A recent study by CUTS International, reported by Outlook Business, reveals significant shifts in the Indian online gambling landscape following the implementation of the PROG Act, which bans real money gaming (RMG) in India as of October 1, 2025.
The research surveyed 3,000 former users of local RMG operators across three regions, highlighting some key findings:
- 18 percentage points increase in the share of players using offshore iGaming operators on average across the three regions since the PROG Act took effect.
- 92% in Maharashtra (an increase of 25 percentage points).
- 83% in Tamil Nadu (an increase of 14-15 percentage points).
- 82% in Delhi NCR (an increase of 14-15 percentage points).
- 40% daily activity among offshore iGaming operators (up from 2-3% before the ban).
- 40% of users spend more than 2 hours playing.
- $271 sharp increase in monthly spending with offshore iGaming operators.
- 18-24 age group is the fastest-growing demographic in terms of spending.
Young and low-income users have been identified as the most vulnerable group in this shift.
The Director of Research at CUTS International noted that the ban has not reduced the overall RMG market but has instead redirected players to unregulated offshore iGaming operators. He called for a balanced regulatory approach rather than a complete prohibition.
According to the study, players are finding offshore iGaming operators through channels on Telegram and WhatsApp groups, while continuing to use the local UPI payment system for transactions.