How we rank bookmakers

In a world saturated with a variety of gambling and sports betting opportunities, it is important to have a reliable guide to choosing the best betting platforms in Nigeria. When evaluating these establishments, it is important to consider a number of aspects to ensure that you are safe, reliable and satisfied with your gambling and betting experience.

Peter Nwajei

Editor of FanatCasino.com, content expert for the Bookmakers section in Nigeria.

Before suggesting this or that institution to potential players, our team thoroughly researches, relying on our own experience and feedback from those who have managed to get a personalised impression after several sessions of play.

When compiling the rating of betting companies, we realise that by providing players with the information received and our recommendations, we act as a kind of beacon and even a lifeline in this situation. That is why we carefully approach this task and in this article we will tell you what parameters we use to form a rating of gambling establishments to help players make an informed choice.

Types of licences and what they provide

In the modern world of gambling and sports betting it is very important to ensure honesty, responsibility and legality in these areas. One of the key tools in achieving these goals is obtaining licences for betting shops. A licence acts not only as a means of control, but also as a guarantee of safety and trust for players and taxpayers.

1. Game integrity and player safety.

Licensed betting companies are required to adhere to strict standards in their operations. To obtain a licence, operators must undergo an in-depth review of their operations, including technical systems, payouts of winnings and ensure a high level of protection of player information. This ensures that game results are random and unavailable to tampering by operators.

2. Responsible play and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Operators are required to provide tools to control gambling activity, set betting and win limits, provide information on the consequences of excessive gambling, and keep minors and persons with certain mental conditions off the site.

3. Increased credibility and legitimacy.

Licences help to increase player confidence in the gaming entertainment industry. Players can rest assured that their financial data and personal information is kept safe and secure, and that their bets and winnings meet established standards of integrity.

4. Compliance with legislation.

Obtaining a licence helps to avoid illegal activities, money laundering and other irregularities. Licensed operators operate within established rules and standards, which helps to create a stable and reliable gaming environment.

5. Quality content.

Licensed companies can officially partner with the best providers, which provides players with a variety of high-level content.

Types of licences 📋

FanatCasino.com

➡ International regulators
Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, Curacao Interactive Licensing NV, Curacao Gaming (CG) and others. These agencies enforce standards and regulations, protecting the interests of players.

➡ National licences
In Nigeria, they are issued by The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) was established through the National Lottery Act of 2005. The Commission was primarily born out of the need to regulate the operations of lottery business, promote transparency and accountability in lottery; and protect the interests of players, stockholders and the general public. Also, when legal issues arise that are difficult for the player and the company to resolve between themselves, it is easier to turn to local human rights services than to international ones. Therefore, if a company does not have a Nigerian licence but has permission to operate in Nigeria, its rating is always slightly lower compared to its Nigerian-licensed competitors.

Graphics and website interface

In creating the rating, we also do not forget to pay attention to the look and feel of the site. An intuitive interface and pleasant design provide players with a positive experience.

Every detail counts: from the location of betting buttons to navigation panels for game selection. Modern technology allows you to create a site management that allows you to quickly navigate through all of its features. The minimalistic design and clear structure of the platform help you focus on the game and betting without being distracted by unnecessary details.

Graphics is another key component that determines the visual style and perception of an establishment. International and Ukrainian companies have their own unique brand and design that reflects their identity and values.

The growth of technological level has allowed bookmakers to improve the graphical capabilities of their products. Modern bookmakers – give visualisation of sports events in real time. Players can watch the development of events on the sports fields immediately on the screen of their device, making bets based on the current information.

Protection and privacy

Cybersecurity is a significant point in the ranking. Casinos and betting offices must have modern security measures to encrypt data and protect against fraud. Players should be guaranteed privacy and confidentiality of their personal data.

What protection measures gambling operators should take

1. Cryptographic data protection. Used as a secure encryption method for storing personal and monetary information of clients. Allows to reduce the risk of unauthorised access to private information.
2. Multi-level authentication. In addition to the standard password, players can set up additional security features such as one-time passwords, fingerprints or facial recognition.
3. Monitoring and detection of anomalies. Powerful monitoring algorithms detect anomalous activities and unusual patterns of behaviour. This helps respond to potential threats in a timely manner and prevents fraud.
4. Anonymity and confidentiality of payments. With the ability to use cryptocurrencies such as bitcoins, players can transact anonymously and securely, reducing the risk of personal information leaks.
5. Customer education. Some gaming establishments actively inform their customers about basic cybersecurity rules, social behaviour on the site and the risks of using unsecured networks.

