A number of Nigerian youths have criticised fintech company OPay over the volume of betting applications available on its platform.

In several posts on X (formerly Twitter), influencers and users described OPay’s decision to feature multiple betting apps on its platform as an attempt to “destroy” the lives of Nigerian youths, amid growing concerns over gambling and betting addiction in the country.

One of the X users, Bearded Shina, who has a significant following on the platform, called on the Nigerian government to place an embargo on OPay and prevent the fintech company from featuring gambling and betting apps on its platform.

He argued that the inclusion of betting apps on the platform could expose teenagers to gambling at an early age and potentially encourage addiction, as users encounter the services while carrying out everyday financial transactions on OPay.

He described OPay as another “financial Pandora’s box” and a “financial nuke” that could have damaging consequences for the Nigerian economy.

“I just got off the call with a Tech Bro who explained in details what ‘Aviator’ and ‘virtual’ are. I think the government needs to put an embargo on Opay, preventing [it] from putting Betting and Gambling apps on a transaction platform.

“There is already a Betting and Gambling pandemic. There are millions of people struggling with Gambling addiction who have had their lives ruined by Betting and Gambling. People who aren’t able to control their urges, while we lack adequate rehabilitation facilities.

“There are rules concerning Betting apps globally and I’d recall, there are age limits. Incorporating such into a fintech app for daily transactions is a retrogressive step that will destroy our nation.

“Opay is about to open a Financial nuclear nuke that will crumble the economy. Opay just opened a Financial Pandora’s box.”

I just got off the call with a Tech Bro who explained in details what “Aviator” and “virtual” are

I think the government needs to put an embargo on Opay, preventing from putting Betting and Gambling apps on a transaction platform.

There is already a Betting and Gambling…

— The_Bearded_Dr_Sina (@the_beardedsina) September 8, 2026

Another X user, Sporting King, also criticised OPay’s decision to integrate gambling into its ecosystem, arguing that financial platforms should focus on helping users save and invest rather than gamble.

“I just saw Opay integrated gaming center into their system. It is deeply concerning that a financial institution entrusted with people’s money is integrating gambling into its ecosystem. Financial platforms should be helping people manage, save and invest their money FULL STOP! This is a dangerous line to cross.”

I just saw Opay integrated gaming center into their system. It is deeply concerning that a financial institution entrusted with people’s money is integrating gambling into its ecosystem. Financial platforms should be helping people manage, save and invest their money FULL STOP!…

— Sporting King (@sportingking365) September 8, 2026

Beyond these comments, several other users have reacted to OPay’s introduction of a game centre featuring multiple betting platforms, including Aviator.

However, checks by this publication revealed that OPay has since removed the feature from its platform.

Furthermore, all efforts to reach the company’s PR lead for comments proved abortive as of the time of publication.