The History of Bet9ja in Nigeria
The history of Bet9ja is, in many ways, the story of how online sports betting took root and flourished in Nigeria.
From its pivotal role in the industry’s boom over the last decade to pioneering the shift to mobile and online platforms, Bet9ja has cemented its place as one of the most trusted bookmakers in the country. It’s no wonder it consistently ranks as one of Nigeria’s most visited websites.
Nigerians’ love affair with sports betting stretches back decades, starting with “pools betting” introduced in the 1920s by the British colonial government.
However, the rise of smartphones and internet technology changed the game entirely, creating the perfect stage for Bet9ja to emerge.
Launched in 2013, this indigenous platform not only revolutionised sports betting in Nigeria but also made it more appealing to the country’s youthful population, stripping away the stigma often attached to gambling.
Today, Bet9ja remains a trailblazer, offering market-leading odds, diverse betting markets, and a reputation for reliability—because, as every Nigerian bettor knows, Bet9ja always pays.
So, how did Bet9ja become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s competitive sports betting industry? This article explains the history of Bet9ja in Nigeria—covering its origins, founders, headquarters, licenses and standout features.
For a full review of its bonuses, betting markets, registration process, and more check out our detailed Bet9ja Review.
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Bet and Get ₦1.000.000 in free betsWhen Did Bet9ja Start in Nigeria?
Bet9ja officially began its journey in Nigeria on September 10, 2013. Kunle Soname, a visionary entrepreneur and politician, founded Bet9ja to provide Nigerians with a locally-driven, world-class online betting platform that offers sports betting, online casino games, and virtual sports.
The bookmaker is licensed by the Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) and also holds the Sportsbook and Gaming license of Osun State. This ensures that Bet9ja has the legal framework to provide online gambling services nationwide and gives bettors peace of mind knowing they’re betting with a trusted, regulated platform.
When Bet9ja launched, it focused heavily on retail betting, opening shops in major cities and partnering with agents and affiliates to bring betting closer to Nigerians. These outlets allowed anyone to bet on sports without needing an online account.
This approach, combined with their hugely popular virtual sports offerings, quickly resonated with bettors, helping the brand establish itself as a household name synonymous with sports betting. If you look at Bet9ja’s history in Nigeria, its early focus on retail played a big part in building its reputation.
As more Nigerians turned to online services, Bet9ja adapted by streamlining its operations to its world-class website. With this, bettors didn’t need to visit a shop to place bets—they could now do it all from the comfort of their homes or on the go. This pivot was also crucial in expanding Bet9ja’s reach and influence nationwide.
Bet9ja History in Nigeria: A Journey of Excellence
Today, Bet9ja is recognised as one of the best sports betting sites in Nigeria, thanks to its user-friendly website and mobile app, which allow bettors to access a wide array of sports, casino games, and virtual sports.
Despite its digital shift, Bet9ja has kept its retail operations alive for bettors who prefer in-person betting and as a means of providing job opportunities. However, the majority of its users now engage with the platform online.
To maintain its reputation as one of Nigeria’s top betting platforms, Bet9ja redesigned its website in 2024, introducing a sleek, user-friendly interface. This overhaul also enhanced security features, improved navigation, exceptional user experience, and loads of features that make betting more enjoyable.
These improvements, combined with competitive odds, exciting promotions, and extensive betting markets, have solidified its position as a leader in the industry.
Bet9ja also has a brilliant mobile app for iOS and Android, giving users access to the same markets, promotions, and live betting features as the website.
Free live streaming of football and other sports is just the cherry on top, making Bet9ja one of the most visited websites in Nigeria, with an impressive 26.58 million visits in December 2024, according to Semrush. This statistic speaks volumes about its popularity and Nigerians’ trust in the platform.
Bet9ja has indeed come a long way since its humble beginnings. The bookmaker is celebrated today as one of Nigeria’s leading sports betting platforms, renowned for its competitive odds, extensive sports coverage—including football, tennis, motorsports, and basketball—and ever-popular virtual sports and casino games.
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Predict 6 Scores Win ₦10.000.000Who Owns Bet9ja?
Bet9ja is owned and operated by KC Gaming Networks Limited, a European-based gaming company with a stellar reputation in the global gambling industry.
While KC Gaming provides technical expertise and the cutting-edge technology behind Bet9ja, the bookmaker is proudly Nigerian, with its headquarters in Lagos.
Customer support and all customer-related issues are also locally managed, whether online, via phone, or in person.
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100% WELCOME BONUS UP TO ₦207.500History of Bet9ja in Nigeria: Bet9ja Founders Kunle Soname & Ayo Ojuroye
Bet9ja was the brainchild of Kunle Soname, a Nigerian entrepreneur passionate about sports. Ayo Ojuroye joined him in the venture and has been instrumental in the company’s operations since its inception.
Soname currently serves as Bet9ja’s chairman, while Ojuroye is the Chief Executive Officer.
Soname’s deep passion for sports has been a driving force behind Bet9ja’s success. Born on April 27, 1966, in Ogun State, he founded the Remo Stars Football Club in 2004 and, in 2015, became the first Nigerian to own a European football club by acquiring Portugal’s C.D. Feirense.
