IndiaPlacing bets among gamblers in India is a growing market. Our experts look into the various components in the industry, including the legal drawbacks and popular betting choices among players.
India VS USA in Gambling Growth
Internet casinos including LeoVegas, JeetWin, Jungle raja, and Lottoland are examples of entities that have grown to become trusted names among Indian gamblers. Unfortunately, due to the legal situation of gambling in India, it is almost impossible to gather accurate percentages and statistics on the preferences of Indian bettors. However, based on the development of trustworthy internet casinos, we can collect information about current trends and favourite games among this demographic.
Is Gambling Legal in India?
The legislation that prevents gambling in India dates back to the 1800s. Although strides have been made against these mandates, the following laws remain in effect in the country concerning their stance on gambling:
- The Public Gaming Act of 1867 dates back to a time when the British Empire was still in control of the country. This Act makes it illegal not only to operate a casino within India but gives the country recourse if an Indian gambler visits this type of establishment.
- The Prize Competition Act of 1955 tried to crack down on the amount of money that a player could win during competition. The prize amount was capped at a thousand rupees a month.
- The Information Technology Act of 2000 is loosely associated with gambling restrictions as it prevents the transmissions of specific electronic messages. The Act has been linked to gambling under the guise that sending a message regarding gambling could be viewed as harmful, considering that practice is considered to be illegal.
Interestingly enough, not one of the current laws expressly forbids the actual practice of gambling or defines the word “gambling.” Online casinos have taken advantage of this significant gap in the regulations to market to Indian gamblers.[1]
What Are Indian Gamblers Interested in Playing?
Overall, Indian gamblers are drawn to a mix of live casino card games and games such as slots. Much like any other players around the world, there is an excitement to each of these games that few other activities can match.
- Live dealer games
Indian gamblers are particularly attracted to this style of betting due in large part to the fact that visiting a live casino is not an option in India. A reputable internet casino will attempt to capture the fun and excitement of a Las Vegas casino by offering a great variety of card games, including Teen Patti and blackjack. - Sports betting
There is a huge market for sports betting in India. Betting on cricket or horse racing is widely popular in India, and gamblers in the country are drawn to the idea of watching their favourite sporting pastime and winning money at the same time.
The Surge in Poker
At the centre of the controversy regarding gambling is the question of what type of game can be considered a game of skill versus a game of chance.[2] Over the past ten years or so, poker has developed into a pastime deemed to be a game of skill which makes it permissible for an Indian gamer to make cash wagers on any game.
Entities, including Adda52 and FTR Poker, have flourished under the premise that by offering poker games explicitly, they are allowed to operate legally within India. However, because the government is not in a position to regulate the practice, Indian gamers have little to no recourse if a company does not act reputably.
Current Climate of Gambling in India
Advocates of legalising gambling in India have worked tirelessly for years to have the current gambling laws amended. The Law Commission of India has suggested gambling legislation within the country for the following reasons:
- Economic improvement for the country:
Opening casinos in India is an ideal way to improve the job market. In comparison to other countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan, regulating casino operations opened the opportunity to employ over 100,000 people.[3] - Increased government revenue: Once the government deregulates gambling, there is the potential to boost funds flowing to the government as a result of gambling taxes.
Salary Statistics for Indian Gamblers
Provided that salaries continue to rise, the Indian Law Commission predicts that the market for gambling within the country could reach roughly one billion dollars by 2021.
Statistics show that Indian gamers are certainly making money to participate in gambling activities from time to time. The trends in India indicate that salaries should continue to rise at a steady pace, which leads to more opportunities for residents of India to place bets.[4]
| Indian State | Average Salary in 2016 | Average Salary in 2019 |
| Bihar | 17,902 INR (=$252.68 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 | 19,963 INR (=$281.77 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 |
| Ahmadabad | 17,201 INR (=$242.79 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 | 18,849 INR (=$266.05 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 17,046 INR (=$240.60 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 | 18,518 INR (=$261.38 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | 13,465 INR (=$190.06 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 | 14,626 INR (=$206.44 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 |
| Goa | 14,310 INR (=$201.98 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 | 15,544 INR (=$219.40 USD)* Calculated as of 11/2019 |
Provided that salaries continue to rise, the Indian Law Commission predicts that the market for gambling within the country could reach roughly one billion dollars by 2021.
Our Experts Predict Asia Could Become the New USA of Gambling
if India is willing to update its stance on gambling, there is no reason why we shouldn’t see the country come in as one of the top revenue earners in the world through this industry.
Indian gamblers love every aspect of online betting in part because it is something that they cannot experience in person. While there have been predictions made that the Indian government’s stance could change on this hot topic issue, as of now, the only gambling entertainment that Indian gamblers have is through off-shore online casinos.
Gambling will always be an issue around the world. The ongoing argument comes down to what is considered a game of chance versus what is a game of skill. However, if India is willing to update its stance on gambling, there is no reason why we shouldn’t see the country come in as one of the top revenue earners in the world through this industry.
References & Sources
1. Dhote, R. (2019, February 6). LEGAL POSITION OF ONLINE GAMING/GAMBLING IN INDIA.
Retrieved from: https://www.lawyered.in/legal-disrupt/articles/legal-position-online-gaminggambling-india/
Legalising gambling can help generate jobs, revenue. (2018, July 9).
Retrieved from: https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/legalising-gambling-can-help-generate-jobs-revenue/story-E0qXLWHZuzbDWpOwnEPQlN.html
2. Legally illegal, but you can bet online in India. (2012, May 20).
Retrieved from: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/legally-illegal-but-you-can-bet-online-in-india/story-SW04haVrqOq1MzlFBvOjiP.html
(n.d.).
Retrieved from: http://www.salaryexplorer.com/salary-survey.php?loc=100&loctype=1
3. Legalising gambling can help generate jobs, revenue. (2018, July 9).
Retrieved from: https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/legalising-gambling-can-help-generate-jobs-revenue/story-E0qXLWHZuzbDWpOwnEPQlN.html
4. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.salaryexplorer.com/salary-survey.php?loc=100&loctype=1