In recent years, South Asia has begun to draw serious attention from international gambling firms seeking new audiences and lower traffic costs. The region’s rapid digital growth, youthful population, and deep interest in cricket have made it especially appealing for entrepreneurs in 2025. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal are all seeing a rise in iGaming services, new product launches, and alternative monetisation tools.
This article by Casino Market provides a detailed examination of each of these territories. It presents real user data, performance numbers, and tips gathered from traffic experts and specialists with on-the-ground experience. Instead of broad assumptions, we offer a practical review based on verified metrics to help operators choose the best location for a casino launch.
India: Diversity, Demand and Digital Strength
India is now the most populous country, with around 1.42 billion people. Income levels differ widely based on profession and background. The average monthly pay at the end of 2024 was 31,875 rupees, equivalent to approximately $400.
India’s gambling sector is rising fast. The vast potential user base offers iGaming brands strong scaling opportunities and market share growth.
According to Statista, companies' earnings are expected to increase annually by 2.97% between 2024 and 2029.
Projections include:
- 2025 revenue — $8.01 billion;
- earnings per player — $107.40;
- user coverage in 2025 — 5.1%;
- 2029 forecasted income — $9 billion;
- active punters by 2029 — 80 million.
The main growth driver in the region is sports betting, especially on cricket. Revenue from this vertical is expected to hit $2.19 billion in 2025 and may rise by 5.32% annually, reaching $2.7 billion by 2029.
According to YouGov, over half of India’s residents follow cricket. Tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League are among the top favourites.
Leading Brands and Local Rules
India’s market includes both global corporations and smaller iGaming firms.
As of May 2025, SEMrush showed the following traffic figures:
- Stake — 49.51 million visits;
- Lottery Sambad Result — 2.64 million;
- 1xBet — 2.4 million;
- BC.GAME — 773,170;
- Nagaland State Lotteries — 747,590;
- Lottoland Asia — 548,260.
Poker is especially popular. PokerBaazi ranks high, and Zynga Poker saw 401,920 visits.
India’s approach differs by state. Some regions allow skill-based games, while others ban them entirely. In March 2025, the Ministry of Finance blocked 357 gambling sites and froze 2,400 bank accounts. However, offshore platforms remain popular due to fast adaptation, mirrored domains, and crypto tools.
News about the disclosure of online gambling networks and the arrest of organisers periodically appears in the news agenda. However, enforcement mainly targets residents and those involved in fraud.
Practical Advice from Banzai Partners
According to experts from the Banzai Partners affiliate programme, Indian audiences respond best to familiar visuals and themes.
Based on Banzai’s findings, effective strategies include:
- best-performing styles — local legends, Bollywood-inspired art, INR currency;
- languages to use — Hinglish (Hindi-English mix), pure Hindi;
- proven phrases — clear CTAs like “Get started now” or “Reward is just a click away”.
Among other useful tactics are clip formats with cricket fans cheering, visuals showing top-up features, and moving odds or countdowns to create urgency.
Popular user touchpoints:
- Telegram and WhatsApp distribution;
- localised Facebook campaigns;
- SEO and ASO tailored to mobile screens.
Banzai Partners advises avoiding overuse of Google Display Network (GDN) due to high ban rates, desktop-only formats, and long, static banners on major media pages.
Top digital titles for Indian audiences include:
- Aviator;
- Aviatrix;
- JetX;
- Burning Wins;
- Coin Volcano.
Due to sudden restrictions, companies now invest more in tracking tools and adaptive formats than in traffic boosts. It is crucial to spread ad sources, maintain back-ups, and avoid bait-based tactics. Free offers attract low-value gamblers who damage campaign results.
Festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and the IPL tournament drive sharp traffic spikes.
Bangladesh: Growing Coverage Under Tight Control
Bangladesh has a population of around 171.5 million. The average salary is around $219 per month, although those with degrees or specialised skills earn considerably more. A person with 2–5 years of experience can gain up to 32% more than someone in a junior role, according to Remote People.
Sector's Overview
Most gambling activities are officially blocked, but real usage continues to rise.
Statista and 6Wresearch give the following forecasts:
- 2025 income — $68.13 million;
- per-user revenue — $3.74;
- active punters by 2030 — 23.9 million;
- coverage in 2025 — 10.3%;
- predicted reach by 2030 — 13%;
- annual growth rate — 7.97%.
Rising smartphone ownership, improved mobile internet quality, and a younger demographic are all driving demand.
The top performers of May 2025 were:
- Stake — 250,820 visits;
- 1xBet — 203,810;
- MelBet — 200,630;
- BC.GAME — 123,990;
- bwin — 46,320;
- Bet365 — 38,640.
Desktop users still form a large group. Stake’s traffic was 31.22%, and Bet365’s was around 18.57%.
Tighter Control in 2025
In May, Bangladesh issued a new Cybersecurity Decree. It imposed stricter penalties and clarified that celebrities should not appear in promotional materials. The government set fines of up to $90,000 and may apply prison terms. Monitoring of Telegram groups and streaming apps has been intensified.
