Several major international casino and betting brands are actively targeting the Indian sports betting market, leveraging offshore operations and aggressive marketing strategies to attract Indian users. These brands are not based in India due to the country’s restrictive gambling laws, but they have established a strong presence through digital advertising, sponsorships, and tailored offerings.

Key International Casino Brands Targeting India

Fun88: Based in the British Virgin Islands, Fun88 has intensified its advertising and marketing efforts in India, especially around major cricket events like the T20 Women’s World Cup. The brand is known for its high-profile sponsorships and partnerships with sports teams and celebrities to appeal to Indian bettors.

Parimatch: Parimatch is a prominent offshore betting site that has become a household name among Indian sports bettors. It is frequently cited in media reports as one of the most popular platforms for Indian users, especially in the absence of legal domestic options.

Betway: Another major international player, Betway, is widely used by Indian bettors. The platform offers a comprehensive sportsbook with a strong focus on cricket and other sports popular in India.

Unibet: Unibet, a leading global online gambling company, offers sports betting, casino games, and live betting services. While not as heavily marketed as some other brands, it is accessible to Indian users and is part of the broader trend of international brands entering the market.

Dafabet: Dafabet is well-known in Asia and has made significant inroads into the Indian market, offering cricket-focused betting options and promotions tailored to Indian preferences.

1xBet: 1xBet is another offshore operator with a large Indian user base, known for its wide range of sports markets, including cricket, and support for local payment methods.

Other Notable Brands: Brands like W88, Lotus365, and XBet are also targeting Indian bettors, often using digital and outdoor advertising, as well as influencer partnerships, to build brand recognition.

Market Dynamics and Strategies

These brands operate from jurisdictions with favorable gambling regulations, allowing them to circumvent Indian laws that prohibit domestic sports betting operations.

They attract Indian users by offering localized payment options, customer support in regional languages, and promotions tied to major Indian sporting events.

Aggressive marketing, including sponsorship of cricket teams and events, is a common strategy to build trust and visibility among Indian sports fans.

Legal and Regulatory Context

Indian law prohibits sports betting companies from operating within the country, but there is no explicit ban on Indian users accessing offshore platforms.

The lack of a clear regulatory framework has enabled these international brands to capture a significant share of the Indian sports betting market, despite ongoing debates about legality and consumer protection.

Better Choice for Sports Bettors

In summary, international casino and betting brands such as Fun88, Parimatch, Betway, Unibet, Dafabet, and 1xBet are aggressively targeting the Indian sports betting market through offshore operations, tailored offerings, and high-visibility marketing campaigns, capitalizing on the country’s passion for cricket and the absence of regulated domestic alternatives.