Gambling in India: Industry Trends, Insights, and Statistics for 2026

The Indian gambling market has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry. In 2023, the total revenue from India’s online gambling sector reached $2.72 billion, with initial projections forecasting $3.77 billion by 2027.

As the market expands, it presents both opportunities and challenges. Millions of bettors across India engage in online gambling, sports betting, and casino games, making it essential to understand the latest trends, statistics, and legal landscape.

In this article, we will explore India’s gambling market in 2026, examining its size, revenue growth, regulatory challenges, and impacts.

The Full Overview of the India Gambling Industry in 2026

As of 2024, India’s gambling industry, which covers iGaming, sports betting, and traditional casinos, was valued at around $3.2 billion. Experts predict the market will experience notable growth, with the Indian iGaming segment reaching $9.1 billion by 2029.

Breaking it down by segment, India’s online gambling accounted for the lion’s share, amounting to 90% of total revenue. Moreover, within India’s online gambling market, real-money gaming (RMG) dominated, accounting for around $2.7 billion.

Much of the growth is attributed to factors such as growing internet penetration, smartphone usage, and a younger, more tech-savvy demographic eager to engage in digital gaming and entertainment.

With that said, let’s break down India’s gambling industry into various segments and factors to have a clearer picture of the Indian betting market in 2026, exploring sectors such as:

• India’s Land-Based Casino Scene
• The Indian Online Gambling Market
• Sports Betting in India
• The Growing India Cryptocasino Scene
• Growth and Trends in India’s Gambling Industry

As interest in blockchain-based gambling continues to rise, many players are exploring the best crypto casinos in India to compare available games, payment methods, and platform features.

Exciting Statistics on India’s Casino Industry

In 2025, India’s gambling industry emerged as a notable competitor in the global casino scene, home to world-class casinos. The country ranked 7th in Asia in terms of the number of gambling establishments, underscoring its viability as a global betting hub.

More so, India’s three essential casino destinations have all developed their unique gambling experiences for gamblers worldwide:

1. Goa: As the primary hub for brick-and-mortar casinos in India, the state of Goa offers a wide and exciting range of betting options, including slot machines and classic table game favorites like blackjack and roulette.
2. Sikkim: Known for its integrated resorts (IRs) such as Deltin Denzong and Mayfair Casino, Sikkim attracts both domestic and international tourists seeking grand, luxurious casino experiences.
3. Daman: Emerging as a notable destination, Daman has seen developments in casino tourism, contributing to the industry’s growth.

Let’s explore the figures behind India’s land-based casino scene, with the facts and statistics below:

1. In 2024, India’s casino tourism industry was worth $2.6 billion. 

(Credence Research Inc., MarkWide Research, Trikhal Tourism)

India’s casino tourism industry was worth $2.6 billion in 2024, making its land-based casino scene a billion-dollar market. Experts predict those figures to reach $5.2 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.15%.

Many gambling experts credit the market’s growth to factors such as rising disposable incomes (which translate into betting expenditures), India’s growing middle class, and increased interest in experiential travel.

The majority of casino-goers are between 25 and 45 years old, though there is a growing interest among family groups and older adults.

2. The India GST targeted Goa and Sikkim casinos for alleged tax evasion by applying a lower 18% rate to gaming revenue rather than the 28% rate in 2023.

(Future Market Insights)

In July 2023, India’s GST authorities focused on casinos in Goa and Sikkim for potential tax evasion. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) reported that these casinos were opting for a reduced tax rate of 18% on GGR, instead of the usual 28%. 

This incident highlighted the legal uncertainty the gaming industry faces due to the lack of a comprehensive national framework, leading to varied regulations across states.

3. WazirX suffered a $235 million funds breach in 2024.

(Future Market Insights)

India’s growing casino industry has become a target for cybercriminals. In July 2024, WazirX, a prominent Indian cryptocurrency platform, suffered a significant breach, resulting in the theft of around $234.9 million from investors.

