The Scope and Future of Online Gambling in India
You know what Shakuni said to Yudhishthira in the epic Mahabharata?
He quoted:
“There is only your precious queen left, and there is also one throw of the dice remaining. Stake her and win yourself (and all that you have lost) back with her.”
As Yudhishthira thinks about the outcome of the wretched dice game, Shakuni taunts him, prods him, and then pushes him to bet his queen. Yudhishthir, the Pandavas eldest son has lost his brothers already and if there is something that he possesses is his dear queen, which is also now in the edge of ruin.
There is a feeling of abhorrence in the magnificent palace of Dhritarashtra. Time stands still as Shakuni grins. And Yudhishthira can’t decline Shakuni’s bet either. Finally, he agrees to the wager and says — ”I will play you for her.”
Then, Shakuni rolls the dice the very instant and screams out of joy with the words — ”We have won!” This incident literally starts the epic story of Mahabharata.
The Changing Face of Online Gambling in India
Gambling isn’t new in India. It has been there since ancient times and there are proven records of it. Everybody plays it and we all know it. However, the way it’s played today is a lot more changed and for good reasons.
In fact, gambling is one of the quickest and easiest ways to have liquid cash without even spending too many hours. A little bit of luck and loads of focus is all you need to make it big in any casino game. The only concerns that might question you is your authenticity and morality.
“Gambling is a disease of barbarians superficially civilized.” – William Inge
The essence of gambling completely lies on how you look at it and the kind of notions you have associated with it.
Whether you are gambling in a big physical casino in Vegas or any Indian casino portal website from your mobile or computer, gambling can intensify things and can easily take your financial status down like a heavy kid on a seesaw. We all know this fact but yet try our luck in the world of gambling.
Ever wondered why?
Well, for that amusement, thrill, money, and to test our luck.
And don’t forget the fact that India is a national that loves cards.
Online gambling or online casinos, however you call it, might be a recently discovered concept for Indians, but the fact is that it has been there since 1996. The first ever move towards online gambling was made either by Micro-gaming or Crypto-Logic. We are not sure who among the two.
With their foundation, online gambling in India commenced, and today, we see a sea of operators operating them.
So, online casino is a huge reality and the internet world gladly hosts it.
The Scenario of Legality
Speaking of other countries, they have their own regulations, restrictions, and laws that monitor the overall online casino and gambling status.
Similarly, India also keeps an eye on its online casino functionality through plenty of laws and policies enacted.
In India, betting and gambling is controlled by age old regulations, which are not too clear in certain aspects. Moreover, every Indian state legislature has the power to set up their own laws as well as regulations.
Therefore, online gambling in India is still in its early years. Also, as far as the Information & Technology Act (2000) is considered, it monitors all the cyber activities in India and makes sure that no depraved or sensitive information is sent to the public. Even here, online casinos don’t come anywhere in the picture.
The Scope & Future of Online Casinos in India
India is a completely alien country where online gambling is still not so exposed, and it is pretty natural to see why it is becoming a sweet spot for different foreign countries top hop in and gain good profits.
| According to the recent statistics and studies published by MECN (Media Entertainment Consulting Network), Asia, India is by far the world’s biggest and fastest growing market for online gambling. |
The adult audience in India is 3 times the size of the U.S. Therefore, a huge adult audience is a clear sign of an immense market potential who are ready to spend money. It is what makes India a magnet attracting online casinos and gambling operators.
The Size of Gambling Market in India
The lack of regulations and the big underground market together make estimating the size of gambling market in India trickier. But it is said that the entire market (both land-based and online gambling) is more than $70 billion.
| With a foundation of more than 100 million internet users, clearly, India’s gaming market is in boom where 41% of them access gambling websites regularly. About 75% of them are from 4 prime cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai). |
Also, the latest research reveals that the internet usage in India has increased 20 times in the last 5 years.
Overall, the online gambling market in India is ripe and is absolutely ready to take a big turn. However, there might be more clarity on the regulations for the same.
The future is certainly bright!