The more of the listed aspects an establishment uses, the more reliable it is, which positively affects the rating.

Variety of markets and types of bets

The rating of betting companies is not least formed by the abundance of gambling entertainment. Companies offer a variety of games and types of bets, each of which has its own features and attractiveness. The wider the range provides an institution, the larger the audience it attracts.

For casinos, an integral part of the entertainment is slots – slot machines with themes ranging from classic fruit to modern fantasy, with exciting bonuses and the opportunity to win large sums of money. Table games such as poker, blackjack, roulette also leave a lot of room for strategy and analysis.

The quality of gaming providers is always an important criterion. A casino that co-operates with well-known companies provides guests with a more interesting and fair gaming experience. In addition, reputable game content developers make sure that their product is safe from outside interference and guarantees random combinations and unpredictable results.

At bookmakers we take into account the following parameters:

• A variety of sports, including cybersports.
• Types of bets: straight, express, totals, forex, live bets.
• Odds ratios.

It also matters how clearly the terms of betting are described and how comfortable it is to bet.

Promotions, bonuses and loyalty programme

Before choosing an entertainment site, guests carefully study the section with bonuses, tournaments and promotions. That’s why for rating casinos and bookmaker’s office we also explore this section.

First of all, most players are interested in congratulatory bonuses to newcomers. In fact, not all establishments offer them, although in most they are present. But before activating them, you should carefully study the conditions for using the gift. Sometimes they are so heavy that it is almost impossible to fulfil the rules. Of course, this undermines commitment, which players will certainly write about in their reviews on forums.

The more various bonuses and events the casino offers, the more interesting and excitement for players. In addition to welcome bonuses can be deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses, weekly bonuses, monthly bonuses, birthday bonuses or other event-specific bonuses.

Promotions and tournaments are also held according to the time frame, where players compete against each other in different games and have a chance to win cash prizes or valuable gifts.

Another interesting topic is loyalty programmes. They allow you to collect points for active play, which can be exchanged for cash bonuses, free spins or other privileges.

Deposits, withdrawals and self-monitoring

Convenient and secure deposit and withdrawal methods are another key aspect. Reliable casinos protect players’ financial information with modern encryption methods, but that’s not the only thing we pay attention to when making a rating.

• Number of available currencies. When players have a choice, it’s always a good thing.
• Transaction options – the more of them there are, the better. These can be bank cards, internet banking, terminals, online payment services, crypto wallets, mobile transfers, etc.
• Presence or absence of interest for deposit and withdrawal of funds. In the most popular establishments, there is no deposit interest at all.
• Transaction timelines. Ideally, deposits are credited to the player’s account instantly, and it takes a few hours to process a withdrawal request. Often it takes a few days to withdraw, but the shorter the time, the better for the rating.
• Limitations on deposit amounts and withdrawal of winnings.
• Existence of cost control. This action is designed to help players control their bankroll by offering to set limits on the size of bets or the total amount of money they lose in a certain period of time.

Mobile compatibility

In the modern world, which relies on digital technology, it is sometimes surprising to meet establishments that have not developed their own mobile application or at least a mobile version of the site. But it also happens, and therefore it is logical to include this point in the review about how we form the rating of gaming establishments.

Let’s take a look at why this is so important.

Mobile applications for Android and iOS have become indispensable components of our lives. In the case of gambling establishments, they offer users the ability to spin slots or bet on sports from anywhere there is internet access.

Mobile apps make it possible:

• Follow sporting events and participate in real-time betting without limitation of place and time.
• Receive customised offers and promotions based on the user’s gaming activity.
• Use all functions of the app just like on the website.
• Have access to entertainment even if the site is temporarily unavailable.
• Use of touch functions for control.

Mobile version of the website – is a simplified, mobile-optimised version of the web page, offering everything the same, but without the need to download an app. It is characterised by:

• Unlike an app, a mobile site doesn’t take up space on your device and can consume fewer resources.
• Can open in any mobile browser, regardless of device type.
• Changes and updates happen at the server level, so users don’t need to install application updates.

