75% of Players in India Can’t Distinguish Legal iGaming Platforms from Illegal Ones

A survey conducted among 5,000 online gamers in India revealed concerning results: 75% of respondents cannot distinguish legal online gaming platforms from illegal ones. This raises an important question about user safety and awareness in the rapidly growing online gaming sector.

The Problem of Foreign Platforms Masquerading as Legal Ones

The situation is complicated by the presence of foreign platforms that actively disguise themselves as legal gaming applications, offering gambling and betting services. These platforms often mislead players into thinking they are engaging in regular online games when, in fact, they are dealing with gambling, which may be illegal in India. These apps continue to attract attention, especially in major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Coimbatore.

How Players Attempt to Recognize Legal Platforms

Despite the problem, 25% of the respondents claimed they could distinguish legal platforms from illegal ones. However, their methods of identification are not always reliable. Among this group, 49% relied on advertisements, 19% on recommendations from friends, and 15% on the privacy policy. This highlights the need for clearer labeling and better user education about the legality of platforms.

Attitudes Toward Government-Imposed Restrictions

Interestingly, 86% of respondents oppose the introduction of fixed limits on online games by the government. Of these, 44% believe that players should be able to set their own time and money limits before starting a game. Another 24% feel that platform operators should require players to set such limits before they begin to play.

Despite the suggestion of strict government regulations, most players support the idea of self-regulation and platform-based control. This trend indicates that users prefer flexibility and the option to make their own choices regarding their gaming habits.

Frequency of Play and the Popularity of Online Games

According to the survey, 78% of respondents play online games at least once a week, and 35.7% play daily. This confirms the high popularity of online games in India, despite the risks associated with illegal platforms. A large portion of players spends significant time gaming, emphasizing the importance of regulating this market and ensuring a safe experience for users.

Conclusion

The situation with illegal iGaming platforms in India requires attention. While most players cannot immediately identify illegal sites, they also oppose strict government restrictions. It is crucial to create a system that provides a safe gaming experience for players without unnecessary limitations, while also raising awareness of the risks associated with illegal platforms.