Cricket can be regarded as the national sport of India, which further stimulates the local enthusiasm for sports betting. However, gambling entertainment is not only for sports fans, but also popular among cricket players.
Research by the Professional Players Federations shows that many cricket players engage in gambling activities or intend to participate. In fact, the relationship between cricket and betting has been inseparable for a long time, and now with the rise of online casinos, it has gained even more attention.
The Second Most Popular Sport Globally
Let's talk about cricket! According to Sporteology, a well-known sports media, the most popular ball sports globally are soccer at number one, followed not by basketball or baseball, but cricket, which is most beloved by Indians! Cricket is mainly popular in Commonwealth nations, including India, Australia, South Africa, etc.
It is estimated that there are about 3.5 billion cricket fans worldwide, with India alone having 730 million cricket fans. The cricket-related industries, from leagues and television broadcasts to advertising revenues, have a market size of up to 360 billion US dollars. With such popularity, casinos naturally have a place in India. The Indian Cricket Team is one of the top cricket teams globally, and the involvement in cricket betting has also increased locally. Moreover, it's not just about match betting; in India, you can also find cricket slot machines and cricket lottery tickets, offering a variety of options. Indian online casinos also provide many promotional rewards, especially for new players.
Close Relationship Between Cricket and Gambling
Cricket and gambling have been close for many years. Betting on cricket sports can be traced back to the 16th century. However, with technological advancements, many Indian players now prefer online betting. Online casinos have thrived due to the diversity of game types, and cricket remains one of the most popular sports games.
Famous sports betting platforms like William Hill and bet365 also offer cricket betting options.
According to a PPF survey, cricket players are the most likely to participate in betting. Whether using gambling as a relaxation method or seeking more excitement off the field, the study found that many cricket players even show signs of gambling addiction, which is why there is a set of rules to prevent excessive gambling.
Love for Gambling is Gender Neutral
Although in the past, it seemed that women were less attracted to casino games, the current ratio of men and women participating in gambling activities is not far apart, with only some differences in preferred game types. It is certain that both men and women enjoy the time spent in betting entertainment. Interestingly, although online casinos are popular among sports players in India, female athletes have not shown severe addiction issues like their male counterparts over the years.
Great Potential in the Indian Online Gambling Market
In summary, the connection between cricket, Indian online casinos, and gambling remains tight and is expected to continue in the future. Given that a large part of cricket sponsorship comes from gambling companies, the relationship is likely to grow closer rather than distant. As discussions on the legalization of sports betting unfold, if India implements widespread and clear regulations in the future, it could further ensure the safety of sports betting.
With a massive market of 1.3 billion people, the potential for developing a large online gambling market in India is imminent.
