Consumer Behaviour Analysis for Online Gambling in India

Survey Overview:

Indian online gambling industry has seen significant amount of growth in the past few years. Online gambling in India operates within a complex legal and regulatory landscape, influenced by various laws and interpretations.

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the central legislation which governs & regulates the practice of gambling in India. This law prohibits the operation of gambling houses but doesn't explicitly address online gambling since it is present on the internet. The Information Technology Act of 2000 governs internet activities and could potentially be used to regulate online gambling.

States in India have been authorised to enact their own gambling laws. Some states like Goa, Sikkim, and Daman have legalized casinos, both land-based and online, under certain regulations. However, other states like Maharashtra and Telangana have stricter anti-gambling laws.

Although, some forms of gambling are legally permitted in India. For instance, horse racing betting is allowed in many states and is regulated by specific racing clubs and authorities. Lotteries are also legal in some states.

Despite legal ambiguities, online gambling platforms which are catering to Indian users have increased in the past few years. These platforms offer a variety of games including sports betting, casino games like poker, blackjack, and roulette, as well as online lottery options.

 Survey Analysis

• The online gambling market in India was growing rapidly, driven by the popularity of sports betting, online casinos, poker, and other forms of online gaming.
• India has seen a rapid increase in internet and smartphone penetration, particularly in urban areas among the youth. It facilitates easier access to online gambling platforms and has contributed to the market's expansion.
• Sports betting, especially cricket, is immensely popular in India. Online casinos offer games like slots, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat have also gained traction. Poker, fantasy sports, and rummy are other forms of online gambling that have garnered significant interest.
• One major challenge for online gambling operators in India is navigating the legal ambiguity and regulatory landscape. There is also a concern about the potential social and economic impact of gambling addiction, especially among vulnerable populations.
• The future of online gambling in India relies heavily on regulatory developments, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior.

Key Analysis of Survey:

Frequency of Online Gambling: In 2022, the ~33% of the population engaged in online gambling occasionally i.e. few times in a year. They view gambling as a sporadic form of entertainment or may have other priorities that limit their frequency of participation. These individuals who are actively involved in online gambling consider it as a regular recreational activity.

Familiarity with Indian Gambling Rules & Regulations: In 2022, there were ~50% percent respondents who were somewhat familiar with Indian gambling rules & regulations. Familiarity with gambling laws promotes informed decisions and responsible gambling practices amongst all. Majorly, people have some familiarity with Indian gambling laws, only a small percentage of them possess extensive knowledge, which is perhaps due to the complexity of regulations or limited exposure to detailed information.