Sports betting has grown in popularity in recent years and is often one of the preferred pastimes for Nigerian gamblers.
Among the more recent innovations from betting operators is offering wagers on the outcome of certain activities not linked to sports or casino. Politics is big topic in Nigeria and in the last few years, players have had the opportunity to wager on the outcome of the country’s elections.
The 2019 presidential elections pitted two candidates in a battle for who would occupy the most revered position in Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari was attempting to return for four more years while Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was looking to fulfill a life-long dream.
However, while an intense political battle was raging on the surface, something else was brewing in one of the most unlikely sectors. Betting operators were offering a platform for serious players to wager on the outcome of the election.
Betting companies like naijabet, nairabet and 234bet offered odds on both candidates’ chances of winning the elections.
The betting company offered odds of around 1.78 on the APC’s Buhari to return while major opposition candidate Alhaji Abubakar of the PDP was given pegged at around 1.90 to unseat the incumbent.
Other popular candidates were also handed heavy odds given the slim probability of them emerging victorious. The likes of Fela Durotoye and Oby Ezekwesili had odds of over 100, while Mrs Eunice Atuejide’s odds went as high as 450.
Beyond the candidates, other elements of the elections were also available to be wagered on. For example, punters had the opportunity to bet on the political parties instead, while the presidential debates were also available to be wagered on.
Naijabet had a special offer for President Buhari’s availability for the pre-election debates in 2019. They offered odds of 1.70 on the president to attend and 1.45 on his absence.
Of course, elections are not just about the presidency as there are numerous other contests into different public offices. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Jimi Agbaje were both placed on similar odds of 1.80 in the Lagos state Governorship elections.
With the 2023 elections just around the corner, there is likely to be a big market for betting operators to explore.
Punters who fancy something different can get involved in all the contests. Whether you prefer to wager on the debates or the election itself, the options should be numerous and the markets vast.
If you fancy a break from the usual sports betting, then you should consider the upcoming elections.
Although most betting platforms are yet to reveal their plans ahead of 2023, comparison sites like Betting Apps Nigeria, with their list of the best betting apps in the country should have vital information on election wagering when the time comes.
As we Nigerians gear up for what will be a crucial next couple of months, betting enthusiasts will also join millions of Nigerians in having their say on who the next President will be.