Gambling has been part and parcel of the lives of Indians for a long time. We have come across the mention of gambling even in ancient Indian epics like the Mahabharata. But in recent times, the growth of online gambling sites has been unprecedented. Here are some factors that contributed to the transition from offline to online gambling in India:
- Constitutional Loophole
According to the Public Gambling Act 1867, gambling is illegal in India. But the law has not been amended since, and there has been no mention of online gambling. This grey area in the law has made online gambling neither legal nor illegal.
The Constitution of India later made gambling and betting a state affair. Therefore, different laws exist in different states regarding gambling. But most state gambling legislation was enacted before the advent of virtual gambling.
The laws in most states concern gambling and betting activities on physical premises. Some states like Karnataka and Telangana have strictly prohibited online and offline gambling. But most states don’t have clarity surrounding online gambling laws even though offline gambling is banned.
- Digital Advancement
At the end of 2021, there were more than 1.15 billion wireless mobile subscribers in the country. By 2024, the number of smartphones in the country is expected to reach one billion. With the rise of smartphone users, 4G and 5G networks are also escalating in the country.
The digital advancement is accompanied by rock-bottom mobile data prices. It enables users to check out casino websites and try their luck at the games to earn massive rewards. As a result, sports-based fantasy websites are becoming unicorns. Poker and betting sites are using celebrity endorsements to advertise their brands.
- Online Betting Guides
People rely on online betting guides like Betninjas.com to identify the best online gambling sites. The betting guides reveal everything from the welcome bonus and number of games to banking methods and customer support. Detailed reviews help players understand whether gambling websites are safe and legit. It increases the safety of online gambling and prevents players from falling prey to scams by cyberattackers.
- The Covid-19 Pandemic
The lockdown imposed by nations to curb the Covid-19 pandemic led to the shutdown of brick-and-mortar casinos. It steered many casino owners to bring their land-based casinos into the virtual space. The convenience of gambling from the comfort of your home and earning some quick cash is unbeatable.
With exciting rewards and promotions at stake, Indian gamblers did not resist the online gambling industry. The market for real money games in India grew by 35% during the pandemic. The increase in player volume landed India in the top spot beating Russia, Indonesia, and Brazil.
- Availability of Mobile Apps
Most online casinos allow players to access the games through their mobile apps. The mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS devices. The amount of time spent by Indians on their mobile phones is increasing steadily.
The availability of online gambling apps enables them to gamble on the go. The mobile apps are usually equally intuitive as their desktop counterparts. Indians are also getting access to most of their favourite games on the apps.
- Easy Funding Methods
Before you can start wagering, you will have to deposit a certain amount. Brick-and-mortar casinos only accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. But online casinos enable players to use a plethora of convenient payment options.
Payers can make their deposits through eWallets, UPIs, and prepaid cards. Some online casinos also accept cryptocurrency payments. While deposits are instant, withdrawals are also processed pretty fast.
Most of the time, pliers don’t even have to bear any additional charges for payments. What’s even more fascinating about online casino deposits is the bonus. Players often earn rewards like cash and free spins for up to their first four or five deposits.
- Variety of Games
Another primary reason behind the transition to online gambling is the wide range of gaming options available to players. Other than conventional slots and table games, players can also stay entertained for hours with innovative games like video poker. Online casinos also offer unconventional games like bingo and scratch cards to players.
If you think you are missing out on the fun of brick-and-mortar casinos, you can always try out the live dealer games powered by top software providers in the industry. The live casino section features a human dealer presiding over the games.
The Bottom Line
Casino operators are constantly trying to improve the security of online sites and rolling out new features to keep players hooked. The online gambling industry in India is growing at a rapid pace, both in terms of quality and quantity. Given the pace of development, online casinos are here to stay for a long time.
