India Online Poker Market Size, Share Global Analysis Report, 2024 – 2032

Industry Insights

[224+ Pages Report]As per the current market research conducted by the Facts & Factors Research Team, the India online poker market is expected to record a CAGR of 16.91% from 2024 to 2032. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 115.12 billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach US$ 346.01 billion.

India's Online Poker Market is rapidly gaining momentum as it is fueled by factors such as expanding internet accessibility, the adoption of smartphones, and a rising enthusiasm for games that require skill. Since the times of ancient kings and rulers, poker has always been seen as a game for the affluent in India.

Currently, in contemporary times, gaming has undergone considerable transformation. Indian players, in large numbers, have gravitated towards video and online games, including poker. The primary reason for online poker's popularity in India is one can select and engage in a plethora of gaming options. The interactive nature of online poker games adds to their appeal, offering players a highly enjoyable gameplay experience. Players can immerse themselves in audio tracks, and 3D animations, and engage with other players in multiplayer games. These features are easily accessible to Indian players, who can understand and participate in them at no cost.

One of many reasons, for the exponential rise of online poker in India is individuals can engage in multiple games within one single online platform. Expanding on this concept, the rewards of playing online poker in India are quite lucrative, with individuals having the potential to earn millions, go to tourist locations national and international, and more.

Nowadays it is so convenient to play online poker as the certain application provides demo and poker game simulation for bingers. Adding to this, self-help tools are easily available to online poker players, allowing them to select the timing and duration of how much they want to play and these tools can monitor their online performance.

India Online Poker Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

In recent years, there have been significant consolidations and takeovers in the online poker sector in India. In a recent development, preciously on 6th February 2024, metaverse and gaming tech firm OneVerse has acquired online poker giant Spartan Poker and earmarked USD 120 million i.e. INR 1000 crores. Spartan Poker's acquisition is a key component of the brand's ongoing strategy to position itself as a dominant player in the Indian gaming industry. Embracing consolidation is one of the tactics the brand is using to realize this objective. Over the coming three months, OneVerse aims to invest in mergers and acquisitions of nearly 13 real-money gaming companies across poker, rummy, and fantasy gaming in India.

In 2021, Pocket52, an online poker platform, acquired 9stacks, another prominent online poker website. This merger aimed to establish a more formidable presence in the Indian online poker market and elevate the overall gaming experience for users. This acquisition marked a notable development in the Indian online poker sector, uniting two renowned entities to create a stronger market presence.

Pocket52 is certified by iTech Labs, Australia, which are testing laboratories for the certification and quality assurance testing of online gaming systems worldwide which makes it safe, secure, and hassle-free to play. Pocket52 is designed in such a way that it can sharpen the skills of individuals as the players can compete with real poker players, and experience the thrill of the game without risking a dime.

In contrast, 9stacks, recognized for its intuitive interface and dedication to offering a secure and entertaining gaming environment, viewed the acquisition as a chance to collaborate with a similar-minded company to enhance customer service. Overall, the acquisition of 9stacks by Pocket52 was a strategic maneuver that proved advantageous for both firms.

Other instances of strategic moves that benefited both companies and helped them create a stronger appearance to their audience are Baadshah Gaming and PokerHigh. In 2020, Baadshah Gaming, an online gaming platform in India, acquired PokerHigh, another online poker website.

Baadshah Gaming is an Online Gaming Portal that offers Poker, Fantasy League, and Rummy under one roof. The games range in sizes as small as 3 to 10,000 players with buy-ins starting as low as INR 15 and going up to INR 10,000. The primary goal of this merger was to fortify Baadshah Gaming's standing within the Indian online poker sector while enriching its services for players. Users can play these games both on desktops as well as handheld devices via web browsers.

Conclusively, these mergers and acquisitions indicate increasing interest of Indians in playing online poker games. Additionally, individuals are looking towards it as an investment opportunity by which the growth expansion, advancement, and development of India online poker market is reaching greater heights.

India Online Poker Market – Significant Opportunities

The online poker market in India possesses a ton of opportunities for growth and development. Several factors contribute to the potential of the India online poker markets:

India's growing Internet connectivity: The market potential for Internet services is exponentially growing in India. In 2023, India had over 1.2 billion internet users across the country; this figure is projected to grow to over 1.6 billion users by 2050. As per the reports of TRAI, in December 2022, the total number of internet subscribers increased from 865.90 million to 881.25 million, registering a quarterly growth rate of 1.77 percent. As the country's internet penetration rates continue to rise, the online gaming sector, including poker, is poised for substantial expansion.

Evolution of digital payment services: The government of India is endeavoring towards digital payments. The total digital payment transactions volume increased from 2,071 crore in FY 2017-18 to 13,462 crore in FY 2022-23 at a CAGR of 45 percent. This simplifies the ease of transactions for players to deposit and withdraw money on online poker platforms.

Shifting demographics:  According to the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects, India has more than 50% of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35. This clearly states that India has a young population. This generation tends to favor digital forms of entertainment, making a large number of audiences involved in online poker platforms.

Overall, the India online poker market is a significant opportunity for growth, driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, smartphone adoption, innovation, and regulatory support.

