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Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Telangana's blanket ban is turbo-charging the offshore online sports betting and casino economy, kills domestic gaming industry: finds PRAHAR consumer survey
A new report from Delhi-based civil society group PRAHAR (Public Response Against Helplessness and Action for Redressal) has uncovered the persistent rise of offshore online sports betting and casino platforms in Telangana despite a sweeping state-wide ban on all kinds of online real-money platforms. The study reveals how sports betting and casino operators—most of them foreign offshore entities—continue to engage users directly through aggressive digital marketing, celebrity endorsements, and encrypted platforms, circumventing enforcement and raising critical threats to digital sovereignty and public safety. The study titled Click. Bet. Repeat: Consumer Survey on Forces Driving Online Betting and Gambling in Telangana, is based on a comprehensive field study of 2,671 respondents who indulge in real money gaming . It uncovers how foreign betting operators target Indian users through online ads, YouTube videos, Telegram groups, and meme pages, often using local influencers to add legitimacy. Explains Mr. Abhay Raj Mishra, President & National Convenor of PRAHAR: 'Telangana led the way in 2017 with a blanket ban on all online real-money plays—skill or chance—without even drawing a line between legal and illegal play. What was hailed as a bold move has, in reality, created the perfect storm for offshore sports betting and casino to thrive unchecked.' 'Eight years on, the evidence is undeniable: the ban has failed. Instead of protecting citizens, it has driven domestic operators out and handed the market on a silver platter to offshore betting syndicates. This has left users more vulnerable than ever. The newly formed SIT has its work cut out—but let's be clear: more bans and crackdowns won't solve what is now a deep-rooted menace undermining national security.', he adds Calling out strong recommendations, Mr. Mishra said 'Telangana has a rare second chance. The first, cautious step was a blanket ban; the wiser next step is bold, inclusive policy. Citizens have already moved on—real-money gaming isn't vanishing, it's evolving. The ask isn't to rubber-stamp vice, but to stay ahead of its risks by providing clean avenues for people to play real money games of skill, instead of sports betting and casino. Lead with foresight, not fear, and turn a growing reality into a safer, transparent system that works for everyone.' KEY FINDINGS Illegal, but popular, making national security a casualty 96% of users know real money gaming in Telangana is banned, yet participate in sports betting and casino, with 87% playing daily. This has pushed domestic online platforms away from Telangana, paving way for more sinister activities, with a significant national security risk. Who's Playing — a young, mostly male, broadly educated crowd Nearly two-thirds of users are under 30 (45 % are 18-25 and 17 % are 26-30), and men outnumber women four to one (78 % vs 22 %), yet at 22% women participation is significant. Education is mixed: while 42 % stopped after school, 50% hold a college degree. Students (35 %) and salaried professionals and self-employed (52 %) dominate the occupation split, and the activity cuts across income levels even though 60 % come from households earning under ₹30 000 a month. Getting In and Paying Up — offshore apps, easy work-arounds, anonymous wallets Stake, colour-prediction apps, 1xBet, 1win and Teen Patti are the five most-tried platforms (each 47–70 %). Access is effortless for 89 % of players, with 69 % relying on VPNs to hide their real identity and another 20 % using Telegram links to dodge geo-blocks, and also because they are provided with VPN links in these Telegram groups. Almost everyone plays incognito: 94 % skip real-name KYC, and 86 % fund accounts via UPI transfers routed through friends or agents, indicating existence of mule accounts, far ahead of wallets (14 %), cash (8 %) and cards (6 %). Usage Intensity — daily play, modest tickets for most Engagement is extreme: 87 % log in every day. Seven in ten spend ₹500–₹2 000 a month and 73 % keep wagers below 1 % of household income, yet 12 % already risk 5 % or more, signalling an at-risk minority. Wins, Losses and the 'I'm Ahead' Illusion Losses are almost universal (99 %), but so are wins (99 %). Four-fifths have lost between ₹1 000 and ₹10 000, while 71 % have won in the same band; about one in five have crossed the ₹10 000 mark on winnings and 5 % on losses. The near balance feeds the belief—held by 83 %—that they are net positive overall. Mindset & Motivations — chasing quick cash and social proof A spectacular 97 % play for the chance of quick money, 61 % cite entertainment, and half mention social acceptance. Tales of huge payouts lure 87 % into their first game and remain the chief reason (86 %) that grim media stories of debt or suicide do not scare them off. Players also underestimate danger: 64 % think fewer than 1 % of gamblers get into serious trouble. Consumer Sentiment — ban rejected, legalizing welcomed Almost everyone (96 %) knows the pastime is illegal in Telangana, yet plays anyway; 94 % now want the state to legalise and regulate real-money gaming, while only 6 % back the current blanket ban.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Retailers grapple with the challenge of divided consumer values
Consumers are no longer just buying products; they are making statements with their wallets. In today's market, if a retailer does not align with consumers' values, they are quicker to walk away, given the abundance of alternatives that meet their expectations. This has forced businesses to rethink how they engage with their customers and how they react to current events. Increasingly, retailers must consider aligning with the beliefs and causes that resonate with their audiences. Failing to do so risks marring their reputation. This has come into the spotlight with recent reports of Canadians boycotting American products as consumers aim to express disapproval of the Trump administration's new trade policies. As consumers become more politically and socially active, businesses face pressure in a market where to some consumers, values matter just as much as products. Social media, combined with growing consumer awareness of ESG [environmental, social and governance] issues has empowered consumers to take more active roles in their purchasing decisions, and the rise of digital platforms has amplified voices advocating for change. Failing to react to geopolitical issues or integrate sustainability and ethical practices into business strategies can lead to a consumer backlash, as demonstrated by the week-long boycott of Amazon, which began on 7 March 2025, in response to the rollback of its DEI [Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the Workplace] policies and initiatives in the US. According to GlobalData's Q2 2024 Consumer Survey,* 29% of consumers strongly agree that they would stop buying products from a brand if its values did not align with their personal beliefs — although the extent to which consumers follow through with this when they are under financial and time constraints is debatable. Companies that remain silent on certain issues or fail to take meaningful action can face backlash, with consumers not only voicing their dissatisfaction but also boycotting, protesting or publicly calling out brands. Such actions can quickly damage a retailer's reputation, particularly as negative sentiment spreads rapidly through social media and online. In addition to boycotts driven by political or ethical concerns, some consumers also avoid retailers they perceive as "too woke." For instance, Target has faced boycotts from individuals who feel that its promotion of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion efforts were overly political, causing a divide in consumer views on how much a retailer should take a stance on social issues. Brands that embrace transparency and commit to corporate social responsibility can turn consumer expectations into a competitive advantage. For instance, Patagonia has thrived in taking a strong stance on environmental issues, drawing in customers who are willing to pay a premium for products that reflect their values. Its website features a "Take action now" page, for instance allowing consumers to directly submit a form to the Icelandic government, advocating for the ban of open-net salmon farms. Patagonia also includes a dedicated Activism section on its site, where consumers can explore events, sign petitions and access information on causes the brand is passionate about. While brands that prioritise ethics and transparency may not attract the same volume of customers as retailers focused on price and convenience, they can benefit from enhanced customer loyalty and trust. This, in turn, can lead to positive financial outcomes, as loyal customers are more likely to make repeat purchases and advocate for the brand. Over time, this loyalty helps cultivate a more resilient and enduring brand presence in the market. "Retailers grapple with the challenge of divided consumer values" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
