Why is India one of the fastest-growing markets for online casinos?

Gaming is one hobby that is quite common among Indians. You don’t have to take our word for it, just look around and you’ll find both older and younger people have fun playing card games like Teen Patti during Diwali. There has also been a recent surge in fantasy sports apps. 

Over the past decade, many players in India have become more interested in online gambling, an interest that has allowed the space to grow at an impressive rate. However, it all feels quite sudden and makes you wonder the reason for such a rapid rise. Below, we discuss some of the reasons for this increasing interest.

A massive population with growing internet access

When you consider how popular the gambling market is in India, their population of over 1.4 billion is a big factor. Naturally, more people mean more potential players. When you combine that with the rapid adoption of smartphones and affordable internet, it becomes much more obvious that the stage is set for digital gaming platforms to thrive.

As of 2024, India had over 900 million internet users, many of whom were first-time users discovering the possibilities of online entertainment. Due to this surge in connectivity, the gap between urban and rural India has become smaller. Online gaming, including online casinos, is now available in areas that previously had limited entertainment options.

Regardless of what part of the country you reside in, the accessibility of platforms that work seamlessly on smartphones has opened doors for millions of Indians to try their hand at games like online roulette, blackjack and slots.

Many gaming options

Online gambling didn’t spark Indians’ love for gaming, but it did provide an opportunity for them to experience what they already love on a more accessible level. Essentially, Indians have always loved a good gamble!

Consider Diwali nights with family-packed living rooms with everyone playing Teen Patti till late into the night. You can see that the drive to take risks for a chance to win isn’t just a recent fad, it has been around for a long time. In fact, even ancient epics like the Mahabharata talk about dice games.

Now, imagine this love for games of chance finding a home online. That’s what’s happening. Online casinos offer Indian classics like Andar Bahar and Teen Patti alongside the more globally popular hits like poker and blackjack.

With all these options at your disposal, it’s going to feel like you’re walking into a traditional Diwali party. The difference is that instead of chips and cards, there are apps and algorithms, but the stakes are real.

More money to spend, more ways to play

India’s economy has been on the rise and so has the disposable income of its middle class. With extra cash comes the urge to splurge — and online casinos fit the bill perfectly. They’re cheap to get started with and promise a shot at turning small bets into significant returns.

With everything being online, you won’t have any issues creating an account. Don’t have a big bankroll? No worries. You will find many games that let you start with a small amount and enjoy the experience as you dip your hands in the gambling pool.

Youthful demographic and tech savvy users 

In addition to being the second most populated country in the world), a large part of the population is dominated by younger people as the average age in India is just 28. This young crowd is quite handy with gadgets and familiar with online activities like gaming.

Considering this familiarity, the idea of online gambling will naturally appeal to this younger audience. If you think about how convenient playing on your phone feels, you can imagine that a lot of people will relish this chance.

You could be in the mood for a quick round of slots during a lunch break or a late-night poker game, it doesn’t matter. Online casinos fit into the busy, always-on lifestyles of India’s people.

Growing trust in online platforms

Many people are skeptical regarding anything related to online activities and it’s understandable, no one wants to be a victim of online fraud or theft.

However, times have changed, and newer innovations have helped make players more comfortable with internet activities, including online casinos. Licensed platforms now use encryption to protect user data and ensure fair play through certified random number generators.

There are also multiple sites dedicated to sharing user experiences. So, if you have any doubts about a platform, you don’t have to be the test subject. Indian players can read the opinions and feedback of other users and stick to platforms tested by AskGamblers with positive user reviews, influencer endorsements and dedicated customer support. When there’s so much competition out there for iGaming sites, it saves a lot of time rather than clicking in the dark and taking what could be a costly risk.

As trust continues to build, more people are willing to try their luck, and that in turn has increased the number of casino users.

Legal ambiguity and state-specific regulations

Unlike the US, India doesn’t really have a central hub for land-based casinos. While physical casinos are allowed in only a handful of states, online gambling operates in a murky, gray area.

For this reason, those interested in playing casinos don’t often have an accessible walk-in option. This means many players are very interested in online gambling sites open to Indian users.

This opportunity has given international operators the green light to woo Indian players without much interference. Players and platforms must be careful, but this legal limbo has created an environment where online casinos can thrive.

Dedicated content

If you’ve ever seen a global brand tweak its product for India, such as McAloo Tikki at McDonald’s, you’ll know how important localization is here. Online casinos try to implement the same strategy to catch the eye of players.

Many sites that accept Indian users try to offer games in local languages, slot themes around Indian festivals and other things tailored to regional preferences.

For example, a casino that runs a Diwali jackpot or lets you play Teen Patti in Hindi is bound to strike a chord. It creates an inclusive feeling that shows that the operators are keen to satisfy players from India.