Learn who are the online bettors in India
Online betting is one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative industries in India, with an estimated market size of $1.7 billion in 2023. Online betting encompasses various forms of gambling, such as sports betting, casino games, poker, bingo, and lottery, that take place on digital platforms, such as websites and mobile apps.
Online betting is a popular and widespread activity in India, with millions of people engaging in it regularly. However, not all online bettors are the same. They have different characteristics, preferences, and behaviors, depending on various factors, such as their age, gender, location, income, education, and culture.
Understanding the user demographics of online betting in India is crucial for online betting operators, marketers, and regulators, as it can help them to design better products and services, create more effective marketing campaigns, and implement more responsible gambling policies.
In this article, we will explore the user demographics of online betting in India, based on the latest data and research. We will answer questions such as: How many people bet online in India? Who are they? What are their motivations and preferences? How do they behave and spend? How can they be targeted and reached?
How Many People Bet Online in India?
The exact number of online bettors in India is hard to determine, as there is no official or reliable source of data on the industry. However, based on various estimates and projections, we can get a rough idea of the size and scope of the online betting market in India.
According to a study by Deloitte India, an estimated 80% of Indians bet at least once a year, either online or offline. This translates to about 1.1 billion people, out of a total population of 1.4 billion. However, not all of them are regular or active online bettors. A more realistic estimate of the number of online bettors in India is based on the number of internet users and smartphone users in the country.
According to Statista, the number of internet users in India is projected to reach 761 million in 2023, up from 687 million in 2020. The number of smartphone users in India is projected to reach 442 million in 2023, up from 374 million in 2020. Assuming that 20% of internet users and smartphone users are online bettors, we can estimate that the number of online bettors in India is around 152 million and 88 million, respectively.
Of course, these are rough estimates, and the actual number of online bettors in India may vary depending on the source and methodology. However, they give us a general idea of the magnitude and potential of the online betting market in India.
Who Are the Online Bettors in India?
Now that we have an idea of how many people bet online in India, let us take a closer look at who they are. What are their characteristics, such as their age, gender, location, income, education, and culture? How do these factors affect their online betting behavior and preferences?
Online Betting by Gender
One of the most obvious and significant differences among online bettors in India is their gender. According to our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, a whopping 88.4% of online bettors in India are men. Just 11.6% are women.
This is not surprising, as men tend to be more interested and involved in gambling than women, especially in a country like India, where gambling is still considered a taboo and a male-dominated activity. However, this does not mean that women are not interested or involved in online betting at all. In fact, the number of female online bettors in India is growing, as more women are becoming aware of and attracted to the online betting platforms, which offer more convenience, privacy, and security than the offline ones.
Online Betting by Age
Another important and interesting difference among online bettors in India is their age. According to our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, young people are much more inclined to bet online than older people. Of all online bettors in India, 44.6% are between the ages of 18 and 24. 32.5% are between the ages of 25 and 34. So the vast majority of online bettors belong to the younger generation.
This makes sense, as the younger generation tends to be more tech-savvy, adventurous, and open-minded than the older generation. They are also more exposed to and influenced by the online betting platforms, which offer more variety, entertainment, and excitement than the offline ones. Moreover, the younger generation has more disposable income and leisure time than the older generation, which enables them to indulge in online betting more frequently and easily.
Online Betting by Location
Another relevant and revealing difference among online bettors in India is their location. According to our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, online betting is an activity that takes place all over India. However, online betting is generally centered in the larger urban areas, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, where the internet penetration, smartphone usage, and income levels are higher than the rural areas.
However, this does not mean that online betting is not popular or prevalent in the rural areas. In fact, online betting is also gaining popularity and traction in the smaller towns and villages, where the offline betting options are limited, unsafe, or illegal. Online betting platforms offer more accessibility, affordability, and anonymity to the rural bettors, who can bet online using their mobile phones and internet connections.
Online Betting by Income
Another significant and interesting difference among online bettors in India is their income. According to our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, online betting is an activity that transcends the income barriers and classes. Online bettors in India come from all income groups, ranging from the low-income to the high-income segments.
This is because online betting platforms offer a wide range of betting options, with different stakes, limits, and payouts, that cater to all kinds of budgets and preferences. Online bettors can bet as little or as much as they want, depending on their financial situation and risk appetite. Moreover, online betting platforms offer various bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs, that can enhance the value and return of the online bettors, regardless of their income level.
Online Betting by Education
Another relevant and revealing difference among online bettors in India is their education. According to our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, online betting is an activity that transcends the education barriers and levels. Online bettors in India come from all education groups, ranging from the illiterate to the highly educated segments.
This is because online betting platforms offer a simple and user-friendly interface, that can be easily understood and used by anyone, regardless of their education level. Online bettors do not need to have any special skills or knowledge to bet online, as they can rely on their intuition, luck, or experience. Moreover, online betting platforms offer various resources, such as guides, tips, and statistics, that can help the online bettors to make informed and rational decisions, regardless of their education level.
