India Grapples with Rising Addiction to Online Betting and Fantasy Gaming
A growing number of Indians are finding themselves ensnared in the captivating yet treacherous world of online betting and fantasy gaming, sparking concerns about addiction, financial instability, and mental health issues. Fueled by easy accessibility, aggressive advertising, and the allure of quick riches, these platforms are rapidly gaining popularity, particularly among young adults and those in smaller towns, raising urgent questions about regulation and responsible gaming.
The Lure of the Game
Fantasy sports and online betting platforms have witnessed exponential growth in India. Dream11, the largest fantasy sports platform in India, boasts over 180 million users. MPL claims to have 90 million users, and My11Circle claims to have 40 million users. These platforms allow users to create virtual teams of real players and win cash prizes based on their performance in actual games. While proponents argue that these are games of skill, experts worry about the fine line between entertainment and addiction, especially when money is involved.
The surge in popularity is partly attributed to the increasing affordability of smartphones and high-speed internet, making these platforms accessible to a wider audience. Massive advertising campaigns, often featuring celebrities, further amplify their reach, enticing users with the promise of easy money and excitement. A report by consultancy RedSeer noted that the income of fantasy gaming platforms increased by 24 percent during the IPL cricket matches from 2022 to 2023, reaching over 28 billion rupees ($341 million). Around 61 million users participated in fantasy gaming activities during this period, with nearly 65 percent coming from small towns.
A Slippery Slope to Addiction
The ease of access and the constant availability of online betting and gaming platforms contribute significantly to their addictive nature. The allure of potential winnings triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, creating a "high" that users crave. This can lead to a cycle of continuous gambling, even when faced with mounting losses.
Dr. Manoj Sharma, professor of clinical psychology and head of the SHUT Clinic at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, notes a significant increase in patients seeking help for technology-related mental health problems. The clinic, which started with 3-4 patients per week with gaming addictions in 2014, now sees about 20-22 individuals per week.
Many individuals struggling with addiction do not recognize the problem themselves. Often, it is family members who bring them to clinics for treatment. Experts emphasize that fantasy games should not involve money, as this significantly increases the risk of addiction.
Financial and Mental Health Consequences
The consequences of online betting and gaming addiction can be devastating. Individuals often wager more money than they can afford to lose, leading to crippling debt and financial instability. This financial stress can contribute to a deterioration of mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
The constant cycle of hope, anticipation, and disappointment associated with gambling can also have a profound impact on self-esteem and overall psychological well-being. Losses can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness, while the need to recoup losses can drive individuals further into debt.
Moreover, online gambling often occurs in isolation, leading to social withdrawal and a neglect of personal relationships. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression, further compounding the mental health challenges faced by addicted individuals.
The Legal Landscape and Regulatory Challenges
The legal landscape surrounding online betting and gaming in India is complex and fragmented. Gambling falls under the jurisdiction of individual states, with each state empowered to legislate on gambling within its boundaries. The Public Gambling Act of 1867, a central legislation, prohibits the operation or management of public gambling establishments, but its applicability to online platforms is ambiguous.
While there are no federal laws prohibiting online betting in India, a few states have recently enacted explicit laws against it. As of 2022, online gambling is officially legal only in the states of Goa, Daman, and Sikkim. Sikkim also permits an online lottery, which takes bets from players throughout India. However, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have banned all online gambling.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is reportedly considering introducing a new federal online gambling law to regulate the sector. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology introduced a self-regulatory mechanism for the skill-based gaming sector in 2023, but this approach has faced criticism for leaving significant regulatory gaps. The government has also expressed concerns that offshore gambling platforms are manipulating gaming outcomes and conning players out of winnings.
In March 2025, Union Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha that 1,410 online gaming sites have been blocked so far, emphasizing that state Assemblies are also empowered to make laws to ban or regulate online gaming and betting.
Finding Solutions and Moving Forward
Addressing the growing problem of online betting and gaming addiction requires a multi-pronged approach involving stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, and accessible support systems for addicts.
Experts suggest that the government should regulate the industry directly, rather than relying on self-regulation. A central law that uniformly guides all state laws would help reduce ambiguity and ensure consistent guidelines for betting apps operating in India. This would also aid in clearly distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance.
Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate individuals, particularly adolescents and young adults, about the risks of addiction and financial ruin associated with online betting and gaming. Parents and teachers also have a vital role to play in setting healthy recreational limits and guiding young people towards responsible gaming habits.
Accessible support systems, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, are essential for helping individuals recover from addiction and rebuild their lives. Telepsychiatry and online support forums can improve access to mental health services in remote areas.
The rise of online betting and fantasy gaming in India presents both opportunities and challenges. While these platforms can provide entertainment and potential economic benefits, their addictive nature and potential for financial and mental health harm cannot be ignored. By implementing comprehensive regulations, raising public awareness, and providing accessible support systems, India can strive to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting its citizens from the perils of online addiction.
