Emergence & Growth of Fantasy Sports in India

The advancements in technology have bridged many gaps over the years. It has made life a little easier, smooth, and hassle-free. Movie tickets, the best food in the town, private taxis, etc., are now available at one’s fingertips. The Indian gaming industry, too, witnessed an upheaval after the advancements in technology. Fantasy games and fantasy sports have taken the gaming industry by storm in the last three-four years. 

The Fan & Sports – Fantasy Sports

A sports fan is someone who shows unlimited enthusiasm and passion for sports. The fan goes to stadiums, watches the matches on television, and knows the latest happenings in the sporting world. But there existed a gap between the average fan and the sport. Fantasy sports have managed to bridge it and get the fan more closer to the game. 

Fantasy sports is a skill-based game in which a fan has to create a virtual team consisting of real players. The squad, which will have a salary cap, should have a captain and a vice-captain. Each playing position should have a minimum number of players. A fan can join a free/practice or paid contest on a fantasy sports platform. 

Fantasy points are earned based on players’ performance in the match, and the fantasy points system is the basis for calculating points. The fans who accumulate the most points will receive cash rewards based on the ranking and the fantasy premier league or contest they have joined. 

Fantasy Sports in India

Compared to the USA & Canada, India is relatively newcomers in the global fantasy sports industry. Yet, the country has witnessed a massive rise in the number of fantasy sports fans. According to a report published in 2020, 90 million fans played fantasy sports in 2019 compared to two million in 2016.

An undying passion for cricket is one of the reasons for the massive growth of fantasy sports in India. The 4G revolution, too, played a key role. Smartphones quickly became popular in the country, and the 4G-enabled phones helped the fans access fantasy games and other prominent mobile applications. 

With the passion for fantasy games have grown over the years, India is estimated to have more than 650 million gamers by 2025.

Indian Fantasy Sports

From cricket to baseball, the fantasy sports platforms in India host a wide range of sports. But the gentleman’s game, cricket, is undoubtedly the most popular among them. Known as fantasy cricket, it is also one of the most played fantasy games in the country. Fantasy football and fantasy kabaddi, too, have generated massive interest among Indian gaming enthusiasts.

Also Read: How to play fantasy cricket?

Fantasy Cricket 

Much like the actual game, 11 players make a fantasy cricket team. It should have at least one wicketkeeper, three batsmen, one all-rounder, and three bowlers.The playing 11 should have at least four players from one of the teams playing the actual match. Meanwhile, the fantasy points system differs according to the format.

Cricket fans play their favorite tournaments like Indian Premier League (Indian T20), Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), T20I internationals, ODIs, Test matches, and other regional cricket leagues on fantasy sports platforms. 

Also Read: Fantasy Cricket tips

Indian Fantasy Platforms

Five years ago, only less than ten companies offered fantasy sports or even other fantasy games. Now there are more than 150 companies that provide virtual sports gaming to fantasy gamers. Cricket, football, and kabaddi are the most popular fantasy sports on these platforms. But Basketball, Rugby, Baseball, Hockey, too, are also hosted by many gaming platforms.  

First Games – Numero Uno in Fantasy Games

First Games app, powered by Paytm, emerged as the most engaging fantasy sports platform in the Indian fantasy gaming industry. More than 4.5 million fans play their favorite fantasy sport at First Games. The cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is the brand ambassador of the First Games fantasy sports, which hosts fantasy cricket, fantasy football, and fantasy kabaddi. The other fantasy games list on the platform includes Rummy, Call Break, Horse Racing, etc. 

Refer & Earn, The GURU,  Sports 24*7

Why do millions of gamers play fantasy games at First Games? What makes the app stand out from other fantasy gaming platforms? Here’s a look at a few of the unique features of the First Games app.  

The Refer & Earn program helps gamers earn cash rewards while their friends join First Games and make a deposit on the platform. Also, fantasy gamers can grab amazing bonuses while adding cash to their wallet and when joining particular fantasy sports contests. 

The Guru section on the app aims to provide relevant match-related information. Fantasy gamers can view teams made by the experts, recent fantasy stats of the players, the form guide of both teams, and many more on the First Games app. 

Whether it is the T20 World Cup or a regional tournament, First Games offer fantasy gamers matches happening across the globe. T20, T10, ODI,Tests, major European football league, Indian Super League, international football matches, Pro Kabaddi League, etc., are hosted on the platform. 

Is fantasy sports legal in India? 

Barring a few *states, fantasy sports is legal in India and recognized as a game of skills. It is an online fantasy game, where success depends on knowledge of the game, in-depth research, playing experience of the fantasy gamer, etc. 

Recently, the Madras High Court observed that online games like rummy, poker, etc., are games of skill and struck down an amendment made to the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, which banned online games.  

*Currently, as per the applicable laws in India, people residing in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Nagaland, and Sikkim are not allowed to participate in paid contests.

The fantasy sports business model brings together passionate sports fans on a common platform. They can put their skills and knowledge to the test and win exciting cash prizes. Fantasy gamers are free to join paid or free/practice fantasy premier leagues/contests. Ultimately, fantasy sports is about nurturing the fans’ passion and rewarding them for their skills.