India’s gambling market is one of the fastest-growing worldwide. In 2023, the local online gambling market was already valued at $2.85 billion, and by the end of this year, it’s projected to reach over $5.55 billion (6.98% CAGR).
It was also recently reported that online gambling platforms based outside India got over 5.8 billion visits within a year. Many of these online gamblers are using their mobile phones, and apps like 1xBet, Stake, and 10CRIC are some of the favorites that are most downloaded.
India as a Mobile-First Market
India now has over 650 million smartphone users, and is now the second country with the most mobile users. Then according to the iMarc Group, the country’s mobile gaming market was already worth $3.02?billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 15.5% through 2033.
Gambling forms a large part of that, as WinZO’s report shows real-money gaming made up 86% of the sector in 2024.
There are specific reasons as to why India is a mobile device nation. IDC (News - Alert) senior research manager Upasana Joshi talked about this in their report on India’s smartphone market. Joshi explained, “The vendors and channel partners continued to provide price cuts, discounts, and extended device warranties in the post-festive period in 4Q24.
She also explained that while financing options were available across price segments, its impact was more pronounced in mid-range and premium devices throughout the year. No Cost EMIs are the most popular.
Why Indians Prefer Apps When It Comes to Gambling
Cricket and gambling go hand in hand for many Indians, and apps make both more accessible. Compared to websites, mobile apps are faster, simpler to use, and often come with better bonuses. Many users also say that apps are more private as there’s no browser history to clear. They also have notifications to keep users updated without having to log in repeatedly.
When it comes to legal betting apps in India, they support Indian rupees, allow UPI and Paytm transactions and sometimes even offer Hindi-language support. They also have features like live sports betting, which is now more available in India.
Thanks to the improvement in internet connectivity and the availability of affordable yet powerful smartphones in the country, there’s no need to keep on refreshing a gambling page or for bettors to deal with lag when betting or even streaming live Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.
According to Statista, India’s mobile app downloads surpassed 28 billion in 2023, with a large chunk coming from gaming and sports categories. That demand also carries over to legal betting apps in India, which tend to offer streamlined APK downloads directly from their websites, bypassing app store restrictions.
Online Gambling Apps and Indian Gambling Laws
It’s worth noting that India doesn’t yet have a unified online gambling framework. But here are the things you should know about when it comes to gambling online using apps or even regular websites:
- No central law for online casinos – The Public Gambling Act of 1867 still governs gambling in most states. It bans physical gambling houses but says nothing specific about online betting or apps.
- States can legalize or ban – States like Sikkim and Nagaland allow online games under strict licensing. Meanwhile, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have banned online gambling, including on mobile apps.
- Skill vs. chance matters – Games of skill like rummy or fantasy cricket are allowed in many places, but games of chance (like online slots or roulette) are typically in a legal grey zone unless locally licensed.
Most gambling apps in India right now operate in a legally grey zone. That's why online gambling remains a hot topic. When users ask if an app is "legal," they're asking if it’s protected by law, and that answer varies depending on where you are.
Conclusion
Now, if you’re planning to download any online gambling apps, make sure you do your research. Stick to gaming apps that are reliable and reviewed by trusted platforms. Read user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit, so you know what to expect.
Most importantly, always gamble responsibly. Treat gambling apps as a form of entertainment instead of a way to earn money. Set gambling limits and manage your bankroll efficiently. Good luck!
