The prohibition of internet gambling in India has destroyed the national cricket team’s sponsorship and shut down a billion-dollar sector that serves hundreds of millions of people.
But participants warn individuals determined to gamble will find a way to access international and unregulated websites, while aficionados of fantasy sport applications can still play, although for prizes and not cash.
Advertising expert Adarsh Sharma, who frequently participated in fantasy sports games, predicted that offshore websites would “see a sudden boom” as Indian gamblers search for a fix.
“A habit once formed cannot be broken easily,” he said. “It is an addiction, and people will find ways to gamble.”
After official data revealed businesses, the Indian parliament last month established a comprehensive bill outlawing internet gambling.
