Fantasy sports and sports betting are two popular forms of sports entertainment in India, but they differ significantly in nature and legal status. Fantasy sports involve creating virtual teams of real players and earning points based on their actual performance in games. This is considered a game of skill rather than chance, making it legal in most parts of India. Platforms like Dream11 and MyTeam11 have gained massive popularity by offering fantasy cricket, football, and kabaddi leagues.
In contrast, sports betting involves wagering money on the outcome of sporting events, which is largely illegal in India due to its classification as gambling. While some states like Sikkim have legalized certain forms of betting, most traditional sports betting remains prohibited. The key distinction lies in the element of skill versus chance - fantasy sports require research and strategy, while betting relies primarily on luck.
The Indian fantasy sports market has seen tremendous growth, with local products tailored to cricket enthusiasts dominating the landscape. These platforms have successfully tapped into India\“s passion for cricket while operating within the legal framework that distinguishes skill-based games from gambling activities. |
