New Delhi, Mar 14: The rapid growth of real-money online gaming combined with easy access to personal loans is raising concerns about rising financial stress among some players, as losses from gambling activities increasingly translate into long-term debt burdens.
Financial experts say some individuals resort to borrowing in an attempt to recover losses incurred in online betting or gaming platforms, often expecting that a single win could offset previous setbacks.
However, when such attempts fail, borrowers may be left servicing high monthly loan instalments, turning short-term losses into prolonged financial pressure.The issue has gained attention amid the rapid expansion of India’s online gaming industry.
According to the EY-FICCI Media and Entertainment Report 2025, the country had around 488 million online gamers in 2024, making it one of the world’s largest gaming markets.
Of these, more than 155 million users participated in real-money gaming formats such as fantasy sports, poker and rummy, representing a year-on-year increase of about 10 per cent.
Industry estimates also suggest that around 110 million people in India engage in online gaming on a daily basis.
Analysts attribute the sector’s growth to the widespread availability of smartphones, affordable mobile internet services and the expansion of regional language gaming platforms that have broadened access across the country.
Major sporting events, including cricket tournaments, have also contributed to the rising popularity of real-money gaming platforms by increasing user engagement and betting participation.
Financial planners caution that easy access to credit products, including personal loans offered through digital platforms, may amplify risks when combined with gambling behaviour.
Borrowers seeking to recover losses through further betting can find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, with loan repayments consuming a substantial portion of their monthly income.
Experts say the situation highlights the need for greater financial awareness, responsible gaming practices and closer scrutiny of lending practices linked to online gaming activity.
They add that as the digital gaming ecosystem continues to expand, policymakers and financial institutions may need to consider safeguards that address both consumer protection and financial stability concerns.
