OPay Users React As Fintech Platform Adds Popular Aviator Game To Banking App

• OPay has attracted widespread criticism after reportedly integrating Aviator directly into its banking app, giving customers access to the crash-betting game from a financial platform.
• Nigerians questioned the decision, particularly because OPay is primarily used for everyday financial transactions.
• After the backlash, the feature was reportedly removed within hours.

Fintech platform OPay has sparked outrage among Nigerians after reportedly adding Aviator, the popular crash-betting game, directly to its banking application.

The development meant OPay users could access the game from the same app used to save, receive and transfer money, prompting concerns over the combination of financial services and gambling.

Aviator is a fast-paced crash game where players place bets and attempt to cash out before a multiplier suddenly ends. The game is widely available on Nigerian betting platforms, including SportyBet.

However, OPay’s reported decision to bring the game into its financial app was met with strong criticism online, with users describing the move as unacceptable and unprofessional.

The backlash appears to have forced a quick reversal, as OPay reportedly removed Aviator from the app within about 10 hours of its introduction.

At the peak of the controversy, more than 38,000 people were reportedly playing the game through OPay, according to reports circulating online.

The reaction also comes at a time when OPay has faced increased public scrutiny over how prominently betting-related content appears on its platform. Recent App Store reviews include complaints from users who said betting promotions were highly visible when they opened the app for financial services.

The Aviator controversy has therefore raised a bigger question about where fintech companies should draw the line between offering financial services and promoting gambling to their customers.

Reactions

@Tojuvike: Opay no get joy…u re running away from sporty and ur bank app is waiting for u..smh

@CuffDao: Imagine trying to quit betting and they introduced it in your banking app. That’s diabolical

@MarkA020: Dem nor wan gree us rest

@Chiyaman_: It will make them loose customers,cos soon as most people start noticing the app makes them loose money,they will stop using it

@Chi_ned_u: Obobb na so my 20s take happen 😂

@40t2_: I check am and it true, I’m not using that OPay again

@Trust1591785: U know how much deyy leave opay enter sporty per day??🤣..them wan partake 🤣

@Xally1120522: OPay abeg nah the one wey sporty do us is enough , @OPay_NG

@nobodygetstimi: Nahh, this ain’t good

@texiki10: I don play 500# nd e cut

@SnappyLaughs: That’s a good feature ☹️

@0latunbosun: Maybe it’s high time I stopped using that bank seff.🥹

@MissGijae: Ahhhh, that’s a dangerous feature