The findings of a study conducted by Ken Research on consumer behavior in online gambling in India have highlighted several reliability issues. More than 25% of online gamblers face challenges such as instances of fraud, unauthorized transactions, and difficulties in withdrawing funds. These issues are particularly prevalent due to India’s diverse cultural and legal landscape, where different states have varying regulations on gambling, creating uncertainty for both operators and users.
In addition, a significant number of online gamblers in India have limited awareness of industry regulations, which increases the risk of using unregulated operators. This lack of awareness is attributed to the complex nature of the laws and limited access to in-depth information.
In an effort to combat illegal gambling activities, Indian authorities have issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps and websites. Moreover, licensed online gambling operators now need to pay a flat 28% turnover tax, which was imposed last year. The government of India has also published new rules to regulate online gambling to ensure a safer and more compliant industry.
Despite these challenges, the study also highlights the potential for future growth in the online gambling sector. It reveals that online gambling is popular among specific age groups in different regions of India. For example, in Delhi and Maharashtra, it is preferred by individuals aged 36-44, while in Uttar Pradesh, it is most popular among those aged 26-35. Karnataka has a majority of active online gamblers aged 36-44, who spend around 11-20 hours per week engaging in this activity.
