Lagos came alive on Saturday, August 16, 2025 as GinjaBet, Nigeria’s newest gaming and sportsbook platform, officially launched operations with a high-energy event with the themedl: “Ginja Don Land” at the Admiralty Event Centre, Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way.
The colourful ceremony fused Nigeria’s passion for football with its vibrant music culture and was headlined by the unveiling of award-winning rapper Blaqbonez as GinjaBet’s first-ever brand ambassador — a move the company described as a reflection of its bold, youthful, and authentic identity.
“I’m excited to be part of this. GinjaBet represents energy and authenticity, and I can’t wait for us to make this partnership count,” Blaqbonez said during his unveiling.
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Delivering the keynote address, Joe Richa, Co-Founder and CEO of GinjaBet, stressed that the company’s entry into Nigeria’s market signals a new era for the betting industry.
“This isn’t just a launch — it’s the start of a new betting lifestyle for Nigerians. Blaqbonez embodies the energy, boldness, and authenticity we stand for. GinjaBet is built for Nigeria, powered by world-class tech. We’re not just here to compete — we’re here to lead and to connect,” Richa said.
From a regulatory standpoint, Bashir Abiola-Are, CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries Board, welcomed GinjaBet into the state’s thriving gaming industry and pledged continued collaboration. He highlighted that revenues from gaming taxes are being deployed into schools and healthcare facilities across Lagos, underscoring the sector’s role in public development
Also present at the launch were George Mbam, Head of Market at GinjaBet; Chief Tosan, Managing Partner at Victoria Chambers (Legal Secretary to GinjaBet); and Mrs. Gift (Tamunopreye) Tuadibofa of the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers.
Licensed by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority and powered by UpGaming’s iGaming infrastructure, GinjaBet promises next-generation sportsbook features, rich odds, seamless wallet transactions, exclusive Ginja Games, and a player-focused ecosystem tailored to Nigerians.
For Blaqbonez, whose music career has been built on wit, confidence, and cultural relevance, the partnership merges his passion for football and gaming while giving the GinjaBet brand immediate cultural credibility with Nigeria’s youth market.
The night ended with electrifying live performances, a football-inspired stage design, and a pulsating atmosphere that attendees described as a seamless fusion of sports, entertainment, and lifestyle.