India Online Poker Market – Significant Threats

The India online poker market is confronted by numerous substantial challenges that have the potential to hinder its progress and expansion. These threats include:

Regional restrictions: Online poker legality in India has long been a topic of debate, as some states and union territories are legally not allowed to play. Due to the peculiar wording of gaming legislations in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Telangana, at present, there is no permit to play online poker with real money. This is certainly a significant threat to India's online poker market.

Impact on mental well-being restrains market growth: The popularity of online gambling is rising, which is having negative effects on the mental health of players. Users are struggling to maintain mental equilibrium due to their rising addiction as they can easily access internet gambling platforms. The suicide rates are increasing every year because of the addition. As a result, this is anticipated to significantly constrain the growth of the online poker business over the forecast period.

Cyber security threats: A surge in cyber-attacks in the online gaming sector, specifically poker, continues to increase. Account takeovers, identity theft, credit card theft, hacking, cheating mods, and fraud are the most common forms of cyber threats on gaming platforms. The number of cybercriminals increased by 167 percent in 2021. This has damaged the reputation of online poker sites and eroded trust among players.

Overall, the Indian online poker market faces several threats that could hinder its growth and sustainability.

How large is the Poker Industry?

Since ancient times, poker has always been played in India. Two centuries ago, poker was enjoyed as a card game, serving as a pastime and offering incentives for its players. Over time, it transformed into PC games, offering both single-player and arcade modes. Later in the late 1990s, the penetration of smartphones and the internet resulted in the popularity and accessibility of poker games for the masses. The years between 2003 and 2007 are regarded as a period of exponential growth for the online gaming industry, including the realm of poker.

With regular advancements in technology, the India online poker market has become one of the fastest-growing industries among others. Various industry reports claim that the India online poker industry is presently growing at a rate of 35-40 % year on year. Another significant factor contributing to the growth of online poker in India is the COVID-19 pandemic. The boom of the digital era and stay-at-home orders have significantly attracted people towards online poker.

Category-Wise Insights

The Gambling Enthusiasts Segment:  The gambling enthusiasts segment for online poker comprises players who are deeply engaged with the game, seeking both entertainment and potential rewards. These players are highly motivated by the strategic and social aspects of poker as they can access online casinos and poker games from various devices, from the touch of their finger, at anytime and anywhere. Gambling enthusiasts are likely to spend significant time and money on online poker, making them a key target for operators looking to drive growth in the market.

Report Scope

India Online Poker Market – Regional Analysis

•  Metropolitan cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai are key hubs for the online poker market. These cities have a greater prevalence of the internet and a positive attitude towards online gaming. Players in these regions often demand platforms that offer competitive gameplay and attractive rewards.
• Tier 2 cities such as Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow are emerging markets for online poker. These urban centers have witnessed a rapid increase in internet usage and the uptake of smartphones, resulting in an escalating enthusiasm for online gaming.
• While in rural areas, there is a growing interest among the population, particularly among youth. Limited access to physical gaming establishments has led to an increase in online gaming activity in rural areas. However, challenges such as internet connectivity and awareness about online poker remain barriers to adoption in these regions.

India Online Poker Market – Competitive Landscape

• Adda52: Adda52 has been a trailblazer in the Indian online poker scene, providing a user-friendly platform with a diverse array of game options.
• PokerBaazi: PokerBaazi is one of the biggest poker platforms in India to play mobile poker. The app offers private tables and year-round promotions and offers.
• PokerStars: PokerStars is a leader in the online poker industry, and it has recently entered the Indian market.
• Gamezy Poker: Gamezy Poker is another popular app in India, offering two main variants of Poker: Texas Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha.
• 888 Poker: 888 Poker is one of the best real-money poker apps in India because it invests significant resources in ensuring the security of its app for the users.
• Spartan Poker: Spartan Poker is considered one of the best poker apps in India for its exceptional gaming experience, what brings Spartan Poker to the list of best real money poker apps in India is its unbelievably low buy-ins starting at just Re.1, allowing players to participate in various tournaments seamlessly and fairly.

These leading entities in the India Online Poker Market are persistently enhancing their services to allure a broader player base.

List of the prominent players in the India Online Poker Market:

• PokerStars
• MPL
• Bovada
• Arkadium, Baazi Games
• GGPoker
• BetOnline
• The 888 Group
• Partypoker
• Ignition Casino
• True Poker
• Tencent, Playtika LTD
• Zynga Inc.
• Juicy Stakes
• Quadrific Media Pvt Ltd.
• Pocket52
• BLITZ POKER
• Americas Cardroom
• Every game
• Others

The India Online Poker market is segmented as follows:

By Gaming Console

• Seven-Card Stud
• Texas Hold'em
• Arcade Games
• Omaha
• Others

By Platform 

• Desktop
• Mobile
• Smartphone

By End-User

• Gambling Enthusiasts
• Teenagers
• Social Exuberant
• Dabblers
• Adults

By Skill Level

• Beginners
• Intermediate
• Advanced Players

By Region In India

• North India
• West and Central India
• South India
• East India