Registration and verification

It is very important that players are able to choose the most convenient way to create an account. Let’s consider some options.

1. Traditional email registration is simple, convenient and secure. Account confirmation takes place via an email to the specified address containing an activation link.
2. Registration using a telephone number. This approach is convenient for those who want to minimise the use of email. Account confirmation and activation is done via SMS.
3. Registration via social networks (Facebook, Google or others) – provides quick access to the game account, which reduces the need to fill in a lot of fields with personal information.
4. Biometric authentication. Some advanced platforms use biometrics (fingerprint, facial scan) to register and log into an account. This maximises the security and uniqueness of the account.

Verification is also an important function. The process involves submitting documents to confirm identity, residential address, financial information, etc. This prevents fraud, money laundering and underage participation in gambling. At the same time, it provides a safe atmosphere at the gambling site, fast payouts and legal protection for players in case of disputes.

It is good if the office provides a choice of verification method. The longest is to provide scans of the necessary documents. The fastest – through banking or the application ‘Dia’. With them, the procedure passes in a few minutes.

It is important that you can register and be verified not only on the regular website, but also through a mobile application or mobile version of the site.

All these aspects contribute to a positive impression of the casino or bookmaker.

Customer service work

The basic parameters of a highly rated technical service:

• A list of the most frequently asked questions with concise and informative answers so guests can resolve their own situation.
• Availability 24/7 without holidays and weekends, 365 days a year.
• Multichannel: multiple phone numbers, email, 24/7 online chat, messengers.
• Quick response to appeals.
• Real problem solving, not just interpreting site rules.
• Conflict resolution skills with dissatisfied customers.
• Selecting a language for ease of communication.

Reputation among players

Gaming clubs are not just places to test your luck, but communities where players encounter the adrenaline of risk and the opportunity to win. The reputation of these establishments has a direct impact on players’ perception of their services, choice of gaming operator and overall gaming experience.

Building a reputation

Players are looking for reliability, fairness and professionalism. Establishments that fulfil these criteria have an advantage.

Technological development adds new facets to the status. This includes: securing players’ personal data, random number generator for fair play, the latest casino and cyber sports games, mobile relationships.

The impact of player feedback on reputation

Social media and online forums have become a force that can make or break the reputation of any establishment, despite its experience in the gambling market. Players actively share their impressions, and this makes the modern gambling industry more transparent and honest. Establishments are forced to monitor reviews, respond to them and improve their services. However, it should be remembered that negative messages can be individual cases, so it is important to analyse the general trend.

Social responsibility and activism

Although the gambling industry is associated with the risk of gambling addiction and often with financial loss, an increasing number of representatives in this field now realise the importance of social responsibility. Casinos and bookmakers are beginning to realise that their activities can affect the lives of players and society as a whole. And the more care they show, the more respectful they look in the eyes of this society, and this, as they say, is a ‘plus in karma’, in our case – in reputation.

Casinos and bookmakers actively promote programmes to detect signs of gambling addiction and provide players with self-monitoring tools. This gives the impression that the institutions put the interests of players at the centre of their activities, which has a positive impact on their image.

Many companies also actively cooperate with organisations involved in the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.

Setting strict limits on the age of players and improving identity verification technologies aims to protect minors from accessing gambling.

Most casinos and betting shops sponsor events to support local sports teams, charity events, cultural events, etc. This helps to support communities and develop a multifaceted life.

Summary

Creating an objective rating of bookmakers – a complex and responsible process that requires analysing many factors. It is important to remember that each player has his own opinion and needs, so the ideal casino for one may not suit another. However, ratings help you make an informed choice and enjoy the excitement in a safe and comfortable environment.

Gathering data to evaluate this or that institution from gambling leisure, we carefully consider each moment, and only after analysing the data we draw a conclusion. In this case, there are no unimportant moments, because each of them plays its role. Is it possible to neglect safety? Is it possible to exclude modern technologies? Who can do without customer support? And what if someone can’t cope with gambling addiction on their own and needs professional help? And who would like to waste time searching for the right section on an inconvenient website or waiting for their winnings for too long?

We have tried to answer each of these questions in detail to help players make a choice that will best meet their needs.