The potential for growth in India’s sports betting sector is enormous. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and an estimated 700 million smartphone users, the country represents a goldmine for sports betting operators. However, due to regulatory uncertainty, India’s sports betting landscape remains largely untapped. Although gambling laws in India date back to the colonial era (such as the Public Gambling Act of 1867), online betting falls into a gray area. Some states, like Goa and Sikkim, have legalized certain forms of online gambling, but there is no unified federal regulation for online sports betting.
Despite these legal ambiguities, the appetite for sports betting is growing rapidly. The total legal and illegal market is believed to be worth around $150 billion annually, with cricket dominating the space. Cricket accounts for much of this, particularly during marquee events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international tournaments, where betting spikes dramatically.
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The Role of Cricket and Other Popular Sports
Cricket holds an unmatched place in India, and it’s a major factor driving the rapid growth of mobile betting. For Indians, cricket is their biggest passion, translating into a huge volume of sports-related wagers. The IPL is one of the largest betting markets in South Asia, which attracts most sports betting wagers, with over 340 million Indians during major events.
One reason mobile betting is so popular during the IPL is the wide range of promotions offered by sportsbooks. For example, companies frequently provide bonuses and deals like the 1xbet promo code specifically for mobile users to make mobile wagering even more appealing to the growing number of cricket fans nationwide.
Besides cricket, other sports are gaining traction in India’s mobile betting scene. Football, particularly with the increasing exposure to the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League, has seen a notable rise in the number of Indian bettors. Major tournaments in sports like tennis, kabaddi, and horse racing also attract significant bets, especially during international championships or domestic leagues
Explosive Growth of Smartphone Usage
India is currently one of the largest smartphone markets in the world, with an estimated 700 million users, driven by the availability of affordable smartphones. Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme, and Indian brands, have brought down the cost of owning a smartphone, making it accessible to a wider audience. With entry-level smartphones’ average price as low as ₹5,000 to ₹8,000, even rural areas have seen significant mobile adoption.
This surge in smartphone penetration has made it easier for users to access online sports betting platforms. Betting operators have capitalized on this trend, optimizing their platforms for mobile use and creating user-friendly apps that allow users to place bets with just a few taps.
Mobile Internet and Data Revolution
Another driving force behind the rise of mobile betting in India is the availability of affordable high-speed internet. India has one of the lowest data costs in the world, thanks largely to the competition among telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone. Jio’s entry into the telecom space in 2016 disrupted the market by offering cheap data, significantly increasing the number of internet users.
Over 500 million active internet users in India, with 95% accessing the web through mobile devices. The rollout of 4G, and soon 5G, across the country, has enabled seamless live streaming of sports events and real-time betting. Betting platforms have adapted to these changes, offering live betting features that allow users to place bets while matches are in progress.
Betting Apps and Seamless User Experience
The development of sophisticated mobile betting apps has also significantly contributed to the rise of sports wagering through smartphones. Operators have invested heavily in mobile platforms, ensuring their apps offer a seamless user experience.
For example, during major cricket tournaments like the IPL, mobile betting apps see a surge in activity. An estimated 79% of bets during such events are placed via mobile devices, reflecting the dominance of smartphones in the Indian sports betting landscape.
Ease of Mobile Platforms
One of the most significant advantages smartphones offer is convenience. Betting apps allow users to place bets anytime and anywhere without needing to visit a physical bookmaker or even sit at a desktop. This convenience has opened up betting to a much wider audience, particularly among young adults who are always on the move.
Mobile apps also provide instant access to betting markets, enabling users to engage with multiple sports simultaneously. Users can switch between different betting markets in real-time, place live bets, and cash out within seconds.
Summary
The smartphone revolution in India is poised to drive the sports betting market to new heights. With continued mobile technology and internet infrastructure improvements, more Indians are expected to engage with online betting platforms. The convenience, accessibility, and better user experiences provided by mobile betting apps ensure that this trend will only grow in the coming years