Indians have been interested in betting and card games from times immemorial. And then, there is cricket, the game the whole country of 1.4 billion people loves. Cricket is one sport that unites all Indians and all formats of this game are loved by sports fans. The cricket control board (BCCI) knows this really well and they have managed to create IPL as one of the most successful sports leagues in the world, monetizing on love of Indians for cricket. In the recent years, online casino and sports betting have been picking up among Indians, especially youth with easy access to internet.
Card games have been popular all over India and social gatherings usually have either card games or tombola as a sure way of entertainment. Online casinos have capitalized on this and the platforms have registered strong growth during the last few quarters.
Lockdowns announced during COVID-19 pandemic fueled further growth for these platforms as people were not having many options for entertainment except for going online. As per industry reports, the rise in downloads for online gaming apps during pandemic has been impressive. The online betting sector is expected to grow for next five years and many land-based casino operators are investing big money in their online operations.
Among Indian players, games like Rummy, Jhandi Munda, Andar Bahar, Baccarat, Roulette and Poker are popular. These games have many options for additional bonus and side-bets. With faster internet, live streaming (for live casino games), the interface has improved and bettors love to place their bets on these games. Many platforms offer welcome bonus, and free spins on adding money to account. Players should see the conditions of casinos before choosing the platform that is best suitable for them.
Sports-betting has been popular in India for the last few decades but the networks are usually operated by illegal bookies. Online sports-betting is changing that with transparent and legal platforms for betting on sports events. Bettors can try their luck on their favorite players and teams from the comfort of their home and also get live feeds with sports news and market intelligence on these online platforms. Online sports betting helps bettors make an informed choice about the team they want to bet on.
Another sector that has been picking up in the recent times is fantasy sports, in which participants can make their virtual team by choosing real players from the sport. Dream11, MyTeam 11, Mobile Premier League and CricPlay have gained popularity in India in the recent times but Dream11 remains the market leader in this segment.
Casinos operating online in Indian are usually audited and controlled by European gaming agencies. These agencies make sure that casino operators follow the safe practices and provide transparent platforms for bettors. The companies operating online casinos are usually based in Europe or North America but they offer support for Indian players in local languages. Funds deposit and withdrawals in Indian currency are allowed as well. Any support request is promptly answered.
With high standards of support, these online platforms have been gaining popularity among Indian players. The industry is expected to grow further, based on high level of customer satisfaction. Many platforms are also offering live dealer casino games, which offer an unprecedented experience for bettors. As per industry experts, online gaming and sports betting sector in India will continue on the growth path and if the government brings in favorable legislation, this sector will register even further growth.
