India’s RMG Ban Pushes Players Toward Offshore Betting
A new survey by public policy think tank CUTS International shows that offshore betting activity in India has surged following the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act in October 2025. The study found offshore platform usage rising from 68.3% before the ban to 82% afterward, suggesting demand has shifted rather than declined.
Based on responses from 1,000 former RMG users in the Delhi-NCR region, the survey highlights notable changes in spending and engagement patterns. A growing share of users now spend between ₹5,000 and ₹9,999 per month on offshore platforms, while a new segment has emerged spending over ₹10,000 monthly. Daily usage and session lengths have also increased sharply, pointing to deeper engagement on foreign sites.
Researchers note that the ban removed regulated domestic alternatives, prompting players to consolidate their activity offshore. Familiar payment methods, ease of access, and attractive promotions were cited as key reasons behind the migration.
Legal experts warn that the trend creates serious enforcement challenges. Offshore operators fall outside India’s jurisdiction, making it difficult to impose KYC, AML, or consumer protection standards. Without new laws or international cooperation, regulators have limited tools to intervene.
Industry stakeholders say the shift has disrupted India’s gaming ecosystem. Domestic operators, affiliates, and media firms have reportedly lost revenue and jobs, while offshore platforms continue to grow unchecked.
The findings underline a central policy dilemma. Demand for real-money gaming remains strong, but restrictive measures may be driving users toward less regulated environments. Analysts suggest that a structured regulatory framework could better protect consumers while preserving economic value for the domestic market.
