7 days ago
Offshore betting thrives in Telangana despite blanket ban: Study
Despite Telangana's blanket ban on online real-money gaming, 87% of users still bet daily, mostly on offshore casino and sports platforms, according to a latest survey by a civil society organisation — Public Response Against Helplessness & Action for Redressal (PRAHAR).
According to the study 'Click. Bet. Repeat', 96% of the respondents, who all indulge in real-money gaming, are aware that such activity is illegal in Telangana. Yet a staggering 87% report betting daily, primarily on offshore sports betting and casino platforms that operate beyond the reach of Indian law.
Based on responses from 2,671 users, the study captures the widespread reliance on foreign operators and the easy circumvention of legal restrictions. Nearly 89% said they face virtually no barriers to accessing these platforms. VPNs, Telegram links, and anonymous wallets have become common workarounds, with 94% of users bypassing real-name KYC protocols and 86% funding their accounts through UPI transfers via agents or friends.
Stake, 1xBet, 1win, Teen Patti 979, and colour-prediction apps emerged as the most frequently used platforms. Users reported being targeted through social media advertisements, influencer promotions, WhatsApp messages, and calls, indicating the depth of digital outreach these operators deploy.
The user base is predominantly young, male, and digitally savvy. Around 62% are under 30, and while men dominate at 78%, women account for a significant 22%. The activity cuts across income brackets, with 60% from households earning below ₹30,000 per month.
Despite frequent losses — 99% have lost money — most respondents still believe they are net gainers. 'The average monthly spends between ₹500–₹5,000 may seem minor, but add up significantly over time, especially for low-income users,' the report said.
Interestingly, while awareness of the ban is nearly universal, 94% of respondents want real-money gaming platforms to be legalised and regulated in the State.
PRAHAR president Abhay Raj Mishra said the findings illustrate a policy failure. 'What was seen as a bold preventive measure in 2017 has only succeeded in driving out domestic operators and inviting offshore syndicates to dominate the market. The result is a thriving grey economy that undermines national security and digital sovereignty,' he said.
