Growing up, I had this wild idea that bet shops were like social clubs for men think school type because no day would pass without my finding a crowd of sweaty men throwing terms like over 1.5 as if they were trying to solve a math problem.
Obviously, now I know what is, and that it isnt limited to a particular gender. I also know it can be a problem. A recently started an online conversation, and I just had to ask: why does it have such a strong pull on Nigerians?
I spoke to eight sports betting lovers, and heres what they had to say.
I have nothing to lose
Dare, 32. Male
I work in a school and only earn about 18k monthly. My salary never lasts a week, especially with a wife and two kids at home. Its better for me to set out like 5k to bet because even if I dont, the money will still finish. At least with betting, I have hope of multiplying my money. I sometimes lose, but I sometimes win the odd 10k.
I can get lucky at any time
Kola, 30. Male
No one knows whatll happen tomorrow. Even if I lose 10,000 today, I know its very possible for me to win 100,000 tomorrow which will even cover what I previously lost, so I just keep trying. Who knows when my luck will shine?
I do it for fun
Ope, 27. Male
Its a way for me to relax after a hard day. My favourite hangout spot is a bar with a betting shop close by, and its normal for us guys to talk about games and place bets. Sometimes I get carried away and bet more than wisdom allows, but its like a bonding thing with my guys.
Its just something you do
Wumi, 23. Female
Almost everyone I know plays Baba Ijebu. What else is there to do when you struggle to make 1k last a whole week? At least, if you remove 150 to play a game, or even the lotto game we call two sure, theres hope you can make more. Even if you lose, its just a part of life. Im not sure I can stop.
I usually have a good chance at winning
Sunday, 29. Male
I spend a minimum of 15k every week on sports betting. Im a good football game analyst, so I started as a way of putting my predictions to good use. I used to win a lot in the beginning, but now the thrill has taken over and made me lose more. I think its also because I hardly think it through these days. But when I focus more, I usually have a good chance of winning.
Im not sure why I do it, honestly
Joe, 31. Male
I typically play , and if I’m being honest, Ive lost far more than Ive ever made. Ive been betting for six years, and the most Ive made at once was about 80,000. The money finished the same day I won it because of previous debts and the compulsory drinking with friends to celebrate.
I dont know why I bet, honestly. I just know that any day I dont visit the betting shop doesnt feel complete.
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The search for a big win never ends
Nonso, 28. Male
I know betting is bad for you, but for me, the search for a big win never ends. Imagine booking live matches, and only one game spoils the ticket. You never stop thinking about how close you were to winning something huge. The only big win Ive ever had was in 2019 when I won 120k. Ive seen people win 500k, even 1 million. It can be me one day, so I keep playing.
I love the thrill of it
Peter, 22. Male
Every bet I place increases my excitement level because you can never tell the one thatll change your life forever. And with how things are in Nigeria, one will just die of depression if you dont do things that get you excited.
Of course, losing money doesn’t excite you, but I try to reduce my loss by not being too greedy. Some people will place bets up to 20 times at a go, hoping to recover the money lost. But if I play and lose like seven times at a shot, I give up and try the next day. Im not sure how much I bet monthly because it really depends on how the games look.
*Responses have been slightly edited for clarity.
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