Gambling and Sports Betting in India

India’s Growing Sports Betting Popularity

In India, sports betting has gained significant traction over the past year. When asked about their betting activities, a large portion of the population—nearly 44%—has engaged in online sports betting through apps or websites, placing wagers on football or horse racing. Meanwhile, in-person bets at sportsbooks or casinos are a more niche option, with 40.8% of respondents choosing this route. Interestingly, many bettors are also drawn to other activities, such as placing bets on real-life events like reality TV shows or political outcomes, with 37.2% of people admitting to this kind of wager.

Real-Time Betting Captivates Indian Bettors

There is also a clear preference for real-time betting. When asked if they would like the option to place bets while watching a game, an overwhelming 81.4% of participants expressed support, with many strongly in favor of this idea.

The frequency of sports betting varies. A notable 28.2% of individuals bet a few times a week, while 21% engage in betting a few times a month. It's clear that sports betting is a popular pastime for many, though not everyone does it on a daily basis. For those who do bet regularly, the motivation seems to be more than just the potential for financial gain—over half of participants say they bet because they want to win money, but excitement and competition also play significant roles, with 46.5% and 47.7% of respondents citing these as their reasons for betting.

Mobile Platforms Dominate Indian Sports Betting

Online platforms dominate the scene, with 78.1% of respondents preferring to bet through mobile apps or websites rather than at physical casinos. Among these platforms, Dream11 stands out as the most recognized brand, with 20.3% of people identifying it as their go-to for online betting. This is followed by 1xBet in the 2nd place and Parimatch in the 3rd place.