India Fantasy Sports Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by Custom Market Insight Market Research Team, the India fantasy sports market is expected to record a CAGR of 13.9% from 2023 to 2030. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 28.98 billion. By 2030, the valuation is anticipated to reach US$ 72.06 billion.

The Fantasy Sports market refers to the online gaming industry where participants create virtual teams comprising real-life players of a particular sport and compete against each other based on the statistical performance of those players in actual games. These games require participants to have a thorough understanding of the sport and its players, and they can win cash prizes or other rewards based on their team’s performance. The Fantasy Sports market has gained immense popularity in recent years, particularly with the increasing availability of high-speed internet and smartphones.

India Fantasy Sports Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

India’s Fantasy Sports market has seen significant growth and investment in recent years, with several major players in the industry experiencing substantial funding rounds and partnerships.

• In 2020, Dream11, the largest fantasy sports platform in India, secured a $225 million investment from tech giants such as Tencent and Sequoia India, bringing the company’s valuation to $2.5 billion. Other notable players in the market include MyTeam11, MPL, and HalaPlay, which have also attracted significant investment and partnerships.
• DraftKings and SBTech – In 2019, DraftKings, a leading provider of daily fantasy sports, announced its merger with SBTech, a global supplier of sports betting and gaming technology. This merger enabled DraftKings to expand its offerings beyond fantasy sports and into the sports betting market.
• FanDuel and Betfair US – In 2018, FanDuel, a major player in the daily fantasy sports market, was acquired by Paddy Power Betfair, an Irish bookmaker. The acquisition allowed FanDuel to expand its offerings into sports betting and online gaming.
• The Stars Group and Sky Betting and Gaming – In 2018, The Stars Group, a Canadian online gaming company, acquired Sky Betting and Gaming, a UK-based sports betting and gaming company. This acquisition gave The Stars Group access to the UK sports betting market, as well as new gaming products and technology.

These mergers and acquisitions demonstrate the consolidation and expansion of companies in the Fantasy Sports market, as they seek to broaden their offerings and enter new markets.

India Fantasy Sports Market – Significant Opportunities

• The India fantasy sports market is expected to witness significant opportunities in the coming years. One of the key factors driving the growth of the market is the increasing popularity of fantasy sports among Indian sports fans. With the rise of digital platforms and the availability of affordable smartphones and high-speed internet connectivity, fantasy sports have become easily accessible to a large number of people in the country.
• Another significant opportunity for the India fantasy sports market is the growing interest of sports leagues and teams in partnering with fantasy sports platforms to engage with fans and promote their brands. Many sports leagues and teams in India have already established partnerships with fantasy sports platforms to create exclusive fantasy leagues and offer special rewards to fans.
• Furthermore, the increasing investments in the fantasy sports industry by venture capitalists and private equity firms are expected to create new opportunities for market growth. These investments will enable fantasy sports platforms to expand their operations, improve their technology, and offer new and innovative features to users.
• Lastly, the favorable regulatory environment for fantasy sports in India is also expected to create significant opportunities for market growth. The legal recognition of fantasy sports as a game of skill, rather than chance, has enabled fantasy sports platforms to operate with greater ease and has attracted more players to the market.

India Fantasy Sports Market – Significant Threats

There are several significant threats that could impact the fantasy sports market, including:

Legal challenges: The legality of fantasy sports in some jurisdictions is still unclear, and legal challenges could impact the growth and adoption of the market.

Scandals: High-profile scandals or instances of fraud in the fantasy sports industry could undermine consumer trust and confidence in the market.

Competition: The fantasy sports market is highly competitive, with numerous established players and new entrants vying for market share. Increased competition could impact the profitability and sustainability of individual companies.

Economic downturns: Economic downturns or recessions could result in reduced disposable income for consumers, leading to decreased spending on non-essential products and services like fantasy sports.

Changing consumer preferences: Changes in consumer preferences, such as a shift towards other forms of entertainment or sports betting, could impact the popularity and growth of the fantasy sports market.

