Influencers and people talking about playing real money games are becoming quite a norm in India. It’s understandable because it’s so easy to gamble online these days. All you need is an email address and sometimes a valid ID to create a casino account.
But, what’s the deal? Why are online casinos suddenly the hottest ticket in town for Indian gamers?
Convenience is a direct answer to those, but let’s dive in deeper so we can understand why online gambling is now one of the popular activities in the country.
Socio-Cultural Factors
Indian culture and gambling have always had a complicated relationship. During festivities like Diwali, it’s common for local households to celebrate with gambling activities. Today, since online casinos are offering even traditional card games like Andar Bahar and Teen Patti, locals won’t even have to wait for special occasions to play them.
Then there’s also the portrayal of gambling in popular media. Numerous movies have recognizable sequences of glitzy casinos and high-stakes card games. Ocean’s Eleven, The Striker, and The Great Gambler are a few popular films that glorify gambling.
The rise of social media and streaming platforms has also amplified this trend. Influencers or popular online streamers would share their gambling experiences which then promotes the excitement of their potential rewards.
Some would even go as far as talking about playing real money games as if it isn’t classified as gambling. As a result, online casinos have become less taboo and more mainstream.
Role of Economics
The present economic issues facing India such as inflation and unemployment have also encouraged some people to look into online gambling.
Many people view online casinos as a possible quick and simple way to make money, and they can provide a safety net during hard times. The possible rewards may be especially compelling for people who are struggling financially.
However, players need to understand that gambling online can be risky. While it can be a fun way to gain profits, it can also easily drain one’s bank account. So, when it comes to real money gaming, moderation is crucial.
Technological Advancements
Online casino operators and game developers are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. They also use the latest technological advancements to create immersive and engaging experiences for players.
Here are some technologies that are now used in the casino industry:
AR/VR
Technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are quite revolutionary in terms of how one can enjoy gambling activities. There are already platforms supporting these technologies.
Some online casinos already have real money slots, poker, etc. that you can play using AR and VR devices.
Even in regular video games like Grand Theft Auto V, there are virtual casino floors where players can gamble with others using the games’ currency.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is also now used at online casinos as it helps increase security and transparency in transactions. Some have also used this to ensure fair gaming results.
Moreover, blockchain-based cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity as a payment method at many online casinos because they support fast and even anonymous transactions.
Online Payment Solution
The rise of digital wallets and online payment platforms like UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, Apple Pay, G-Pay, and PayPal has simplified transactions for online gamblers.
These convenient and secure payment methods have made deposits and withdrawals hassle-free, so they also play a role in motivating people to play online casinos.
Are Online Casinos Legal in the First Place?
The legal status of online gambling in India is quite a complex issue. Until today, The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the primary law governing gambling activities in the country. That has been the case even before the digital era, so obviously, it has nothing on online gambling activities.
Because of this, online casinos operating from offshore locations are technically not illegal to access and play within India.
Now, there are already states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka that have recently taken a stricter stance on online gambling. They have already banned this because gambling addiction is becoming more prominent in their territories.
Interestingly, MyBetting reports that online betting is most popular in Telangana and Karnataka.
This suggests that even a ban may not be entirely effective.
That said, it may be more advantageous to have a regulatory structure that addresses gambling-related issues and maximizes the financial potential of online gambling.
This is true in the UK, where a regulatory body (UKGC) works to promote ethical online gaming activities as they get the industry’s economic benefits.
Conclusion: The Future of Online Casinos in India
The future of online casinos in India is undeniably bright even with the lack of legislation in place. Since many Indians are starting to gamble more, we can only expect more casino operators will enter the local market in the coming years.
With that, we can say that eventually, India might be one of the largest online gambling hubs worldwide. Before that happens, we can only wait and see if the country will move towards regulating the market or prohibiting it altogether.