The Growth of Fantasy Sports in India

The fantasy sports market has grown rapidly in India, becoming one of the most promising entertainment industries in the country. Driven by the popularity of cricket and the increased penetration of smartphones and the internet, fantasy sports are attracting millions of fans eager for an interactive experience with their favourite sports.

What are fantasy sports?

Fantasy sports allow users to create virtual teams of real players, who compete based on their performance in live sporting events. Points are awarded to the virtual players based on their actual match statistics. In the case of India, cricket dominates the scene, although other sports such as football and kabaddi are also gaining popularity on fantasy platforms.

Users of these platforms, such as Dream11, MyTeam11 and Mobile Premier League (MPL), compete against each other in tournaments, testing their sports knowledge and strategies, with the chance to win cash prizes. The concept of fantasy sports has become a central part of the experience for many Indian fans, offering a new way to engage with the sports they love.

Factors that motivate growth

Several factors have contributed to the impressive growth of fantasy sports in India. Firstly, cricket, which is a favourite in the country, plays a significant role. Major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) attract millions of users. According to a report by the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), over 100 million people participated in fantasy sports during the 2022 IPL.

Another factor is the rise of digital connectivity in India. With the advent of more affordable smartphones and the availability of low-cost internet plans, more Indians are gaining access to fantasy sports platforms. According to a KPMG report, India had over 500 million internet users in 2022, many of whom are using the internet to access entertainment platforms, including fantasy sports.

Additionally, gamification and the possibility of winning cash prizes make fantasy sports even more interesting. Many platforms offer daily and weekly tournaments, which keep users engaged and active.

Economic impact

The economic impact of fantasy sports in India is remarkable. The Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports estimates that this market was worth around $3.7 billion in 2023, and projections indicate that it could reach $8.6 billion by 2025. In addition to generating significant revenue, the industry has also created employment opportunities, especially in the areas of technology, marketing, and customer support.

Some platforms have attracted investments. The Dream11 have become the first fantasy sports company in India to achieve unicorn status, with a valuation of over $1 billion. This demonstrates the huge growth potential of this sector in the country and the confidence of investors.

Challenges and regulation

Despite its impressive growth, the fantasy sports industry in India faces regulatory challenges. Gambling laws in India are complicated and vary from state to state, which creates uncertainty. In some states, such as Tamil Nadu, fantasy sports have been temporarily banned. This due to confusion over whether they should be classified as games of chance or games of skill.

However, most Indian courts have considered fantasy sports to be a game of skill. This classification excludes it from the general prohibitions on gambling. Therefore, the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports has been working with authorities to ensure that regulations are clear and consistent, allowing the industry to continue to grow without legal obstacles.

Conclusion

The growth of fantasy sports in India is a reflection of the country’s love for sports, combined with technological advancement and increased digital accessibility. With millions of active users and billions of dollars in revenue, fantasy sports are quickly becoming an essential part of India’s sports culture and online entertainment.