Gambling in India – A Brief History
Gambling is not a novelty in Indian culture. It dates back to very ancient times when it was associated with the nobility and was a popular social activity during the 6000 year Mahabharata era, which began around 3137 BCE. This trend continued during the subsequent Ramayana Era.
In the Mughal era, gambling was prevalent among the ruling classes, and many of the emperors were very enthusiastic gamblers. The trend continued throughout the British occupation and was often enjoyed by the British elite.
However, most forms of gaming were illegal, and many clandestine organisations were shut down.
The surge of illegal gaming led to the creation of the Public Gambling Act,1867. After India gained independence gambling was highly sanctioned and games such as the lottery and horseracing were only permitted in a limited number of states.
Online gaming in India became popular in the early 2000s when middle income Indians played them on consoles and personal computers.
However, the high cost of these electronic items limited the number of people who could afford to play online games. Since the mid-2000s there has been a steady increase in the number of people in India that engage in mobile gaming.
This can be attributed to a number of different factors which have in turn helped to stimulate India’s digital industry.
By the end of 2024, there will be over 491 million online gamers in India, an increase of 8 percent from the past year. Clearly, the industry is booming, but the question is why?
Affordable Smartphones
Between 2010 and 2016, smartphones became more affordable and accessible to a larger population. This surge in the use of smartphones for online apps and games led to an improvement in digital technology, making smartphones the most popular form of technology used for online gaming.
The trend of affordable smartphones that are accessible to a broader consumer base continues. Technological advancements in the last decade mean that more Indians can enjoy easily accessible online gaming in their homes, this has resulted in a considerable increase in mobile gaming.
The mobile gaming industry currently accounts for 90% of online gaming in India. Games are easily accessible to download and many of them do not require the user to make a financial investment which in a market like India, the affordability of games is a very important factor.
Statistics show that though the majority of downloads are free games, more users are beginning to purchase game playing applications which account for 70% of the country’s mobile game revenue.
How Online Casinos Play a Vital Role in the Increase of Gaming in India
The predominant use of smartphones for gaming on online casinos in India has helped improve the country’s economy through technological advances meaning better access to digital platforms, as well as the development of new skills and important cultural and social development.
Online gaming plays a very positive and vital role in education, social interactions, and the creation of new entertainment for future generations through the continued development of platforms for both casual and competitive gaming.
Casual gamers are individuals that play games that are purely for entertainment. These games are free but also do not have any monetary rewards. Recent studies show that India has the second largest number of casual online games in the world.
Popular games include Candy Crush, Ludo King, and FIFA. Many of these casual gamers are women and account for around 40 percent of the gaming community. This category plays games to relax and entertain themselves with no risk associated.
Competitive Gamers are willing to pay for online gaming apps and pay money that may result in financial rewards or the risk of losing. This category of gamers commonly play online casino games such as Rummy, Poker or multi-gaming platforms.
Other paying platforms include fantasy sports where players can either compete against other online players around the world or play on a virtual team that competes against other virtual teams.
The money comes from a prize pool and the players will receive winnings in accordance with the number of points that have been accumulated during the match or tournament.
Competitive players play not only for the chance of financial reward but also to enjoy the adrenaline, thrill of risk-taking and the social interaction associated when competing against other online players.
Diwali Festivities and Roulette
Roulette has gained increasing popularity in the growing mobile gaming ecosystem in India as it gives players the opportunity to play live games. Indians have traditionally played games during festivals and Roulette has become a popular favourite during the Festival of Diwali.
This is a time when games are played by those who seek social contact and excitement.
During Diwali, many online casinos offer special promotions, which means that games are more easily accessible to players when they are at home or out celebrating with their families where celebrations often include a games night. Online gaming has been widely accepted and is perceived as a stimulating and positive pastime.
Roulette has become a favourite game as it embodies the best elements of both modern and traditional gaming. It also fosters social interaction and the thrill and excitement of playing for high stakes that create a possibility of large financial rewards for the winner.
Online Casino Games – A New Indian Favourite
There are currently over four thousand online games available to Indians, one game that has become a resounding favourite is play dragon tiger game at Casino Days India.
The emphasis on security and fairness has made casino games grow in popularity as players’ personal information is encrypted making them feel safe while they engage in an activity that continues to have an important place both culturally and socially.
Gambling is regarded as a fun social activity. The social aspect of online casino gaming offers players live interaction with other players and dealers, offering a much needed social aspect and offers a unique experience that they do not feel when reading a book or travelling.
However, as online gambling becomes more popular, there is growing concern about player addiction which results in a negative impact on some families and an upsurge of illegal betting sites.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the only law that regulates gambling. However, with the surge of online gaming in India, the Indian government is beginning to realise that the creation of stricter regulations needs to be put into place so that the activity remains fun and safe for all participants.
