In a recent trend in the online casino industry, we’re seeing a number of international online casinos incorporating games with Indian-origins such as Andar Bahar into their platforms.
For example, recently QTech Games announced a partnership with Woohoo Games, known for creating games based in India such as Andar Bahar, Teen Patti, and Cricket Kings so they can provide a stronger and more relatable game selection to its Indian players.
Why is this the case though? Why are international online casinos suddenly localizing their content and incorporating games with the regional appeal of the subcontinent? Let’s find out.
The Lucrative Indian Market for International Online Casinos
India’s economy is considered to be one of the fastest-growing emerging economies today. The majority of India’s population also falls in the younger demographics, with most of the population within the prime working years of their life.
Additionally, when you consider the effect of the JIO revolution and the rise in online data consumption, internet penetration, and smartphone usage – the picture becomes a bit clearer. In a young country with increasingly growing levels of disposable income and deep internet accessibility, it is natural for industries like online gambling to prosper.
The online gambling market in India is estimated to grow to 160 billion dollars by 2026. International casinos are already ahead of the trend and currently, most of the top casino sites rated by Casino Sites India support desi games like Andar Bahar and Teen Patti.
Online casinos increasingly support desi games like Andar Bahar and Teen Patti
While Andar Bahar and Teen Patti are some of the most common desi games finding their place in the game selection of international casinos, there are several others that are being experimented with.
For example, card games like Indian Rummy, slots like Bollywood Diva and Cricket Kings, and live variants of desi games are also becoming popular on international casinos over time.
As the Indian market keeps growing, it is natural that online casinos that support games made for Indians are likely to capture a bigger market share.
The future of online casinos in India
Currently, due to legal restrictions, Indian companies are not allowed to create or promote online casino sites. The current sites that are legal to play in India are based offshore and operate as international businesses that offer services worldwide.
The government still collects taxes from online casino winnings and if the market keeps growing, there is a chance that online gambling might be legalized and regulated in the country just like land-based casinos are legalized in some states currently.