In the 2020s, the Indian gambling market is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The country boasts over 750 million Internet users and an expanding digital infrastructure, which are the central factors conditioning rapid growth. These factors are driving increased locals’ interest in digital bookmakers, complemented by a historical passion for sports. Cricket, football, and kabaddi remain the top choices for Indian punters, while the younger generation representatives also opt for more innovative options like esports.
The Main Drivers for Growing Indian Betting Landscape
India is one of the lucrative markets for international operators: many bookies regulated offshore or in other jurisdictions aim to target locals. There are multiple reasons for such a model, and the expanding interest in digital sports wagering services is not the only point. The market continues to boom in 2025, and here’s why.
Digital Penetration and Smartphone Access
The country is currently undergoing a digital revolution that is transforming many businesses in India. The government focuses on making Internet connections uninterrupted across the entire state, even in rural areas. Moreover, smartphones and other portable devices are becoming more affordable to Indian residents. A combination of these factors makes betting platforms and mobile applications more popular, encouraging users to try this form of entertainment. The convenience of placing sports bets on the go is attractive for locals, especially youngsters who prefer leading dynamic lifestyles.
Sports as a Part of the Cultural Code
Indians are known for their love of sports, especially cricket and kabaddi. Modern technologies allow the country’s residents to watch any match from the comfort of their homes. For many, this experience isn’t complete without placing a bet to support their favorite teams and athletes. The rise of the Indian Premier League and its global popularity significantly increased betting volumes in the region, driving more players towards international bookmaker sites.
Unclear Industry Regulations
The Public Gaming Act of 1867 is the only document regulating gambling-related activities in the country, which prohibits most types of risky entertainment. However, this act never touches on digital services (as there were no online bookies one and a half centuries ago). Hence, this uncertainty creates a legal gap, allowing Indians to join sportsbooks without limitations. Users never break any laws when placing digital sports predictions, which drives more people to this pastime.
A Variety of Online Bookies Entering the Marketing
Considering the lack of legal clarity and the growing demand for betting services in India, many international iGaming companies have entered the country’s market and provide services to locals. Punters desiring to place a bet 1xBet can choose lots of disciplines and adapted platforms. Multilingual support, dedicated bonuses, and personalization boost the popularity of sports wagering in India, and this trend will grow even more in the upcoming years.
Post-COVID-19 Era
The pandemic significantly affected user behaviors globally, and the betting market is no exception. During COVID-19, many people spent months locked at home and searching for digital entertainment opportunities. Online bookmakers have become a trend in that time, and the trend continues to expand in 2025. Indian punters no longer need to drive to the nearest betting shop, as all the services are available at their fingertips.
Key Challenges for the Indian Betting Market
Despite the flexibility and freedom operators and bettors get, the Indian market is far from being perfect. The industry still faces numerous challenges, and addressing them requires time and significant investment from the government and regulatory authorities. The key areas for improvement are the following:
- Legal uncertainty. While it may seem a benefit at first glance, the lack of clear betting laws opens the path for illegal bookmakers that can manipulate user data and funds
- Lack of consumer protection. When facing problematic questions and disputes, Indian players lack mechanisms to protect themselves and get transparent conditions
- Increasing addiction rates. According to reports, over 7% of the Indian population struggles with compulsive disorders that require immediate intervention and treatment
These points are not immediately noticed when a user joins bookmaker platforms. However, the impact of these factors can lead to unpleasant consequences in the long run. With the evolving digital landscape, India must address these challenges and develop a more complex legal framework that will be beneficial to both service providers and customers.
Opportunities for the Future: What’s Next for Indian Betting?
Legalization and detailed regulations are projected to become the next step in the development of the Indian iGaming market. Creating nationwide laws that will guide operators and punters is a viable solution for resolving most challenges. Currently, India doesn’t boast a licensing body, so domestic bookmakers are prohibited.
At the same time, overseas platforms have no restrictions in the country. A structured approach to this point will help legalize the sector and get tax income from operators providing services to local customers. In addition, this move will assist in coping with the growing number of gambling addicts in the country. 
With the right legal environment, India has the potential to be the world’s gambling hub. This can attract investors and lead to the rise of betting-related startups in the state. The digital infrastructure is already expanding, so more companies are yet to operate in a competitive and fast-evolving industry.
