Archive · 31 Dec 2025
India's Growing Sports Betting Market and Risks
Sports betting is growing fast in India because more people have internet access and love sports like cricket.
By 2025, it might make about USD 2.19 billion.
But there are big risks.
Some people might lose money, get addicted, or face legal problems because the rules are not clear.
Only one state, Sikkim, has proper rules for betting.
Many betting sites are not controlled, so people might not be safe using them.
It's important to be careful when betting because it can cause financial and personal problems.
India's sports betting market is projected to reach USD 2.19 billion by 2025, about 2.6% of global revenue.
Growth is driven by increased internet access and high sports viewership, particularly cricket.
Legal framework is unclear, with the Public Gambling Act of 1867 not addressing online betting.
Sikkim is the only state with regulated sports betting; other states operate in a legal grey area.
Risks include gambling addiction, financial loss, and lack of legal protection for users.
- Who
- Indian population, particularly sports enthusiasts and those seeking financial returns
- What
- Growth of online sports betting and associated risks
- When
- Projected data for 2025, current trends
- Where
- India, with Sikkim as the only regulated state
- Why
- Increased internet access, sports viewership, and economic factors
- Projected 2025 Revenue
- USD 2.19 billion (INR 194.55 billion)
- Global Share
- 2.6% of global sports betting revenue
- Population
- 1.4 billion (18% of global population)
- Regulatory Act
- Public Gambling Act of 1867
- Regulated State
- Sikkim (only state with regulated sports betting)
- Major Sports for Betting
- Cricket, Kabaddi, Football, Basketball, Tennis
- Digital Connectivity Link
- Growth tied to mobile internet access
- Economic Contributions
- Employment in tech, customer support, payment processing