When did fantasy sports became popular in India & Why?

Whether it’s cricket, football or even kabaddi, with the players, around 18 crore users also play the sports through the platform of fantasy sports. The number of users of the fantasy sports gaming platform in India has increased from about 1.5 crores to more than 15 crores in the last two years. The number is expected to go up to 30 crores in a year from now. Every popular Indian Cricketer is now endorsing fantasy cricket, and many popular fantasy sports companies are even sponsoring the Tournaments. After the success of Indian Fantasy Cricket League, other fantasy sports games were introduced through different platforms. In India, most popular fantasy sports are cricket, football, Kabaddi, basketball, hockey and badminton. 

So why fantasy sports have become so popular in India?

The growth of fantasy cricket can be ascribed to two main reasons. The first is that it tends to make the sport more interactive for the fans. In fantasy sports, users have the freedom to choose their own team and appoint their own captain and vice-captain. The second reason is the improvement in technology. The arrival of technology has given a massive boost to the online sports gaming industry in India.

Is fantasy sports legal in India?

Many people in India still thinks that fantasy gaming is similar to sports betting and thus, should be banned. Betting and gambling on sports events that involve luck are banned in India. But the Supreme Court has sanctioned fantasy game as legal, commercial activities. The court ruled in 2017 that a Fantasy game involve a substantial degree of skill, and was, therefore, a legitimate business activity.

Which are the best websites to play fantasy sports?

Sports fans can engage with fantasy sports games through the following popular platforms in India to play fantasy cricket, India fantasy football, fantasy Kabaddi and other fantasy leagues.

Some of the websites are Dream11, MyTeam11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Halaplay, etc.

How To Play Fantasy Sport

· Fantasy Cricket: In fantasy cricket, you need to create your own fantasy cricket team from the upcoming matches and the points are given depending upon the player's performance in the match.

· Fantasy Football: Pick any football match and create your fantasy football team as per the instructions of the platform by using your skills.

Select your captain and vice-captain. After the completion of the match, the scores/points are finalized and the winners are declared based upon the points.

· Fantasy Kabaddi: Select a match and create fantasy Kabaddi squad of 9 players, consisting of Raiders, All Rounders and Defenders. Join a contest and win prizes.