Online Betting by Culture
Another important and interesting difference among online bettors in India is their culture. According to our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, online betting is an activity that transcends the cultural barriers and differences. Online bettors in India come from all cultural groups, ranging from the Hindu to the Muslim to the Christian segments.
This is because online betting platforms offer a diverse and inclusive environment, that can accommodate and appeal to all kinds of cultural preferences and values. Online bettors can bet on various sports, games, and events, that reflect their cultural interests and identities. Moreover, online betting platforms offer various features, such as language options, currency options, and payment options, that can suit and satisfy the cultural needs and expectations of the online bettors.
What Are the Motivations and Preferences of Online Bettors in India?
Now that we know who are the online bettors in India, let us try to understand what are their motivations and preferences. Why do they bet online? What do they look for in an online betting platform? How do they choose their bets and manage their money?
Online Betting Motivations
Online bettors in India have various motivations and reasons for betting online, depending on their personality, lifestyle, and goals. However, based on our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, we can identify some of the most common and dominant motivations for online betting in India, such as:
- Entertainment: One of the main motivations for online betting in India is entertainment. Online betting is a fun and exciting activity, that can provide a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction to the online bettors. Online betting can also relieve stress and boredom, and offer a break from the daily routine and challenges.
- Money: Another major motivation for online betting in India is money. Online betting is a potential source of income, that can provide a financial reward and benefit to the online bettors. Online betting can also improve the financial situation and status of the online bettors, and help them achieve their financial goals and dreams.
- Challenge: Another important motivation for online betting in India is challenge. Online betting is a skill-based and knowledge-based activity, that can provide a mental and intellectual challenge and stimulation to the online bettors. Online betting can also test and improve the abilities and competencies of the online bettors, and help them learn and grow.
- Social: Another relevant motivation for online betting in India is social. Online betting is a social and interactive activity, that can provide a sense of belonging and connection to the online bettors. Online betting can also foster and enhance the relationships and friendships of the online bettors, and help them share and communicate their opinions and emotions.
These are some of the most common and dominant motivations for online betting in India. However, they are not mutually exclusive, and online bettors may have multiple and overlapping motivations for betting online.
Online Betting Preferences
Online bettors in India have various preferences and tastes for betting online, depending on their characteristics, motivations, and behaviors. However, based on our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, we can identify some of the most common and dominant preferences for online betting in India, such as:
- Platform: Online bettors in India prefer online betting platforms that are reliable, convenient, and profitable. They look for online betting platforms that offer a wide range of sports, games, and events, with competitive and attractive odds, diverse and comprehensive markets, generous and rewarding bonuses, high level of security and safety, and great customer service and support.
- Sport: Online bettors in India prefer online betting on sports that are popular and familiar to them. They look for online betting on sports that reflect their cultural interests and identities, and that they have knowledge and experience in. The most preferred sport for online betting in India is cricket, followed by football, kabaddi, tennis, and basketball.
- Game: Online bettors in India prefer online betting on games that are exciting and thrilling to them. They look for online betting on games that offer a lot of entertainment and satisfaction, and that they have skill and luck in. The most preferred game for online betting in India is casino games, followed by poker, bingo, lottery, and virtual sports.
- Event: Online bettors in India prefer online betting on events that are important and relevant to them. They look for online betting on events that offer a lot of value and return, and that they have passion and emotion for. The most preferred event for online betting in India is the Indian Premier League, followed by the World Cup, the T20 World Cup, the Ashes, and the Champions League.
- Bet: Online bettors in India prefer online betting on bets that are simple and straightforward to them. They look for online betting on bets that offer a lot of variety and flexibility, and that they have intuition and confidence in. The most preferred bet for online betting in India is the match winner, followed by the top batsman, the top bowler, the total runs, and the total wickets.
These are some of the most common and dominant preferences for online betting in India. However, they are not fixed or universal, and online bettors may have different and changing preferences for betting online.
How Do Online Bettors in India Behave and Spend?
Finally, let us try to understand how online bettors in India behave and spend. How often do they bet online? How much do they bet online? How do they manage their money and control their gambling habits?
Online Betting Frequency
Online bettors in India have different frequencies and patterns for betting online, depending on their availability, motivation, and preference. However, based on our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, we can identify some of the most common and dominant frequencies for online betting in India, such as:
- Daily: Some online bettors in India bet online every day, or almost every day. They are usually the most passionate and enthusiastic online bettors, who enjoy the thrill and excitement of online betting, and who have a lot of time and money to spare. They usually bet on multiple sports, games, and events, and use various online betting platforms.
- Weekly: Some online bettors in India bet online once a week, or a few times a week. They are usually the most regular and consistent online bettors, who have a steady and stable interest and income in online betting, and who have a moderate amount of time and money to spend. They usually bet on one or two sports, games, or events, and use one or two online betting platforms.
- Monthly: Some online bettors in India bet online once a month, or a few times a month. They are usually the most casual and occasional online bettors, who have a mild and sporadic interest and income in online betting, and who have a limited amount of time and money to spend. They usually bet on one sport, game, or event, and use one online betting platform.
These are some of the most common and dominant frequencies for online betting in India. However, they are not fixed or universal, and online bettors may have different and changing frequencies for betting online.