Furthermore, reports indicate that certain casinos are connected to fraudulent practices, such as call center scams that deceive users with fake online job offers and manipulated betting platforms.

4. The Government of Karnataka has sanctioned a project worth ₹2,350 crore to construct India’s second-largest international cricket stadium. 

(The Times of India, Credence Research Inc.)

Despite regulatory hurdles, the Indian casino tourism market is projected to reach $5.2 billion by 2032, indicating substantial growth opportunities for both the Indian government and casino operators.

For instance, the Karnataka government has approved a ₹2,350 crore project to construct India’s second-largest international cricket stadium in Suryanagar, Anekal. This project is anticipated to enhance tourism and may also support the casino tourism industry.

The development of integrated resorts combining casinos with luxury accommodations, entertainment venues, and fine dining is expected to attract a broader demographic, enhancing the industry’s appeal.

5. There are over 1,000 slot machines and video poker machines in Deltin Dama.

(Future Market Insights)

India has a total of twenty legal land-based casinos situated in Daman and Diu. Among these, Deltin Daman is recognized as a prominent gambling establishment within the territory due to its extensive array of slot machines.

6. Between 2021 and 2025, Goa’s casinos generated over ₹1,661 crore in revenue. 

(Indian Witness, Mid-day, Goa Casino, ScaleupAlly)

Goa stands as India’s most successful gambling state in terms of the casino market size. In the fiscal year 2023–24, the state collected approximately ₹603 crore in annual recurring fees from casinos.

Moreover, there are 13 licensed casinos in Goa, comprising seven land-based gambling hubs and six offshore betting establishments from prominent operators such as Delta Corp and the Pride Group. 

7. In September 2025, Delta Corp suspended its resort project in Dhargal, Goa, due to uncertainties over a proposed 40% GST on gambling.

(The Times of India)

Delta Corp, a Mumbai-based gaming and hospitality firm, announced it would suspend its IR project in Dhargal, Goa, worth ₹2,000–2,500 crore, due to uncertainties surrounding the proposed 40% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the gaming industry.

Delta Corp’s decision is based on strong signals that the government plans to introduce a 40% GST rate on casinos under the GST 2.0 framework, up from the current 28% on all bets. Also, a PIL regarding the IR project is waiting for a hearing before the Bombay High Court in Goa.

Impressive Indian Online Gambling Industry Stats and Facts in 2026

Although India’s market is small, its iGaming industry is gradually evolving into one of Asia’s top contenders, propelled by extensive smartphone use, broader internet connectivity, and the rise of digital payment methods.

However, despite being valued at around $2.85 billion in 2023, the Indian online gambling industry faces regulatory hurdles, including proposed bans on real-money gaming (RMG) and the possibility of higher GST rates.

Despite these hurdles, technological innovations and increasing internet accessibility present opportunities for continued growth and market expansion, as seen below.

8. In 2024, the online gambling industry in India was valued at approximately $2.9 billion.

(iMARC Group, Reuters)

India’s online gambling market was valued at $2.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $5.7 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.78%. Within this segment, the RMG sector was projected to reach a market value of $3.6 billion by 2029. 

9. India’s online casino market is expected to reach $1.79 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.7%.

(Grandview Research, iGaming Today)

The online casino market in India generated $792.1 million in 2024, with experts expecting the industry to reach $1.79 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 14.7%. Additionally, the user base is estimated at 38.6 million by 2029, with an average revenue per user (ARPU) of $264.69. 

10. In the fiscal year of 2023 to 2024, India’s offshore casinos contributed around ₹187 crore in license fees. 

(Goa Casino)

During the fiscal year spanning 2023 to 2024, India’s offshore casinos generated approximately ₹187 crore in license fees. From those numbers, Goa’s casinos attract an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 visitors daily, with a notable increase in international tourists, particularly from Russia, the UK, and the Middle East. 

