The trend of online bookmakers couldn’t pass by India. While different forms of gambling have been popular in the country throughout its history, nothing could ever beat the quickly evolving digital betting landscape. What used to be an underground activity moved to the list of mainstream entertainment options, but this shift didn’t occur overnight. Legal disputes still cloud the industry, but sports betting is undoubtedly a significant and growing part of India’s sporting and digital landscape.
A Brief History of Legal Betting in India
Historically, all gambling-related activities have been a complex issue in the country. Ancient Indians enjoyed the prototypes of modern dice and chess games, which are considered the early examples of betting in the region. The first document controlling the sector was released in the 19th century. Public Gambling Act of 1867, the colonial-era law, offers a clear distinction between games of chance and games of skill. The first category is fully prohibited, while the second is allowed in specific variations. Since the release of the 1867 Act, horse racing wagering has been the only legal activity in India.
The Digital Revolution and the Current Industry Landscape
The introduction of the first bookmaker sites in the late 1990s changed the sector once and forever. Punters no longer wanted to visit physical betting shops and stand in line to place their bet on the chosen tournament. Instead, they enjoyed the accessibility of digital services, although they were limited at that time. As technology evolved, users got the chance to test more innovations, bringing the industry to its current state.
Surprisingly, almost half a century after the first Indian gambling act was introduced, the country still sticks to this document. It doesn’t touch on the digital sector (as the Internet wasn’t even invented during that time), which makes the industry a grey zone. The rise of smartphones and the government’s focus on the digital infrastructure allow locals to access betting, fantasy sports, and casinos without any barriers.
Domestic sportsbooks are still prohibited, as they are classified as games of chance, but there’s no ban on overseas operators. This loophole encourages bookmakers, who see increased interest in online betting, to target locals and provide them with a variety of markets and thrilling bonuses.
The Rise of Fantasy Sports
Although not considered betting itself, Fantasy Sports significantly changed the iGaming sector in the country. This activity is regarded as a game of skill, so local authorities have no legal reason to ban it. This legal gray area enabled the emergence of an entirely new ecosystem. For instance, IPL India matches face an increase in user engagement due to the higher interest in betting and the possibility of creating virtual teams and competing on the digital pitch.
Fantasy leagues are less popular than traditional tournaments, but they still attract massive investments in the industry. Sponsorships with professional teams and broader broadcasting have made this form of entertainment more in demand in India, boosting the overall attractiveness of the local iGaming sector.
Cultural Shift and Public Perception
For decades, betting and gambling activities have been prohibited in the state. In the 2020s, people no longer perceive these pastimes as something illegal. Indians see bright bookmaker ads and have no obstacles in joining international sites. This approach normalizes sports wagering nationwide, despite the ban on luck-based games. This change is especially noticeable among the younger generation, who are likely to engage in online betting to test their intuition and explore the significant innovations in the sector.
Social media also affects this shift. Influencers actively promote bookmaker sites, while the leading providers even collaborate with sports stars and celebrities. With marketing campaigns focusing on skill, strategy, and rewards, betting-related apps have become part of everyday conversations among sports fans. Global trends also affect the industry evolution in India: as countries like the US or the UK have already legalized online sports wagering, developing countries can follow their example in the future.
Challenges and Legal Issues
The rapid growth of online betting in India is still accompanied by significant challenges. User engagement in digital bookmaker sites continues to grow, with the government aiming to control the industry. Several states, including Sikkim and Goa, have already taken steps towards iGaming regulations. The government has already issued laws that regulate digital content, but specific betting-related laws are still missing. The lack of a clear framework creates challenges in 2025:
- Uncertainty brings confusion to operators and punters
- Unregulated markets increase the risk of illegal platforms
- Users can fall victim to addiction and compulsive disorders
- The country lacks consumer protection in online betting
- The debate between chance and skill still exists
As the rise of online bookmaker services globally affects local markets, the regulatory clarity remains a challenge. For now, India needs to develop a centralized legal framework to regulate all aspects of online betting in the country. This move is vital for ensuring transparency and consumer protection nationwide, at the same time bringing economic benefits.