History of real money gaming in India (journey from being niche to mainstream)

From Underground Fun to Everyday Buzz: How Real Money Gaming in India is Breaking Barriers?

India’s love affair with card games is not a new phenomenon. There was always a culture of casual betting on card tables at weddings, betting on cricket, playing games such as poker, and teen patti in clubs. But the jump from small-time stakes to all-out cash-in money player games that have turned part-time gamers into pro gamers? It is a change that is worth talking about.

Now, let us explore the evolution of real money gaming in India that was once a side hustle and has now turned out to be a complete entertainment revolution.

The Simple Beginning of Gaming on Real Money

Way back in the early 2000s, there was not even a whisper of what real money gaming was. The majority of Indians perceived money-based gaming as an underground activity or taboo. Online poker and fantasy cricket existed back then, too, just among a niche audience.

The first people who experimented with gaming sites that rewarded in money were the tech-savvy few. By no means was it glam, and by no means was it trusted. It was certainly not an easy track to sprint. Back then, the idea of making actual money out of games would evoke heavy suspicion.

The Smartphone Revolution

Then there was the silent mobile revolution. The availability of cheap smartphones, faster internet, and UPI money transfer opened the doors in an unimaginable way. Real money games were no longer linked to desktop browsers or intricate pay systems. Now, anyone with a basic smartphone and decent internet access can jump in to earn an opportunity to win real cash with these games.

Instantly, a college student can download a play-money gaming app like rummy or poker and participate in a competition and immediately receive winnings for their activity. This openness and availability made even inquirers become everyday users, and naysayers become players.

India has become one of the global leaders in fantasy sports leagues from a mobile-first and real-money perspective. Companies such as OneVerse Gaming have contributed significantly to spreading the legacy of the real money game all over India by ensuring its accessibility, quickness, and legitimacy through its entities such as Rummy777, Calling Station, MyTeam11 and many more.

The grey area of the law aroused interest.

The semi-legal status of real money gaming in the past was one thing that made it alluring to the users. Human beings always tend to test limits. Technically, Indian courts have issued verdicts on games such as rummy and fantasy sports to be games of skill, and not chance. This verdict has opened the door for numerous sites to serve their offerings to players.

Game developers have gone the extra mile to advertise skill-based games as a valid source of income. Questions were asked: is it legal? It is, and what games are legitimate, which ones can reward real money, and how do I play them?

The Spotlight is on Fantasy Sports, Rummy and Poker

Everything changed with the arrival of fantasy cricket leagues. The IPL was not only a sporting event anymore; it was a cash cow. A multitude of fantasy sites have mushroomed in the recent past. Online rummy sites too witnessed a sudden barrage of users since the Covid-19 lockdown, as they were already familiar with the mechanics of the game, having played it since their childhood. Card games like poker and rummy are literally in their golden era and they have people wanting to come back every day. They are not mere pastimes anymore; they are played with an intention. 

Streamers and Influencers in Real Money Gaming

 The next big push was with the arrival of YouTube and Instagram Reels, which brought the relatability factor. In the blink of an eye, everybody could become friends with someone who was earning real money playing games. Their success was just a kick people needed to get on the gaming bandwagon. The message? Gaming is not only entertaining, it is profitable. The audience believed in the faces they watched, and the hype continued to spread. 

Emergence of Skill-Based Informal Competitions

Casual gaming platforms did not trail behind. Even games such as carrom, pool, or trivia began to feature real money contests. What was once a casual after-office chill hobby became an hourly affair where, in a matter of 5 minutes, you could win real cash.

It was evident that real money playing was no longer the reserve of hardcore players. Anyone with the skill can possibly win.

 Did you know? More than 400 million Indians play mobile games, and increasingly, a percentage of them are playing real money challenges at least once a month.

 Small Wagers, Great Results

The trick? Microtransactions. It did not feel like a big thing to wager ₹5 or ₹10. And at the scale of millions of users, it made these gaming companies a billion-dollar business. It was no longer a taboo business, but now a regulated, profitable venture.

What mattered is the success in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where there were not many means of entertainment, real money gaming penetrated into this segment easily since smartphone usage went ubiquitous.

A Dab of Caution 

Naturally, it is not all sunshine and roses. With the influx of more individuals, more questions were raised concerning addiction, transparency, and access by minors. Nevertheless, these were solved by responsible gaming campaigns, KYC checks, and spending limits, enforced by the gaming companies.

What Lies Ahead in the Future of Real Money Gaming in India

The presence of a big prize pool in esports tournaments, integration of casual gaming into the financial industry (fintech), and AI aiding in personal challenges mean that this field has crossed its infancy stages. Though government regulations on real money games remain largely ambiguous and a tad unclear, innovation is ever a step ahead. The day the government frames clear laws and a regulatory body to oversee the e-sports industry is not far off.

Suffice it to say, real money gaming has become an everyday routine for millions and it continues to expand.