The online casino industry boasts a reach that transcends boundaries. Bettors can access the games library from international software providers, regardless of their location. This is why most casino brands target specific regions and design unique gaming products for selected areas. The most common location for this is Europe. With the increasing number of European gaming operators and interested bettors, most of these products were marketed to locals in the past.
However, the European gambling market is becoming saturated. There is a gradual shift as European operators have begun to target other locations. One of such countries is India.
Indian Casino Market Growth
From the results of a survey conducted by the Internet and Mobile Association of India, there are over 500 million active internet users in India, a figure that is projected to increase exponentially. This high number of internet users presents a sizable pool of bettors for casino operators. The country has become one of the most marketable gambling destinations worldwide, although the Indian gambling industry is still growing.
Gambling is popular in India, with betting options ranging from casino games to sports betting options. An interesting fact is that the country’s gambling potential is largely untapped. However, the current options are limited since there are only a few online casino software providers in India. This leaves room for European companies to tap into the Indian casino market.
The Indian population has an affinity for sports, and there are endless betting opportunities for Indian bettors to explore. Indian casino sites can not match the services provided by international casino sites, prompting Indian players to search elsewhere for those services. This is why there is a massive influx of online betting sites in Indian rupees, targeted towards Indian players specifically.
India is gradually becoming the focus of many software providers; this is evident from the adaptation of some traditional Indian games by many casinos. Many European casinos now offer casino-style traditional Indian games such as Teen Patti and Andar Bahar, considered ‘national treasure’ by some, with the rules and regulations passed on from generation to generation. In addition to this, Evolution Gaming and Betway have introduced a Hindi language live casino featuring two new Bollywood-themed live dealer games – Bollywood Blackjack and Bollywood Roulette, to cater to the growing population of Indian bettors.
Many European casino operators are divesting into other markets due to the strict regulatory policies enforced in some European regions. In addition to being quite rigid, the regulations are also evolving constantly. However, Indian casino rules are typically more relaxed when it comes to online gambling, so European operators can leverage this opportunity to attract new Indian players.
Why are European casinos thriving in the Indian gambling industry?
Generally, Indians are known for their love of sports and sports betting. They enjoy playing card games and sports events like cricket, making the country an ideal target for European casinos. Many European casinos now offer Hindi as a language option. In addition to this, there are now European casinos that accept rupees. Also, there is a grey area in the online gambling laws of the country, making it possible for European gambling sites to flourish in India.
Typically, the games library at most Indian casinos is restricted to a few games since there are only a few online casino software providers in India. So, bettors can only bet on a limited number of games. This is not the case with European casinos, where bettors can access a broad range of game titles that include slots, table games, poker, and live dealer games, all powered by reputable software providers.
The European casino industry is highly competitive. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of casino operators in the market. So, European casinos are obligated to offer unique services if they want to stand out from the crowd. With the increasing number of European casinos in India, bettors can expect attractive welcome bonuses and other offers since these companies can afford the cost. Expert reports suggest that India loses $140 million yearly due to the unregulated market.
Once the gambling industry becomes regulated and more European casinos are established within the state, this would improve the country’s economy and contribute to job creation. The Indian gaming industry is projected to generate $1 billion in revenue by 2021. The future of online gambling in the Indian market is promising, with more Indian players choosing the better service options available at European casino
