No gambling market in the world has the untapped market that India has. While it might have an enormous population, similar to China, it doesn’t have the same specific region where people can flock to gamble, like Macau.
Sikkim is only one of three states in India that has regulated gambling. While this obviously contributes to its reputation as one of the top gambling destinations, online gamblers comprise a much broader market—and this is where Sikkim shines.
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The Appeal of Sikkim
Only 3 of the 28 states in India allow gambling—Sikkim, Goa, and Daman. While this is obviously a primary reason why Sikkim appeals as a destination for gamers, there are other considerations. For instance, the online lotto that all Indians can play operates out of Sikkim; it is one of the main driving forces behind the state’s economy.
Online gamblers, of course, operate from all corners of the globe. The difficulty for regulators in India is that a lot of the black market activity stems from many casinos that offer Rupee payments and aren’t registered or allowed to offer their services to Indian customers. The Internet is simply far too vast to police and shut down these companies.
While this may eventually lead to widespread regulation, Sikkim is one of the standout destinations for Indian gamblers, and it’s the leading economy associated with the state—given that’s where the lotto is headquartered.
The Importance of Responsible Gambling
Regulated gambling is crucial as it means Indians can bet within the confines of the law. It also ensures that consumers are protected from problematic platforms and must abide by responsible gambling practices.
All sites under the Sikkim jurisdiction must have a clear set of rules and signposts for bettors looking for assistance with problem gaming. They need to have deposit and time limit options, too, so those who can monitor their gambling and bet within an acceptable range can also put stopgaps in place to ensure their experience remains fun.
For those who believe their gambling is veering into problem territory, there are multiple charities available online, including support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, which can assist those gamblers looking to abstain completely.
Why is it a Top Destination for Online Gamblers?
Online gambling first grew in the UK in the early 2000s, which is the basis of today’s multi-billion-dollar market. Many gambling laws and regulations in Sikkim, Goa, and Daman stem from the blueprint set by the revolutionary UK Gambling Act 2005, which covered land-based casinos and, at the time, the rising potential of online casinos and sports betting platforms.
Online games like classic 8-ball pool will always draw an audience; they’re cheap, accessible, and easy to play. In contrast, online casino gaming and broader gambling markets must fall into a much tighter framework to showcase themselves as viable operations.
However, tourism is one of Sikkim’s other big industries—the number one industry. Sikkim has some of India’s most beautiful mountain terrains and, by default, anywhere in the world. The Himalayan backdrop and the appeal of authentic, rural Indian living attract people worldwide.
After unveiling their new airport in 2018, tourists worldwide now have easy access to the more remote parts of Sikkim. Previously, tourists would have to go via the mountain road to access many of these areas, with weather conditions often causing a headache for local authorities.
Those who play casino games online won’t be traveling to Sikkim because of its favorable gambling laws. Although this helps the state grow its economy and puts it on the radar for gamblers, there’s so much more to see for those who are coming from overseas; it’s just that once you add this additional benefit, it adds to the appeal of the broader package.
So, What’s the Big Deal About Sikkim?
It’s the range—there’s much more to do than in Vegas, where the whole trip revolves around casinos. If the power went down in Vegas, you’d be stuck for things to do, but in Sikkim, you’re nestled in one of the most picturesque Indian states!
Macau is the same; it’s an area that generates even more money than Vegas and brings in gamblers from across China. While they have tried to adopt a similar Vegas angle and offer entertainment, shows, and restaurants, Sikkim is an entirely different world.
Himalayan peaks, tea gardens, paddy fields, authentic Indian culture, and a thriving tourist scene that focuses on the beauty and authenticity of Indian food—yum!
On a clear day, the views are stunning, and even I, someone who writes for a living, find it difficult to say just how beautiful they are. I’d go as far as to say that tourism in Sikkim, driven by this natural beauty, helps sell it as a much more well-rounded tourist destination. Its favorable approach to gambling laws and legislation is simply the cherry on the cake—it could survive without it.
Final Thoughts
Who knows, maybe a decade from now, India might have gambling laws that apply to every state and allow a flourishing market where bettors can access online casinos and sports betting sites—that would be a spanner in the works for Sikkim regulators.
While this is good for the consumer, if the market expands into fresh new terrain, it creates an issue for those with a grip on the market. While Sikkim is in a promising position as the home of the Indian lotto, it shouldn’t feel the impact as severely, given that it has so much more to offer those looking to jet into its brand-spanking-new airport and see what it has to offer.