The online gambling industry has leveled up during the coronavirus pandemic, and this is even more evident in emerging markets particularly in Asia.

Even during COVID-19, online gambling sustains stable growth

A new report by ENV Media delving into offshore gambling licenses and regulated markets offers interesting insights on how the online gambling industry has been faring so far, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed many consumption patterns, with many consumers opting to go the digital route for many of their day-to-day activities—including recreation and entertainment.

In particular, India showed a 35 percent increase in the number of real money games played on a monthly basis by an average user during the pandemic. Case in point: Pure Win online casino is seeing a steady growth in popularity, even though it only launched in April. Thanks to the increase in player volume during pandemic, India now holds the top spots ahead of Russia (30 percent), Indonesia (26 percent), Brazil (23 percent), United States (13 percent), United Kingdom (11 percent), Japan and China (7 percent each), Canada and Germany (6 percent each), South Korea (5 percent), and France (3 percent), according to InMobi data.

“The above chart showed the growth of online and mobile gaming in many prominent markets during and after COVID-19 changed consumption patterns. While emerging economies were quicker to react in volume, established markets succumbed to the drop in total gambling revenues (for private businesses, public monopolies, and exchequers),” ENV Media analysts explained.

A YouGov survey in 13 markets around the world including India provided a current snapshot of the global gambling landscape; specifically, the survey found that 63 percent of its respondents are opting their roulette games and casino games online rather than the traditional in-person alternative.

Uniform regulation needed for India to harness online gambling wins

In its survey, YouGov noted how “the popularity of online gambling has achieved new highs,” and it’s one that’s “fueled by innovation, de-regulation in key markets, and the pandemic.”

In India’s case, there is still a long way to go before the country can fully harness the wins of the online gambling sector and utilize it to boost the economy. For starters, the government needs to keep up with the changing times and carefully develop an updated, uniform regulation that will cover the industry across the country.

Currently, it is up to the state governments to come up with their own pieces of legislation and ordinance to govern the nascent industry, but this has only resulted in creating more confusion for stakeholders who have no recourse but to seek the high courts for clear guidance on what is and isn’t allowed in a specific state.

Such was the case in the state of Karnataka, where the High Court is hearing a petition to halt the statewide gambling ban. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has already ordered Tamil Nadu to stop the ban on online gaming in the state, stating that the ban goes against Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution which confers the right to practice any lawful profession, occupation, trade or business to all citizens.

“India is a particularly emblematic case of similarly impending regulatory needs. The prohibition of betting is widely seen to have been ineffective. In such contexts, certain authority recommendations cannot be overlooked,” ENV Media analysts said. “Emerging markets (India in particular but not only) will benefit from creating their own Central regulatory framework, a Gambling oversight body, and a Consumer Data protection regulation.”