How online sports betting is driving India's digital economy
India has always had two obsessions—cricket and technology. In 2025, these passions collided to create an entirely new digital economy. Online cricket betting and fantasy sports have leapt from niche hobbies to mainstream revenue powerhouses. With millions of users and booming platforms, this sector represents the front lines of India’s digital transformation.
Online cricket betting in 2025
Online sports betting has become highly accessible, regulated to some extent, refined, and technologically advanced. Platforms now offer pre-match predictions, live in-play betting, and player-based markets such as total runs and wickets, match outcome combinations, and prop bets. The seamless integration of real-time match data allows users to make informed decisions instantly.
In 2025, India’s online sports betting landscape will be dominated by several major platforms. The top 10 players shaping the betting arena include 1xBet, Parimatch, 22Bet, Dafabet, 10CRIC, Stake.com, Rajabets, BC.Game, Betwinner, and Megapari. These platforms are leading the way in providing diverse and engaging betting experiences for users across the country.
How fantasy sports is similar to sports betting?
Fantasy sports share several similarities with traditional sports betting. 바카라ers often pay entry fees and compete for cash prizes, with outcomes dependent on real-life sports events. Both activities involve an element of risk and prediction, requiring knowledge, strategy, and luck. Additionally, in some regions, fantasy sports are regulated similarly to gambling due to their real-money nature. However, fantasy sports are often considered games of skill rather than games of chance, which makes them legally distinct from traditional sports betting in many countries.
“The fantasy sports industry in India continues to see impressive growth, driven by the country’s deep passion for cricket, increased smartphone penetration, and affordable internet. While specific figures for IPL 2025 are still emerging, projections indicate a revenue boost of 25-30 percent, with earnings estimated between $500 million and $525 million,” said Roland Landers, CEO of the All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF).
He further added, “The IPL has become more than just a cricketing event—it’s a massive driver of growth for the fantasy sports industry. Every season, we see record-breaking engagement, and IPL 2025 is set to push those numbers even higher, with platforms continuing to attract millions of new users.”
Fantasy sports: A growing parallel economy
Over 140 million Indians play fantasy cricket. Dream11, My11Circle, and MPL have created a parallel world where fans manage virtual teams and earn real rewards. In 2025 alone, IPL-related fantasy play is expected to generate over ₹4,000 crore ($500 million).
“Last year, we saw remarkable growth, with over 50 percent more teams created in the first two weeks and a 50 percent increase in mega prize winners. This IPL, we anticipate building on that momentum, further strengthening My11Circle’s position in the fantasy sports arena,” said Saroj Panigrahi, Chief Operating Officer of Games24x7.
The IPL season in 2025 alone is projected to generate ₹4,000–4,200 crore ($500–$525 million) in revenue through fantasy platforms, according to industry estimates.
Legal landscape and regulatory dilemmas
A mix of outdated laws, state-specific regulations, and emerging federal frameworks shape India’s online betting landscape. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 still governs most gambling activities without addressing online betting, leading to varied legality across states. While states like Sikkim and Nagaland offer licensed online gaming, others enforce bans.
To address market growth, the central government is developing a national regulatory framework to classify games, regulate platforms, and ensure consumer protections, including age restrictions, Aadhaar-linked KYC, and licensing to combat illegal offshore operations.
GST and tax implications
As of 2023, India imposed a 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming platforms, including fantasy sports and betting. While operators worry about reduced profit margins, this tax brings transparency and legitimacy.
The Indian Supreme Court is currently hearing multiple cases challenging the 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on online gaming. The government contends that online gaming, particularly virtual sports involving player performances, should be classified as betting and gambling, thus subject to the highest GST rate. The industry argues that many games are skill-based and not purely reliant on chance. The case is still pending, with the Supreme Court transferring pleas from various High Courts to itself for a unified decision.
The Indian fantasy sports industry reported revenue of ₹9,100 crore ($1.07 billion) in FY24, accounting for 4 percent of the global industry, as per a and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports earlier this year. The global market is valued at ₹2.1 lakh crore ($24.7 billion). The industry in India has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30 percent between FY22 and FY24. The report added that it is expected to reach ₹12,900 crore ($1.52 billion) by FY29.
