Is the iGaming Market Big in India?

Like most Asian countries, gambling is a bit of a controversial topic in India. Culture and religion play a massive role in that. Each Indian state has its laws that regulate this activity as it sees fit. Most do not allow it. However, over the years, stances regarding it have grown laxer. Goa, Sikkim, and Daman, now permit land-based casinos, and more and more people gravitate toward playing at offshore sites.

Though Indian entrepreneurs cannot run internet gambling platforms from within the country’s borders, some of the best online casinos globally make their services available to Indian players.

With a population of close to 1.4 billion, of which more than 65% are under thirty-five, India often gets mentioned as a sleeping giant with tremendous iGaming potential. Year on year, foreign operators mark traffic records originating from the country. Its residents can partake in online gambling at offshore operators, the same as players from other regions, without fearing any legal ramifications for indulging in this pastime. Per recent surveys, around 40% of Indian internet users like to gamble. Meaning, this market may soon overtake the UK as the world’s betting king.

Mobile Gaming Is Massive in India

According to Kantar IMRB and the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), India is one of the five largest mobile gaming markets. This industry is also one of the fastest-growing ones in the country. Per Statista, India’s mobile gaming market is worth around $2.4 billion, a four-fold increase from 2017. Given that the interactive gaming space focuses on smartphone users and is looking to integrate skill-based products that appeal to younger demographics, it is easy to imagine many casual mobile gamers spilling over to the iGaming sphere.

Indians Love Playing Lotteries

While casino gambling may still be a bit taboo in India, the lottery is not. It has been a massive part of the country’s culture and its economy for decades. Thirteen states operate lotteries, and these draws are not only a source of entertainment for residents but a much-needed revenue stream for the local governments. Furthermore, many Indians also choose to participate in international draws, such as Mega Millions and the Powerball. Thus, since online casinos also offer bingo, keno, and scratch cards, these platforms appeal to the same crowd that loves lotto draws. Once they become more widely available, it stands to reason that the number of Indians using them will increase.

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Live Game Providers Cater to the Indian Market

One of the more popular mobile games for Indian players is Rummy, a matching-card game. RNG and live dealer variations of Rummy exist in the interactive gaming space, as providers offer it to attract Indian players. However, Andar Bahar and Teen Patti live tables are more commonly available on gambling platforms. Top-end providers such as Ezugi, Playtech, and XPG supply these to online casinos. Some of them even feature Hindi-speaking dealers. That is something that players can expect to see more of as the Indian market expands. 

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