11. Casino games generated $39.38 million in revenue in 2022.

(Statista)

Casino games are applications that simulate physical casino games. Users also experience more twists and rewards. They are part of online gambling because most of them involve real money.

12. By 2027, the online casino games market volume can reach $74.26 million.

(Statista)

This shows an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.22% from 2022 to 2027. The industry will see more users placing their bets on these casino apps. Most online gamblers also prefer this due to the convenience it brings and the availability of welcome offers, loyalty rewards, and other casino bonuses that can extend playtime and enhance the overall gaming experience.

13. India’s average revenue per casino game download was $0.59 in 2022.

(Statista)

Revenues of $0.59 might seem small, but casino games see millions of downloads in India. This is the total breakdown of revenues in India’s casino game downloads:

Revenue from	Revenue in 2022
In-app purchases	$23.26 million
Paid app	$0.14 million
Advertising	$15.88 million

As more Indians download casino games, the industry’s revenue will increase.

14. The projected annual growth rate of India’s online gambling market is 8.59% from 2023 to 2027.

(Statista)

Different forms of betting and gambling online make up the market. Some examples are:

• Lottery games
• Online sports betting
• Online casino games

In India, the total revenue combined under the 2023 online gambling industry is $2.72 billion. By 2027, it is expected to amount to $3.77 billion.

15. India’s online gambling market will have 12.17 million users by 2027.

(Statista)

Online gambling is banned across most of India. But the industry continues to see more users and revenue rise. So, fears of gambling problems also increase in the country. 

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin demanded a ban on online gambling games and sites. The state government responded that it is committed to doing so. 

This is to avoid illegal gambling across India and to prevent the rise of problem gamblers in the country.

16. The average revenue per user (ARPU) in India’s online gambling market could be $291.83.

(Statista)

This amounts to more than 23,000 rupees per user in India’s online gambling sector. Unsurprisingly, many Indians are worried about the increasing interest and investments in this industry. Nonetheless, some citizens support the proper regulation of online gambling rather than outright bans.

Effective regulations should encompass user education, strict advertising policies, and age verification. Enacting these measures can assist the government in more effectively regulating the industry. 

17. Online gambling games saw a 40% growth during the pandemic lockdown.

(Nikkei Asia)

Games that involve real money had the biggest growth rate during the lockdown. Betting on fantasy sports contributed the most to this spike. These games let Indians earn money quickly and entertain themselves during the lockdown. 

18. India comprised 15% of global gaming traffic during the lockdown.

(Nikkei Asia)

Everybody switched to online mode during the pandemic, even in gambling. During that time, India entered an upward inflection point in global gaming traffic, driven by a sudden increase in online gambling users. 

19. The Indian government’s 2025 ban on online gaming disrupted the industry, which was projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2029.

(Reuters)

In August 2025, the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, banning online games involving monetary transactions. These changes have influenced the rapidly expanding online gaming sector, projected to reach a market value of $3.6 billion by 2029.

This 2025 legislation has led to the shutdown of several platforms, including:

• Junglee: Flutter Entertainment’s subsidiary ceased its real-money gaming operations in India, previously projected to generate around USD 200 million in revenue for 2025.
• Mobile Premier League (MPL): Announced plans to lay off approximately 60% of its India-based workforce, amounting to roughly 300 employees, due to the ban

Stats and Facts On India’s Sports Betting and Other Gaming Segments in 2026

The Indian Sports betting market faces legal challenges due to different state laws. While the Supreme Court has yet to create a national sports betting law, only a few states currently regulate it. Additionally, the states vary in the types of sports permitted.

In Sikkim, locals are legally allowed to bet on golf, chess, cricket, football, lawn tennis, and horse racing. Despite such restrictions, sports betting continues to prosper across India, evidenced by the increasing market statistics below.

20 .The Indian sports betting industry was worth $6.91 billion in 2024. 

