A Comprehensive Analysis of Betway's Unplugging from the Indian Market

Anil Panesar - Senior WriterAnil Panesar - 17 October 2023 in News
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One of the most renowned names in the online gambling sector, Betway, has formally declared its exit from the Indian market. This announcement signifies a huge shift in India's digital betting landscape, given Betway's long standing presence and massive user base.

This news raises vital questions around the regulations, tax policies, and the future trajectory of the online gambling industry in India. As we here at IndiaCasinoClub.net talked about just last week, the massive tax hike for gambling already caused Super Group to exit India.

Why Is Betway Exiting the Indian Gambling Market?

The crux of Betway's decision to depart from the Indian market lies in the government's latest taxation overhaul, which escalated the Goods and Services Tax to an exorbitant 28% on online gaming, casinos, and horse racing.

Previously, the tax was set at a more reasonable 18%, calculated on Gross Gaming Revenue —the difference between the bets placed and the winnings paid out to customers. This abrupt change in taxation renders operations in India economically unfeasible for Betway, pushing them to exit the market and refocus their resources on other, less taxing international markets.

The 28% Gambling Tax and Its Profound Impact on the Industry

India's decision to impose a 28% GST has deep-rooted implications for the online gambling industry at large. Initially intended to curb unregulated gambling activities and contribute to government revenue, the steep tax rate has had a ripple effect, creating challenges even for legitimate operators.

Let's delve into the economics: imagine a bet of ?100 placed on a game with odds of 2.0. Under the new tax structure, the platform is obligated to pay ?28 as GST to the government, leaving them with ?72. If the player wins, the payout would be ?200, resulting in a loss of ?128 for the platform—making the operation unsustainable. This new tax policy significantly dents profit margins and provides little incentive for platforms like Betway and bet365 to continue their Indian operations.

Who is Betway, and What Makes Their Departure Significant?

Betway, a subsidiary of the broader Super Group, has been a mainstay in the Indian online gambling arena, offering an extensive list of sports betting opportunities, casino games, and even live dealer experiences.

Their departure will leave a void in the industry due to their commitment to user engagement, facilitated through various promotions and bonuses, such as a 100% welcome bonus of up to ?60,000 for casino games. Their departure signals the loss of a platform that enriched the Indian betting ecosystem with diversity and credibility.

The Pressing Need for Alternatives to Betway

The vacuum left by Betway's exit creates an urgent need for other platforms to step up their game. This is not merely a matter of filling an empty slot but also about addressing the high expectations set by Betway in terms of game variety, betting odds, and promotional bonuses.

Fun88 as a Viable Alternative: A Closer Inspection

As other platforms exit, Fun88 is emerging as a powerful contender. This global brand has demonstrated its commitment to adhere to local regulations, thus safeguarding its position in the Indian market. Besides its robust sports betting portfolio, Fun88 offers a multitude of casino games that include slots, poker, and more.

Moreover, Fun88 isn't just a placeholder; it has its own merits. The company's partnership with Newcastle United adds credence to its sports betting offerings. With its recent expansion into the Vietnamese market through the launch of fun88zone.net, Fun88 shows promising signs of global outreach.

Navigating a Changing Landscape

Although Betway's exit may make the options appear limited, the Indian gambling landscape is far from barren. Platforms like Fun88 are stepping up to offer a compelling betting experience, fully compliant with the local laws. Keep an eye on our curated lists for legal and top-quality online casinos and sports betting platforms to ensure your gambling adventures continue unabated.

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