Betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money or solve money problems. If it stops being fun, stop. This page covers the warning signs, the tools that help and where to get support.
Last updated: 12 October 2026
18+ only. You must be 18 or older to bet. Gambling involves risk; never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Who can bet?
You must be 18 or older. Nigerian regulators such as the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority state that people under 18 must not take part in any betting, gambling or lottery activity. Parents can use device parental controls and the blocking tools listed below.
What are the warning signs of problem gambling?
- You bet more than you planned, or more than you can afford to lose.
- You chase losses by betting again to “win it back”.
- You borrow money or use rent, school fees or savings to bet.
- You hide your betting from family or friends, or lie about it.
- You feel anxious, irritable or low when you are not betting.
- You neglect work, studies or family because of betting.
- You see betting as a way out of debt.
If any of these sounds familiar, pause now and talk to someone.
How can you stay in control?
- Set a budget first. Decide what you can afford to lose before you start, and never go over it.
- Use deposit limits. Most licensed operators let you set daily, weekly or monthly limits in your account settings.
- Set time limits. Use the operator’s session reminders or a phone timer.
- Take a time-out. Operators often offer cooling-off periods from one day to several weeks.
- Self-exclude. For a longer break, ask the operator to close or block your account for months or years.
- Block betting sites. Free tools such as BetBlocker block gambling websites on your devices.
- Stay clear-headed. Never bet when stressed, drunk or upset, and read bonus terms instead of treating bonuses as free money.
- Use licensed operators only. In Lagos, check an operator on the LSLGA licence checker.
Where can you get help in Nigeria?
- Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA): the betting regulator for Lagos State. Complaints and enquiries: lslga.org/contact, [email protected], +234 (0)808 052 5752.
- National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC): the federal lottery regulator, nlrc.gov.ng.
Where can you get help internationally?
- Gamblers Anonymous: free peer-support meetings, including virtual and phone meetings you can join from Nigeria, plus a self-assessment test: gamblersanonymous.org (US hotline 855-222-5542).
- GamCare: information, self-help tools and live chat; National Gambling Helpline (UK) 0808 8020 133: gamcare.org.uk.
- GambleAware: advice, self-assessment and treatment information: begambleaware.org.
- BetBlocker: a free app that blocks gambling sites: betblocker.org.
- GAMSTOP (UK residents only): self-exclusion from UK-licensed sites: gamstop.co.uk.
If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact local emergency services or a trusted doctor straight away.
What is our commitment?
Champsquads is an 8xbet-run football news and education site and does not take bets. We aim our content only at adults, we include 18+ and responsible gambling messages, and we never describe betting as a way to make money. Questions? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp/phone +2347068158203 (official support).