Gambling is part and parcel of many cultures globally, India included. So, it’s safe to say that a country with more than one billion people is a haven for most online casino and sportsbook operators. But contrary to expectations, the Indian gambling space has been slow to pick up the pace due to the strict gambling laws. However, that’s just about to change as European ‘big boys’ prepare to grab a market share of India.
Interestingly, online gambling in India is still in a “grey” area. That’s because the country is yet to introduce laws governing online casino operations. In simple words, online gambling is 100% legal in India. In fact, no single punter is yet to be arrested and convicted for participating in online gambling in the country.
First of all, India has one of the broadest Internet coverage worldwide. It’s estimated that the country has more than 500m active internet users. This population can wager on any online casino or sportsbook as long as it’s an offshore company. Currently, the Indian gambling market is valued at around $1 billion, with experts predicting a 41% growth annually. Now that’s a market too good to ignore!
You’re also likely to see more online casinos in India because many software developers create games tailored for Indian players. Popular Indian online casino games like Teen Patti and Ezugi Andar Bahar are now a mainstay on most European gambling sites. Apart from Ezugi, Evolution has also dished out two Indian-influenced table games, notably Bollywood Blackjack and Bollywood Roulette.
Finally, many bookmakers and online casinos are accepting and making payments in Indian Rupees. And that’s not forgetting that most of these websites are available in Hindi. Overall, the potential of the Indian gambling industry is enormous.
Now below are some popular European online casino operators already dominating the Indian gaming market:
It’s not wrong to say that Evolution is the largest and most successful live dealer developer worldwide. This company is famous for its entertaining live dealer games streamed straight from its Latvia and Malta-based studios. This software supplier also streams its live games from multiple European and American studios. As a result, expect to find Evolution’s table games on most Indian gambling sites.
It’s also worth noting that, Evolution, in partnership with Betway, launched the first-ever Bollywood Roulette and Bollywood Blackjack in 2020. Real-life Hindi-speaking croupiers manage both games. Just visit any Evolution-powered online casino and enjoy these entertaining titles.
Another popular European brand that’s currently in India is Ezugi. Launched in 2012, this company has cut a niche for developing top-quality mobile gambling products and live table games. The company currently operates up to nine studios in Spain, London, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, Belgium, Malta, and Cambodia. Today, Ezugi is known for developing the first and the only Andar Bahar live game.
Just recently, Evolution Gaming purchased NetEnt in a deal worth around $2 billion. Now this means that Indian players can now enjoy NetEnt’s 300+ video slot titles, including the brand-new Divine Fortune Megaways. NetEnt slots are famous for features like free spins, multipliers, scatter symbols, and of course, the Megaways mechanic with high payouts. Other popular NetEnt titles include Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Dead or Alive, and more.
Although there is no regulation for online gambling in India, gamers can play knowing that the activity is legal. However, be careful which online casino in India you choose. Always look if the gambling site is licensed and regulated by a renowned body like the UKGC, MGA, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and more. Other than that, enjoy yourself!