Pakistan: Discreet Activity and Sharp User Growth
Pakistan is home to 247.5 million people. The average salary is around $290 per month. However, in high-paying positions, income exceeds the norm by 2–3 times.
Current Outlook
TGM conducted a study, which showed the following:
- 7.4% of locals visit gambling portals regularly;
- 12% of all punters use betting-related platforms daily;
- 14% wager several times a week.
According to Statista, the total industry revenue will reach $3.12 million in 2025.
Top names by traffic in May 2025 included:
- MelBet — 592,970 visits;
- BC.GAME — 500,390;
- Stake — 321,090;
- 1xBet — 214,220;
- Gamdom — 120,140.
Sites with tips and match previews like Timeform and Oddschecker each had over 175,000 visits, showing that punters rely on statistics before placing bets.
Under the 1977 Gambling Act, only horse racing and lotteries are allowed. Violators face fines or jail. Banks monitor wager-related transactions, so crypto and e-wallets are heavily used.
Expert Tips from MelBet Partners
Specialists from MelBet Partners, whose platforms received the most visits in May 2025, shared their insights into working in Pakistan’s iGaming sector.According to MelBet professionals, among the most popular titles are:
- Chicken Road (leading local pick);
- Aviatrix;
- Aviator;
- JetX.
Main tips for success include keeping visuals short and light, showing rupees and bonus figures, and combining English with local dialects when needed. Among effective strategies are native clips with cricket visuals, personal welcome offers, and app-based tools like PWAs for quick launches.
Traffic channels that bring good results:
- In-App;
- RichAds;
- Android (AAP);
- Facebook for mobile apps;
- Progressive Web Apps (PWA).
Weak spots in this area include:
- strict guidelines around advertising;
- high risk of blocked accounts on Facebook and TikTok;
- short creative lifespan.
MelBet Partners recommends using a “mirror brand” approach to reduce risk while keeping visual style consistent. If traffic is generated through influencers, they are cautious about sharing links but avoid naming the product. Sudden internet shutdowns or delays in matches can affect the visiting rates. It is essential always to be ready to adjust quickly.
Despite strict policies, many businesses see better results in Pakistan than in other Tier-3 regions.
Nepal: Compact but High-Potential Territory
Nepal’s population in 2025 stands at 29.7 million. The average monthly income is 33,000 Nepalese rupees (NPR), which is equivalent to $239.
Gambling Sector's Overview
6Wresearch expects a 10.7% annual upsurge by 2026. Growth drivers include wider mobile access, official discussions around local rules, and improved awareness.
Top performers by traffic in May 2025 were:
- MelBet — 236,850;
- 1xBet — 220,820;
- Stake — 127,992;
- BC.Game — 58,910;
- Sportsbet — 12,270.
Gambling is regulated, but only foreigners can access casino services, whether online or in physical venues. Permits are issued by the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. Licence fees for land-based facilities are NPR 25 million, and for online platforms — NPR 10 million.
Banzai Partners Insights
Short, dynamic videos showing the wild emotions of winning are among the most popular and effective tools for attracting the audience. Materials in English and Nepali work very well.
Operators should use images of local rupees rather than dollars or euros. Such regional holidays as Dashain are recommended to be mentioned as well.
Key traffic sources are:
- Facebook;
- Google Ads;
- Telegram and WhatsApp groups;
- YouTube teasers in “spin the reels” format during breaks in matches.
Gamblers in Nepal are especially drawn to certain types of content.
These are the current favourites:
- top slots include Coin Volcano, Burning Wins, and Mental;
- crash games, such as Aviator and Dice, continue to trend;
- live shows like Crazy Time, XXXtreme, and Teen Patti stay popular.
Despite increased smartphone usage, certain issues still hinder progress. Network coverage remains inconsistent across regions, and mobile internet frequently disconnects without warning. Large files or heavy media can cause long loading times, which may frustrate punters. To improve reach, it is best to provide lighter content that works well even on slower connections.
As Nepal’s online audience grows, success depends on staying relevant to local habits. Familiar touches, faster formats, and practical access tools are proving to be the most reliable strategy.
The Main Things About South Asian iGaming Markets in 2025
Just a few years ago, South Asia was ignored by most companies working with global traffic. Now, it is seen as a future-proof region where prompt response and cultural insight can deliver long-term results.
The main reasons for the rapid growth of South Asian gambling jurisdictions are:
- high demand for sports products and casino games;
- a global trend towards localisation and an appreciation of national cultural traditions;
- the fast spread of internet technologies, particularly among a young, mobile-oriented audience.
Learn more about the business perspectives and legislative situation in different regions at the Casino Market studio. Contact our team to purchase effective solutions for successfully launching in any jurisdiction. We offer top software from leading providers, promotional services, reliable payment systems, and much more.
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