Who Plays Online Casinos in India? India Casino Research Finds Out

In our previous post, we explored the top gaming experience at LuckyNiki Online Casino in India. Now, we shift our focus to a compelling question: Who Plays Online Casinos in India? Our latest research delves into the profile and habits of Indian online casino players, revealing intriguing trends that are shaping the industry.

Indian online casinos attract a diverse audience. According to India casino research, the convenience and thrill of winning at online casinos motivates everyone from beginners to experienced gamers!

The online casino industry in India has grown rapidly over the past few years. 

Today’s technological advancements and people’s inclination towards digital entertainment are some of the major reasons that have made online casinos a popular choice for leisure time. But who actually plays online casinos in India? A recent research on the Indian online gaming market has thrown up some interesting findings. It sheds light on the demographics, preferences, and behaviour of Indian casino players.

This article explores the findings of the research, covering the different types of players, their motivations, age groups, gender distribution, and spending habits.

Understanding the Legal Landscape of Online Casinos in India

One of the primary reasons for the complexity of online gambling laws in India is the varying legal stance adopted by different states. In India, each state is in charge of this duty, although many other countries have only one gaming law. Because of this, the legal system tends to be chaotic, with some states banning online gambling altogether while others do not.

For example, Sikkim has taken a progressive stance by allowing online gambling and issuing licenses to operators. Although they have not yet established a clear legal framework for online gaming, Goa and Daman allow land-based casinos. Maharashtra strictly prohibits all online gambling under the “Bombay Wager Act”.

Since gambling regulations differ from state to state, players often find themselves in legal ambiguity regarding whether participating in online casino games is lawful in their region.

Who Plays Online Casinos in India?

The research highlights that online casino players in India come from various backgrounds, with distinct playing habits and preferences. They fall under the primary categories listed below:

Casual Players

The largest segment of online casino users in India are casual players. These players gamble occasionally. Casual players at online casinos play primarily for fun and relaxation, and display low-risk betting behaviour. They choose easy games like slots and roulette which they can enjoy completely. They do not like high-stakes bets; they spend less than ₹2,000 per month. From their point of view gambling is just a pastime, it is not a serious activity.

 Serious Gamblers

In online casinos, serious gamblers spend a lot of time and money playing regularly. They often strategize their bets and focus on skill-based games like blackjack, rummy, and poker. They play frequently. These gamers spend ₹5,000 to ₹50,000 every month on gaming activities and prefer high-stakes games.

High Rollers

VIP players—also known as high rollers—spend a lot of money on online gambling sites. They are often wealthy individuals who place heavy bets and take advantage of special casino benefits, such as personal account managers, special promotions, and big prizes..

They play with large sums of money, often exceeding ₹1,00,000 per session. They prefer live dealer games and high-stakes poker. High rollers get VIP benefits, such as cashback and personal assistance.

Esports and Fantasy Gamers

Many Indian players who initially started with esports betting and fantasy sports (like Dream11) have now switched to online casino games. These players are tech-savvy and enjoy strategic gambling options like poker, andar bahar, and teen patti.

They have experience with online gaming platforms. They like interactive and skill-based games.

Age and Gender Distribution of Indian Online Casino Players 

Age Groups

• 18-24 Years (35%): These are young players who are tech-savvy and use mobile apps to play online casinos. They prefer slots, Teen Patti and eSports betting.

• 25-34 Years (40%): This age group, which includes working professionals, is considered the largest. For entertainment and sometimes as a source of extra cash, they play rummy, blackjack, and poker.

• 35-50 Years (20%): They are experienced players who have a stable income and who enjoy strategic betting on games like baccarat and live dealer games.

• 50+ Years (5%): This age group is a small but growing segment of retirees who play online casinos for fun.

Gender Distribution

• Male Players (80%): They are more likely to bet on sports and live casino games.

• Female Players (20%): Women prefer slots, rummy, and live dealer games. They are also more likely to engage in social casino gaming.

Factors That Drive Indian Players’ Participation in Online Casinos

Entertainment and Recreation

For many players, online casinos are a source of entertainment rather than just an avenue to make money. The excitement of playing games like slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette keeps users engaged.

Accessibility and Convenience

Online casinos enable players to place bets from any location at any time, whereas traditional casinos require physical presence. Gaming is now also available on PCs, tablets, and smartphones, making access even easier, thanks to mobile apps.

Technological Advancements

The advent of 4G and 5G networks, smooth payment gateways, and great gaming UIs have enhanced the online gambling experience. With live-streamed casino tables, gamers can engage with real dealers in live dealer games found in modern online casinos.

Cultural Inclination Toward Gambling

Gambling has been a part of Indian society for thousands of years. Due to their widespread popularity in Indian households, card games, such as rummy, andar bahar, and teen patti have logically evolved into online platforms.

Economic Factors and Financial Gains

Online gambling can be a source of income for some people. Some gamers have turned to online casinos in an attempt to increase their income due to job instability and economic uncertainty. However, this often leads to financial risks if players are not careful.

Final Word

The online casino industry in India comprises a variety of players, from casual gamers to high-stakes VIP bettors. Young professionals and tech-savvy users dominate the sector, with a growing number of esports and fantasy gamers turning to real-money casino games. While men still make up the majority of players, the number of female gamblers is on the rise.

The growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and UPI transactions has made it easier than ever for Indian players to access online casinos. However, legal hurdles in some jurisdictions force participants to turn to offshore platforms, further underlining the need for a clear regulatory framework.