The appeal of online gambling is worldwide, and online casino operators everywhere have seen significant growth in traffic in the last couple of years. It’s easy to see why. Online casinos offer a thrilling and convenient way for anyone to try their luck in potentially winning something big.
In India, it is the younger generation that is a major fan of real-money online casino games. According to Rakuten Insight, 72% of those who have gambled online are between the ages of 25 and 34, with the remaining respondents being 55 and above.
Now, why do young people in India find online gambling so appealing? Let’s take a closer look at this article.
Rise of Online Gambling in India
India’s local online gambling industry has significantly grown over the last few years. Recent reports suggest that the local market (regulated and unregulated) is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% in the next few years.
But what are the factors that are driving this rapid growth? Here are some of them:
- Improved Internet Connectivity: An increasing number of Indians can access online gambling sites because of the widespread availability of reasonably priced high-speed internet, particularly 5G connections. This then somehow makes many online users more confident in going online as connectivity issues may rarely occur.
- Rise of Mobile or Smartphone Usage: The widespread adoption of smartphones has made online gambling even more accessible. Twitter India said that the country will likely have around 1.1 billion mobile users by the end of 2024.
- Convenient Payment Systems: Online payment gateways and digital wallets have made transactions easier for online gamblers. Platforms like Paytm, PayPal, GPay, and Apple Pay make it simple for players to deposit and withdraw money.
- Changing Social Attitudes: The younger generation seems to be more open to real money online gaming. It seems like gambling in general is becoming less of a taboo subject too.
- Attractive Bonuses and Promotions: Most, if not all, online casinos often offer hard-to-resist bonuses and promotions to attract new players and retain existing ones. These incentives can be a major draw for young people looking to maximize their gaming budget.
Why Online Gambling is the Trend for India’s Youth
Now, it seems like the popularity of online gambling among India’s youth isn’t just a fleeting fad anymore. There are also factors in play as to why the younger generation is enjoying gambling activities of any form.
So, what makes this such a popular online activity for the country’s younger population?
Social and Cultural Factors
Gambling, in various forms, has been a part of Indian culture for centuries. Card games are popularly played during festivals and even betting on traditional sports.
So, we can surely say that the concept of wagering isn’t entirely new to even the younger generations. Online gambling sites only amplified this cultural inclination.
Psychological Aspects
Psychologically, young individuals are highly motivated by the rush of taking risks, the thrill of possible rewards, and the possibility of making quick money. Some studies have shown how younger people are usually more prone to impulsive behavior and risk-taking.
Peer Influence and the Role of Social Media
It’s easy for friends to persuade someone to start gambling online. Furthermore, social media influencers who endorse online casinos or share their personal gaming experiences run the risk of instilling FOMO (fear of missing out) in their followers.
The thing is that there’s no legal framework specifically regulating the promotion of online gambling in the country, so many young people may perceive it as harmless.
Additionally, the incentives offered by streamers and influencers to join real money casino India websites only further motivate the youth to give online gambling a go.
Legal and Regulatory Framework Surrounding Online Gambling in India
Online gambling is unregulated in India. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is still the primary legislation on gambling in India, and it doesn’t mention anything about online activities as it was enacted long before the internet was a thing.
Similarly, the Information Technology Act doesn’t explicitly mention online gambling.
However, some states have already imposed tighter policies. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have banned online gambling because of worries about addiction. We can only wait and see whether other states will do the same thing.
Conclusion: Future of Online Gambling in India
It is undeniable that India needs to regulate internet gambling. In addition to protecting players—particularly the younger generation—and encouraging responsible gaming, this can also bring in a sizable sum of money for the government and even create job opportunities.
After all, it does seem like the growth of the local industry is not yet slowing down. This is especially true now that more and more online casinos are starting to open their platforms to Indian players.