Online Betting Amount
Online bettors in India have different amounts and limits for betting online, depending on their budget, motivation, and preference. However, based on our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, we can identify some of the most common and dominant amounts for online betting in India, such as:
- Low: Some online bettors in India bet online with low amounts, ranging from ₹50 to ₹500 per bet. They are usually the most cautious and conservative online bettors, who have a low risk appetite and income in online betting, and who have a small or fixed budget to spend. They usually bet on simple and straightforward bets, such as match winner, top batsman, or top bowler.
- Medium: Some online bettors in India bet online with medium amounts, ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000 per bet. They are usually the most balanced and rational online bettors, who have a moderate risk appetite and income in online betting, and who have a flexible or variable budget to spend. They usually bet on diverse and complex bets, such as total runs, total wickets, or first innings score.
- High: Some online bettors in India bet online with high amounts, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000 per bet. They are usually the most adventurous and ambitious online bettors, who have a high risk appetite and income in online betting, and who have a large or unlimited budget to spend. They usually bet on exotic and risky bets, such as highest individual score, most sixes, or most run outs.
These are some of the most common and dominant amounts for online betting in India. However, they are not fixed or universal, and online bettors may have different and changing amounts for betting online.
Online Betting Management
Online bettors in India have different ways and strategies for managing and controlling their online betting habits, depending on their personality, lifestyle, and goals. However, based on our research, based on our own website user statistics and general research, we can identify some of the most common and effective ways for online betting management in India, such as:
- Budget: One of the best ways to manage and control online betting is to set and stick to a budget. Online bettors should decide how much money they can afford to lose, and how much money they want to win, and bet accordingly. Online bettors should also keep track of their wins and losses, and adjust their budget accordingly.
- Time: Another good way to manage and control online betting is to set and stick to a time limit. Online bettors should decide how much time they can spend on online betting, and how much time they need for other activities, and bet accordingly. Online bettors should also monitor their online betting time, and avoid spending too much time or neglecting other responsibilities.
- Plan: Another effective way to manage and control online betting is to have and follow a plan. Online bettors should have a clear and realistic goal for online betting, and a strategy and method for achieving it. Online bettors should also have a backup plan and a contingency plan, in case of unexpected events or outcomes.
- Help: Another useful way to manage and control online betting is to seek and accept help. Online bettors should be aware of the signs and symptoms of problem gambling, and seek professional help if they have any. Online bettors should also accept the help and support of their family and friends, and join online or offline communities of online bettors.
These are some of the most common and effective ways for online betting management in India. However, they are not exhaustive or mandatory, and online bettors may have different and alternative ways for managing and controlling their online betting habits.
Conclusion
Online betting is one of the most popular and profitable activities in India, with millions of people engaging in it regularly. However, online bettors in India are not a homogeneous group. They have different characteristics, preferences, and behaviors, depending on various factors, such as their age, gender, location, income, education, and culture.
Understanding the user demographics of online betting in India is essential for online betting operators, marketers, and regulators, as it can help them to design better products and services, create more effective marketing campaigns, and implement more responsible gambling policies.
In this article, we have explored the user demographics of online betting in India, based on the latest data and research. We have answered questions such as: How many people bet online in India? Who are they? What are their motivations and preferences? How do they behave and spend? How can they be targeted and reached?
FAQs
What is online betting?
Online betting is a form of gambling that takes place on digital platforms, such as websites and mobile apps. Online betting encompasses various forms of gambling, such as sports betting, casino games, poker, bingo, and lottery.
Is online betting legal in India?
Online betting is a legal grey area in India, as there is no clear and uniform law or regulation that governs it. The legality of online betting depends on the type of gambling, the location of the online betting platform, and the location of the online bettor. Generally speaking, online betting on games of skill, such as poker and rummy, is legal in India, as long as the online betting platform is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, and the online bettor is located in a state that allows it. Online betting on games of chance, such as casino games and lottery, is illegal in India, as it is prohibited by the Public Gambling Act of 1867, and the online bettor can face legal consequences if caught.
What are the benefits of online betting in India?
The benefits of online betting in India are that it can provide a lot of fun and excitement, a potential source of income, a mental and intellectual challenge, and a social and interactive experience to the online bettors. Online betting can also offer more convenience, privacy, and security than offline betting, as well as more variety, entertainment, and value.
What are the risks of online betting in India?
The risks of online betting in India are that it can lead to financial losses, gambling addiction, fraud, and scam, as well as legal and social problems. Online betting can also expose the online bettors to cyberattacks, hacking, and identity theft, as well as ethical and moral issues.
How to choose the best online betting site for online betting in India?
To choose the best online betting site for online betting in India, online bettors should consider various factors and aspects, such as the odds, markets, bonuses, security, and customer service of the online betting platform. Online bettors should also compare and evaluate different online betting platforms, and read reviews and feedback from other online bettors. Some of the best online betting sites for online betting in India are Parimatch, 1xBet, Dafabet, Betway, and Bet365, as they offer the best features and services for online bettors in India.