(iMARC Group, Grandview Research, Business Standard)

In 2024, India’s sports betting market was valued at $6.91 billion, with experts projecting it to reach $16.83 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.1%. Sports betting dominates India’s gambling industry, accounting for 57.4% of total revenue, driven by the popularity of cricket, football, and kabaddi.

Nevertheless, the popularity of sports in India has led to certain negative effects. Illegal betting is still a significant issue, with experts estimating that India’s yearly gambling demand surpasses $100 billion, much of which remains unregulated.

21. Estimates show that 4 in 5 Indians place bets once a year.

(TAXSCAN, Washington Post)

Gambling activities among Indians vary. Some gamble on a single activity, while others bet on multiple forms simultaneously. Lottery is one of the most popular legal gambling activities, with 50 million Indians playing, to be exact. 

22. The cricket betting business is set to be worth over $2 billion by the end of 2023.

(Outlook India)

The cricket betting industry draws wagers from over 140 million regular bettors in India. During major tournaments like the Indian T20 League, the number of bettors jumps to more than 370 million. Since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has continued to grow.

Especially in 2025, gambling laws and regulations have evidently loosened in India, and as such, gambling experts foresee the gambling revenue to keep rising annually. 

23. Around 340 million Indians bet during the Indian Premier League and the Football World Cup.

(TAXSCAN)

Typically, 140 million Indians place sports bets, but the Indian Premier League (IPL) draws the most attention from viewers and bettors. The matches from the IPL and the World Cup generate the highest betting activity in India.

This positions the IPL and World Cup as the top sporting events in Indian sports betting.

24. In 2022, Indians placed bets totaling around $700,000 on Parimatch.

(The Economic Times)

Parimatch is a popular online betting site among Indians. It allows them to wager on unregulated games and activities because it is considered an offshore operator. During IPL matches, Parimatch attracts the most bettors and generates the highest revenue.

However, Indians are permitted to bet on any sport they choose, even though it is illegal in their country.

25. In India, prize competitions with a prize pool of more than 1,000 Rupees per month are restricted.

(The Logical Indian, India Code)

India also enforces strict laws on prize competitions. Under India’s gambling laws, certain provisions prevent bettors in India from betting on, participating in, or promoting prize competitions that:

• Have more than 2,000 entries
• Exceed a prize of 1,000 Rupees

According to the law’s definition, prize competitions include any content that involves winning money. Some examples are:

• Picture prize competitions
• Puzzle prize tournaments
• A crossword prize contest

India’s Cryptocurrency Casino Market Statistics in 2026

The emergence of cryptocurrency casinos in India has gained traction. Although data on statistics is limited, several indicators suggest a growing interest and participation in crypto-based gambling activities.

Sadly, India’s regulatory framework for online gambling, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, remains fragmented, which also affects its crypto casino market. In August 2025, India banned online money-based games, causing platform shutdowns.

26. Research shows that about 20% of Indian online gamblers have used cryptocurrency platforms.

(Chainwire)

Around 20% of online casino gamers in India have utilized cryptocurrency payment gateways. This trend mirrors the growing popularity of crypto casinos, which offer blockchain-based transactions and alternative payment options compared to traditional online gambling platforms. This observation reflects the broader trend across Asia, where countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore also exhibit high adoption rates of crypto payments in online casinos. 

27. India’s cryptocurrency market is projected to rise to $532.86 billion by F.Y. 2032.

(Markets and Data, Gambling Insider)

Despite regulatory hurdles, India’s cryptocurrency market is projected to expand from $301.68 million in FY2024 to $532.86 billion by FY2032, with a CAGR of 7.37%. This growth is expected to boost the use of cryptocurrencies, including within the gambling sector. 

The use of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) is improving user experiences in crypto casinos. AI helps offer personalized game suggestions, customized promotions, and adaptable interfaces, which boost overall engagement and satisfaction. 

The Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry on India

Sadly, India’s betting scene faces many challenges, including regulatory uncertainties and the rise of illegal betting activities. For instance, in Hyderabad, official revenues from horse racing have plummeted by 90% due to high taxes and the proliferation of unregulated betting, which now accounts for an estimated $240 million annually. 

Gambling Addiction in India: Alarming Facts and Statistics in 2026

Problem gambling is a global problem, affecting not only the financial status of gamblers but also their mental, physical, emotional, and psychosocial health. This is among the top reasons why countries either ban or heavily regulate gambling.

India is, of course, affected by this, becoming a significant health, economic, and moral concern for the country and its citizens, especially given the religion and culture within India, as seen in the statistics below:

28. Gambling has a lifetime prevalence of up to 46% in India, with around 7.4% Indian bettors exhibiting problematic gambling behaviors.

(The Lancet)

Gambling addiction has emerged as a significant public health concern in India, affecting individuals across various demographics. The lifetime prevalence of gambling in India is as high as 46%, with approximately 7.4% of individuals exhibiting signs of problem gambling. 

Additionally, for every person affected by gambling issues, 5 to 10 others experience negative impacts. Gambling is associated with severe problems such as mental health issues, violence, debt, poverty, and homelessness.

Sadly, problem gambling (and gambling in general) has not been a focus for policymakers and public health professionals.

29. Within almost 3 years, 32 self-harm cases were linked to online gambling addiction.

(Next IAS, Times of India)

Online gambling addiction is increasing in India, particularly among young people. A study in South India found that 7.4% of college students display signs of addiction, with many experiencing major financial losses.

In Telangana, 79% of low-income residents reported losses exceeding ₹50,000 due to online betting. The mental health impact is serious, as shown by 32 suicides in Karnataka linked to online gambling.

Despite these issues, online gambling continues to grow, highlighting the need for stronger regulations and support systems to tackle the problem.

20. In Hyderabad, a gambler committed 80 burglaries to pay off their gambling debts.

(Times of India)

Gambling addiction in India causes serious social and economic problems. In Hyderabad, a tech professional committed 80 burglaries to repay gambling debts, showing the level of financial pressures involved. 

Furthermore, gambling addiction has led to a 65% rise in calls to suicide prevention helplines in Hyderabad, as many people feel deep shame and isolation. 

These examples emphasize the wide-reaching social effects of gambling addiction and highlight the need for intervention and support.

India Gambling Industry Growth and Trends in 2026

India’s gambling industry is experiencing significant growth in 2026. The country has been adapting to changes and trends in the global betting scene, including technological advancements and shifting consumer behavior.

Mobile-First Platforms:

India has over 700 million smartphone users. This has led to a surge in the usage of mobile gambling apps. In fact, mobile casinos are becoming the primary medium for online gambling among Indian bettors. 

Localization:

Online and land-based casino operators are integrating regional languages and culturally relevant themes within their gambling games and interfaces to cater to India’s diverse population.

India’s population in 2026 remains diverse, reflecting a wide range of religions, languages, and demographic groups. The country is characterized by religious diversity, with Hindus as the majority and Muslims as the largest minority, along with various other religious communities.

Linguistically, India exhibits extensive variation among language families, including Indo-European, Dravidian, and Sino-Tibetan, with over 19 officially recognized languages.

Technological Innovations:

Implementing artificial intelligence (AI), decentralized solutions, and the Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality technologies has further improved the user experiences and boosted operational efficiency. These innovations are also shaping the development of the top crypto casinos, many of which leverage AI-driven personalization and blockchain technology to improve security and gameplay.

In A Nutshell

The gambling world sees India’s betting industry as a dark horse. While the country’s government has yet to unlock its full potential in that sector, new regulations and the development of gambling establishments tell a different story.

There are different approaches to this problem. Some experts suggest legalizing and regulating gambling as extensively as possible, while others believe a ban is enough and prefer no changes.

However, the data suggest that the industry continues to grow. Citizens still manage to gamble without government oversight. Whether this is harmful or acceptable remains subject to interpretation.