The Digital Betting Landscape in India in 2025

The betting sector is booming in India, with millions of people regularly engaging in this form of entertainment. However, the legal landscape remains complicated in the region. The explosive growth is conditioned by an unprecedented level of technological advancement, which includes the expanding Internet penetration, broader smartphone adoption, and affordability of all services. Discover more about online betting in the state to learn what’s allowed and what should be approached with caution.

Market Scale and Industry Growth: The Latest Statistics

The Indian online betting sector is primarily powered by mobile adoption and the broader accessibility of high-quality Internet connections nationwide. Reports estimate that the iGaming industry in the country will soon exceed $100 billion annually, with a projected 30% increase in the following year. The key factors affecting this growth are:

1. Mass adoption of smartphones and the mobile-first approach among online bookmakers

2. The improved digital payment infrastructure, including the nationwide access to the UPI

3. Increased population’s interest in domestic and international sports (especially cricket)

4. Higher penetration of offshore betting companies in the Indian iGaming market

5. Gamification and innovative features that make online bookmaker sites more engaging

However, statistics don’t come from official sources, as many forms of gambling remain prohibited in India. The law has a clear differentiation of games of chance and skill, and sports betting activities fall into the first category. Currently, the country’s government is considering improvements in digital regulations that will help it gain more control over the sector. This major shift may bring changes in how sports wagering is perceived and conducted in the region.

The Role of Sports in Betting Evolution

Indians are passionate fans of sports, and cricket is definitely one of the local religions. This discipline has always been in demand in the state, and the establishment of the IPL in 2008 boosted excitement. Unsurprisingly, the most thrilling matches go hand in hand with wagering activities. Users are inspired by the chance to predict the Orange Cup in IPL 2025 or guess which team will win the tournament. Beyond game results, punters can bet on micro-occurrences on the pitch, with multiple online bookmakers offering an in-play wagering section.

In addition, the role of fantasy sports continues to grow in India, and this entertainment is officially legal in the state. Users can create virtual teams and participate in contests that mirror real-life players’ achievements. The line between fantasy gaming and traditional betting is blurring, so combining real-money gambling activities with strategy-building skills brings the coveted winning. As the number of cricket fans grows across India, many supporters prefer to try their luck in betting on this sport.

Localization on Offshore Bookmaker Sites

Currently, domestic online sportsbooks are prohibited in India, but there are no bans on offshore platforms. International bookmakers enter the country’s market and delight customers with localized content and services. Indian players can take advantage of broad IPL betting opportunities, which boosts their excitement in this pastime. Beyond cricket, locals are the fans of football and Kabaddi, and operators actively integrate what customers need. The sector is shifting from primitive, odds-based experiences to more interactive, app‐driven, mobile‐first activities. This update is especially beneficial for the younger generation; unlocking innovations with the potential of high returns is tempting. International bookmakers now adjust their services by integrating Indian payment systems and offering localized customer support services. This trend is projected to remain relevant in the upcoming years, so millions of people will definitely continue to place bets.

The Risks and Concerns of Betting in India

The lack of a comprehensive regulatory basis remains the primary challenge of the Indian iGaming sector. Residents can access multiple betting sites without difficulties, but offshore platforms are still operating in a grey area. This point raises concerns about consumer protection and the potential of growing gambling addiction rates.

The Scale of Unregulated Platforms

Currently, numerous offshore bookmakers target Indian customers, and not all are transparent and reliable. Indian users risk falling into the trap of illegal betting, which often results in the inability to withdraw funds after a win, or even becoming victims of data theft. The level of digital literacy is growing in the state, and an increasing number of users are becoming aware of the possible dangers. Punters must be attentive when selecting online bookmakers and only opt for platforms that hold licenses from regulatory authorities.

Lack of Consumer Protection

As India doesn’t have a clear digital betting framework, no specific authorities control the sector. This results in the lack of consumer protection in the state. When facing any problematic issues or instances of manipulation, they don’t have the legal basis for initiating a dispute. Moreover, unregulated platforms can enter the market, posing significant changes for vulnerable populations. The main risks are:

• Lack of oversight, boosting illegal practices

• User data exploitation and manipulations

• Increased risk of addiction and the lack of support

• Unfair terms and conditions and hidden fees

• Absence of efficient dispute resolution mechanisms

Indian users should only pay attention to trusted bookmakers that initiate KYC verifications during the sign-up and stick to international industry policies. In this case, punters can count on transparent and fair conditions. As the sector continues to expand, future betting regulations are expected to cover all gaps and provide players with better conditions.