Gambling in India
Gambling in India is illegal except at racecourses, but that does not mean the activity is not carried out. In fact, gambling is extremely popular nationwide both on sports and in casinos.
One of the popular online casinos in India is 10Cric. 10Cric is a sports betting and online casino which has been in India for a few years. However, one thing is different about this casino compared to others. It is focussed on the Indian audience rather than on people all over the world. As well as betting on football, tennis, horse racing and esports, you can also bet on the ongoing cricket tournament, the Indian Premier League.
Several matches in the world's biggest domestic cricket tournament have been humdingers including one which went to a double super over so why not have a punt? If betting on live sport is not your thing, then check out 10Cric's online casino. There is a special welcome bonus for all new customers as well. By typing in the code CRICLIVE, you can get 150% on up to 20,000 rupees (229 euros).
In India, according to Taxscan, 80% of Indians gamble at least once a year. With a population of 1.3 billion people, there is a huge market. Even though there are casinos in the states of Goa, Sikkim and Daman, only tourists are allowed to use them. However, a new form of gambling, online bookies and casinos, have given locals a new chance to bet.
Given legal loopholes mean that it is neither legal or illegal, online betting's popularity in India is huge. The benefit of online gambling is that it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there is no need to get off the sofa. This is all the more important especially in the current climate with coronavirus cases on the up around the world. People can bet on Indian Premier League cricket matches, horse racing, football and other sports.
As well as a live casino, there are slots, roulette, poker, and blackjack so there is something for everyone. Casino games are popular amongst many around the world and even professional football players try their hand at gambling. Leicester midfielder James Maddison famously got himself into trouble with England coach Gareth Southgate for going to a casino on the same night England lost to Czech Republic. Maddison had earlier pulled out of the squad due to illness.
Back in 2016, Max Kruse, then at Wolfsburg, was dropped from the Germany squad for unprofessional behaviour. Kruse, a keen poker player, was fined after leaving 75,000 euros in the back of a taxi following a night out at the casino.
The issue of whether to legalise gambling in India is a controversial topic which has been discussed for decades. The Indian gambling industry is huge and currently has a value of around 60 billion US dollars. The fact it is illegal has not any effect on the number of punters and there has been talk of making the industry legal so that punters get a fair deal and to reduce criminal activities.
MP Shashi Tharoor argued in parliament that legalising betting would help reduce the amount of match fixing in cricket as "it takes away the power from the underworld." The Government would also benefit as "you can tax legal betting". He finally said that he was surprised it was not already legal and that people should be educated on the dangers of illegal sports betting.
As you can see, the topic of gambling is an extremely controversial and complex one, but with online casinos growing in a popularity, we recommend you join in the fun. All the best of luck and please bet responsibly!