He holds degrees in Estate Management (Obafemi Awolowo University) and Political Science (Lagos State University) and previously served as the Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA from 2003 to 2011. Soname’s estimated net worth stands at $100 million according to many online sources, placing him among Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals.
Ojuroye, a seasoned businessman, has been instrumental in Bet9ja’s growth and oversees its daily operations. Together, they’ve built a brand that has revolutionised sports betting in Nigeria.
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100% Welcome Bonus Up to ₦50.000What Sports Can You Bet On at Bet9ja?
Bet9ja offers over 10,000 betting markets covering virtually every sport imaginable, including football, tennis, basketball, motorsports, watersports, darts, volleyball, combat sports and many more.
The bookmaker also offers a wide variety of casino games, virtual sports, and non-sports markets that touch on global issues like elections or entertainment events such as Nigerian Idol and the Oscars.
For a detailed look at all of Bet9ja’s betting options, check out our comprehensive review.
History of Bet9ja in Nigeria: Standout Features, Offers & Promotions
Bet9ja is a bookmaker that truly sets itself apart. With its sleek, user-friendly website and world-class mobile app, betting is convenient, enjoyable and seamless no matter where you are.
Add to that competitive odds and a wealth of betting markets, and you have a platform that ticks all the right boxes for Nigerians. But what really makes Bet9ja shine is its incredible lineup of promotions, bonuses, and offers, which are arguably some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Nigeria.
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Bet9ja betBOOM
To start with, Bet9ja boasts the largest sports betting payout in Nigeria—a whopping ₦1 billion—courtesy of its betBOOM promotion.
This unique offer randomly boosts your regular winnings on pre-match, live, or mixed bets, multiplying them up to an eye-watering ₦1 billion.
betBOOM: Win ₦1,000.000.000betBOOM: Win ₦1,000.000.000And when it comes to keeping players engaged, Bet9ja stands in a league of its own.
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Super9ja Game
Take their Super9ja game, for example. It’s free to play, and every weekend, Bet9ja players can win a ₦10 million jackpot simply by predicting the scores of six featured matches.
It’s an offer that’s as generous as they come and few platforms can rival that kind of opportunity for life-changing money.
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One Cut Feature & 170% Accumulator Bonus
Bet9ja also offers a one-cut feature that gives accumulator bettors peace of mind, ensuring you still get paid if one game cuts your accumulator bets of five events or more.
And if you’re a fan of accumulator bets, their up to 170% accumulator bonus is the icing on the cake, boosting your acca winnings up to a jaw-dropping ₦100 million.
170% Accumulator Bonus up t0 ₦100.000.000170% Accumulator Bonus up t0 ₦100.000.000Bet9ja also rewards loyal customers, with the bookmaker regularly offering amazing cashback deals, free bets, and sports bonuses based on players’ gaming activity. It’s their way of showing appreciation and keeping things fresh and exciting for active players.
One of the things that makes Bet9ja so appealing is its knack for rolling out new and creative promotions year after year. There’s always something to look forward to, so it’s worth checking out our betting offers page regularly to stay updated.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Bet9ja also provides free streaming of La Liga and Serie A matches, along with a host of other top football leagues and sports like tennis and basketball. This added feature means you can watch the action live on their website or mobile app, creating a fully immersive experience.
Moreover, Bet9ja’s platforms are fully secure, offering multiple deposit and withdrawal channels to suit every kind of financial transaction.
Considering all these offerings and Bet9ja’s history in Nigeria, it’s no surprise that the bookmaker is the go-to choice for many bettors in the country.
Whether you’re betting via their website, mobile app, or in a betting shop, you’re guaranteed a top-notch experience.
And one thing you can always count on with Bet9ja? Instant payouts, no matter how big your winnings.
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300% First Deposit Bonus up to ₦145600 How to Open a Bet9ja Account
If you’re impressed by all you’ve learned about Bet9ja’s history in Nigeria and want to join the tens of millions of Nigerians who proudly call the bookmaker home, you’ll be glad to know that opening an account is incredibly easy.
Simply click on this link to go directly to the Bet9ja website. Once there, click the “Register” icon and complete the process by filling out the form with your details. Take a moment to ensure everything is accurate—it’ll save you from unnecessary hassle later.
It really is that simple and takes just a few minutes. Once you’re done, you’ll be part of a community of millions of Nigerians who play and win big on a bookmaker that hasn’t just shaped sports betting in Nigeria but has become a symbol of excellence.
With its impressive history and unmatched reputation, Bet9ja has earned its place as one of the best betting sites in the country.
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200% Welcome Bonus Up to ₦100.000History of Bet9ja in Nigeria at a Glance
- Date Launched: September 10, 2013
- Gaming Licenses: Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) and Sportsbook and Gaming license of Osun State
- Founders: Kunle Soname and Ayo Ojuroye
- Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
- Chairman: Kunle Soname
- CEO: Ayo Ojuroye
- Betting Markets: Over 10,000
- Parent Company: KC Gaming Networks Limited
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