishment games, and sports betting live dealership video games. It was introduced in 2017 and is owned and run by Marikit Holdings Ltd, a business registered in Cyprus and sports betting a subsidiary of Orakum N.V.. They are also the owners of Betwinner and a chain of casinos worldwide.

Sudeep Ramnani– CEO Sportybet Group

Sudeep Ramnani is the Founder and CEO of SportyBet, a company he established in 2013.

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

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

On April 30, 2024, Sudeep Ramnani bought Chowdeck, participating in a seed round valued at $2.5 million.

The firm is set to interfere with the sports betting market.

Sunbet Sporting International Limited has said it is concentrated on changing how millions of Africans engage with sports betting. In an industry worth over $1.5 billion yearly, with double-digit development projection in the coming years, according to reports from the African Sports Betting Association and PwC, the company aims to take advantage of advanced innovation and a dedication to accountable sports betting to change the sector.

Backed by the financial power of four prominent African billionaires, Sunbet, which will release in the first quarter of 2025, aims to be the continent’s largest and sports betting most innovative sports betting platform.

At a press instruction, the business’s spokesperson, Akin Babatunde, stated that the increase in Internet penetration, mobile use, and the continent’s deep enthusiasm for sports betting, specifically football, has set the stage for Sunbet’s enthusiastic entry. He included that the company’s robust sponsorship and expert group will enable it to scale and dominate the market rapidly.

Islamic authorities raid betting shops in northern Nigeria

Islamic authorities in Nigeria’s northern city of Kano have actually begun shutting down sports betting wagering shops, which they say are operating illegally.

« As you understand, wagering is prohibited in Islam, » Mujahid Aminudeen, deputy chief of the Sharia police, referred to as the Hisbah, told the BBC.

Problems from neighborhood leaders and parents prompted the crackdown, worried about the growing number of sports betting addicts, he said.

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

However Mr Aminudeen warned that now that the general public understood that the Hisbah was clamping down on gambling, those flouting the guidelines would be detained.

Kano city is the capital of Kano state, which has a majority Muslim population and operates the Islamic legal system – Sharia – alongside secular law.

Bookmakers and sports betting bars tend to be enabled to run in Kano’s Christian areas, sports betting though they too can deal with action if the Hisbah believes Muslims are frequenting them.

Nevertheless, the current crackdown is concentrated on Muslim areas of Kano, a sprawling city and the economic hub of northern Nigeria.

Sports betting stores can be discovered all over the city. Many have tv screens, sports betting and consumers enjoy the result of international football matches or horse races on which they have staked money.

Mr Aminudeen stated such bookies had actually had the ability to run under the radar as they had actually opened under false pretences.

« They don’t have licences to operate as they were allowed to run computer game centres, which they later converted to wagering stores, » he stated.

The sports betting market has actually expanded significantly throughout West Africa in recent years. The region is approximately divided in between a primarily Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south.

Many people go to bookmakers to enjoy the camaraderie of other gamblers, though mobile apps are likewise popular for sports betting on the result of events and teams.

Nigeria’s debilitating recession has likewise indicated individuals are willing to risk a small amount in the hope of winning big.

But this had actually led to prevalent addiction, and parents were even complaining that children were leaving of school to bet, Mr Aminudeen said.

« These economic issues we are facing in Nigeria is God telling us to alter our ways by stopping sins, » he stated.

The raids on Tuesday focused on Munjibir, thought about a resort area in the northeast of the city– visitors flock there at weekends.

« I am advising those running those wagering stores to either closed down or we’ll arrest them and take them to [a Sharia] court, » Mr Aminudeen said.

It is unclear what punishment they would face – typically, sports betting such infringements bring a fine.

Sharia was introduced in Kano in 2000 – as it was in 11 other Muslim-majority northern states – and prostitution, sports betting and the usage of alcohol were banned.