India’s casino industry has been multiplying in the last few years. More than three-quarters of the country placed at least one bet in the previous year. One of the main reasons for this exponential growth is accessibility. Technology has made mobile gaming possible and safer in terms of gambling and online transactions. This article goes through some of the trends and preferences of Indian gamblers, including where the mobile gaming industry is heading.
In the Beginning
When online gambling began, users would have to rely on their internet browsers to visit the site and place their bets. However, smartphone technology was responsible for elevating the mobile gambling experience.
Android and iPhone devices enabled users to download the app for a specific betting site or casino and access their favourite games wherever they had an internet connection. It’s estimated that there are four billion smartphone users worldwide, which is expected to grow.
Why the Gravitation Toward Mobile Gambling?
It’s a simple convenience. We live in a world of instant gratification. Think about waiting for a file to load on your computer or standing in a queue at the nearest food stall. It can become annoying. We’ve become used to getting the things we want with unparalleled speed. The same principle applies to mobile gambling. Accessing the casino wherever and whenever is part of the attraction.
Sports fans, particularly those betting on the IPL or the next match India is involved in, want to bet in real time. Some operators offer mobile sportsbooks where the odds change depending on the match situation, an exciting carrot to dangle before a gambler. That ability to instantly place a bet based on what you’re watching makes mobile gambling popular.
These are some of the best online casinos in India for mobile gaming according to industry experts.
Readily Available Internet Connection
Mobile data has become cheaper and more affordable over the years, making it easier for more Indians to access their favourite games online. Specifically, the Indian mobile gaming market has experienced the most significant growth within the South Asian sub-region in recent years.
Preferred Method of Communication
Communicating with an operator’s customer support team is crucial for an Indian gambler. More platforms now support WhatsApp, leading to a 111% increase in customer agent conversations from February to October 2023. This simple contact method is another reason for the popularity of mobile betting platforms.
Mobile Gaming Trends
Statista conducted a survey of Indian mobile gamblers in 2022, and these were some of the significant findings.
Some popular games for Indian players were Ludo King, Candy Crush Saga, and Royal Match.
Less than 10% of respondents preferred real money games.
80% of internet users preferred playing games on their mobile compared to 45% on their laptops and desktops.
45% of respondents were happy to make payments for a chance to earn money.
The estimated revenue for this year, courtesy of mobile gaming in India, is US$2.90 billion. With online gaming easily accessible through mobile devices, casinos and sports betting platforms are expected to make approximately an average of US$284.40 per Indian user in 2024. Smartphone penetration is one of the main reasons for the surge in popularity of online gambling in India.
The Future of Mobile Gaming
With continuous development in the mobile device industry, you can expect smartphones and tablets in the future to give you HD-quality gaming with added extras. The graphics could even be compared to your regular gaming devices.
We’ve already seen live casinos move from being available on computers only to the mobile screen. As a result, mobile users enjoy the complete experience as they would from a full screen.
The future is bright for mobile users. Gambling operators are constantly working on improving the experience for their apps and mobile browser players. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are just some technologies expected to revolutionise the mobile gaming industry.
Imagine playing a slot or sitting at the table with the VR headset where you feel you’re next to people, placing chips for your bet. AR could blend into the environment you’re looking at, elevating your gaming to another level.
Mobile Gaming is Here to Stay
We’ve come a long way from the beginnings of online gaming. The smartphone and internet certainly helped reach a larger market. However, with technology constantly developing, mobile gaming will become more entertaining for the end user. To that, we say, bring it on!