With 2023 seeing a merger of some of the biggest business-to-business providers in the esports and sports betting scene, the world of esports in Nigeria has had a momentous growing spurt. These technological moves gave Nigerians real-time data and more streams of esports, making that part of Africa a newfound market for the realm of esports and online casinos.
Online casinos burst onto the Nigerian scene in 2006, shortly after the gambling ban was lifted. Back then, players had to download specific casino software onto their PCs before playing games such as blackjack or poker. Today, the world of online casinos is a whole new story – with companies like Bodog, who have forged a space in the market for both gamers who delve into esports, and online bettors. We’ve also seen the birth of spin-off ideas, such as game show-style casino games, which have attracted thousands of viewers.
But what is Esports? And how is it different from casino betting?
Esports, short for electronic sports, is the term used for competitive video games where players join teams to compete against one another. These games can have any player, from casual everyday gamers to elite highly trained professionals, and Africa has found itself at the forefront of this evolving sport – just like they are at the forefront of the casino online space, with new options popping up constantly. Just like with casinos and betting, the organized leagues offer hefty financial rewards, and Nigeria is near the top of the game when it comes to African countries.
This growth in esports has contributed to technological advances, and a generation that thrives in a virtual world. This, along with specific marketing, heavy investments, and an audience that can partake across the world, is the driver behind this building trend. Nigeria alone has seen the nation’s demographics shift to a younger market, and a major shift in cultural attitudes. Nigeria has over 223 million individuals, with an estimated 60% being under 25. This makes the country the youngest in the whole of Africa, and on the whole, video games are the domain of the young. This is therefore a huge market!
Another similarity between the two is that you get some seriously big celebrities in both worlds – the masters of the games become famous regardless of what the game actually is. We love to celebrate the winners!
Let’s find out what games are the biggest in Nigeria, and how you can get wins out of each one.
1. FIFA Video Game Series
It’s a no-brainer that FIFA shapes the esports community, and there are no signs of it slowing down. In terms of popularity, it’s on a par with many casino games, including ones like blackjack, and these days, the FIFA Series across the world is synonymous with big payouts. We can’t decide whether you’d cash out bigger in the world of online casinos, or by streaming yourself playing as part of a FIFA football team, but you’re in for a win-win either way. Admittedly, the potential wins at online casinos are unlimited, but if you were to be at the top of your game in the FIFA streams, you could be looking at raking in £10,000 a month – not bad!
Nigerians partake in FIFA because they can play with their favorite teams across the world. All you need to do is look for FIFA tournaments around the globe and sign up. Although there are sometimes registration fees, participating in this form of online gaming is a cheaper alternative to playing a physical sport professionally.
To find tournaments, search the internet, look for social media channels, and join local gaming forums. You’ll come across many like-minded individuals who are looking for big wins. Playing football with your favorite team in another country has never been easier, and there are plenty of chances to get paid for doing so. And when you’re done with streaming, hop onto an online casino for a totally different kind of gaming – that’s one of the beauties of the internet.
2. League of Legends (LoL)
Though FIFA is a world-renowned esport, we’re pretty sure you’re also aware of League of Legends, seeing as the Nigeria Esports League social pages constantly chat all about it. This year has seen exponential growth in this online game, mainly because of new Gen Z fans joining the franchise. It’s now got a growing community of fans in Nigeria, and it is only getting bigger. The game consists of multiple players, who face a battle arena against one another, and you can join teams to play, and stream to earn money. Known as a MOBA, a multiplayer online battle arena, the game was born in 2009 and has since become the most tuned-in esports game across the globe.
3. Dota 2
Also known as Defence of the Ancients, Dota is a popular multiplayer game. The game was created by the makers of Warcraft, so you’re guaranteed to get a suspenseful round of fun every time you play. You join a team of five and fight to destroy the opposing team’s base before they destroy yours.
These games bring a sense of team spirit and encourage people across many tournaments to pull together and make a win. You can earn funds from these tournaments just like you would in a casino – so which will be your new favorite pastime? Esports or online casinos? Take your pick, because they’re both growing quicker than you can imagine.
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