Report Scope

Significant Facts about the Market:

The India fantasy sports market is being primarily driven by the expanding digital gaming ecosystem, which is attributable to the growing internet connectivity and affordability of feature-equipped smartphones. This market is benefiting from the increasing number of sports leagues and annual events, including the IPL T20, ICC Cricket World Cup, Vivo Pro Kabaddi League, among others. Furthermore, the rising popularity of various media channels, such as YouTube channels, vlogs, TV shows, newspaper columns, blogs, and forums, that analyze fantasy sports performances and trends is contributing to the positive outlook for this market.

Several key players are introducing innovative payment solutions that enable safe and verified digital transactions, thereby fostering growth. Additionally, multiple court judgments have sanctioned the skill element of fantasy sports, further stimulating market growth. Ongoing technological advancements in the online gaming sector, including the integration of analytics and blockchain, are also expected to bolster the India fantasy sports market in the coming years.

Category-Wise Insights

By Sports Type:

The Cricket Segment: The India Fantasy Sports market can be segmented based on sports type into cricket, football, and others. The Cricket segment dominates the Indian Fantasy Sports market, owing to the immense popularity of the sport in the country. The majority of the Indian population follows cricket, and it is the most-watched sport in the country. As a result, several fantasy sports platforms are offering a wide range of cricket leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), ICC Cricket World Cup, and T20 World Cup, among others.

The Football Segment: On the other hand, football is also gaining popularity in the Indian market, and the demand for fantasy sports platforms offering football leagues is growing. The introduction of the Indian Super League (ISL) has also contributed to the growth of the football segment in the fantasy sports market.

The Others Segment: The “others” segment includes various sports such as kabaddi, basketball, hockey, and volleyball, among others. Although these sports are not as popular as cricket and football in India, some fantasy sports platforms offer leagues and tournaments for these sports to cater to the needs of their users.

By Platform Type:

The Website Segment: Fantasy sports websites have been in the Indian market for a long time and are the most established platform. These platforms allow users to participate in various fantasy sports leagues through their web browsers. Examples of such websites include Dream11, MyTeam11, and FanFight. These websites have user-friendly interfaces, provide a seamless gaming experience, and offer a wide range of fantasy sports options such as cricket, football, basketball, and kabaddi.

The Mobile Application Segment: With the advent of smartphones, mobile applications have gained immense popularity in the Indian market. Fantasy sports mobile applications are easy to access, offer quick registration, and allow users to participate in multiple leagues simultaneously. Some popular mobile-based fantasy sports platforms in India are Dream11, MyTeam11, FanFight, MPL, and HalaPlay.

By Demographics Type:

Under 25 Years:

The under-25 years age group is the primary demographic segment in India’s fantasy sports market. This group consists of students, young professionals, and those who are passionate about sports. They are tech-savvy, and most of them use smartphones to access the internet. They are more likely to play fantasy sports for fun and entertainment, rather than for financial gain. This group tends to focus on cricket, football, and basketball.

25-40 Years:

The 25-40 years age group is the second-largest demographic segment in India’s fantasy sports market. This group consists of working professionals, entrepreneurs, and with families. They have higher disposable income and are more likely to play fantasy sports for financial gain. They tend to have a broader interest in sports, including cricket, football, kabaddi, and hockey.

Above 40 Years:

The above 40 years age group is the smallest demographic segment in India’s fantasy sports market. This group consists of older working professionals, retirees, and those who are passionate about sports. They are less tech-savvy and tend to have a narrower interest in sports, mainly focusing on cricket and football. However, with the increasing popularity of fantasy sports, this group is also starting to participate in the market.

In conclusion, India’s fantasy sports market is dominated by the under-25 years age group, with the 25-40 years age group following closely behind. The market is expected to continue growing, with new demographics joining in. Understanding these demographic segments is crucial for fantasy sports operators to develop effective marketing strategies and engage with their target audience.

India Fantasy Sports Market – Regional Analysis

India’s fantasy sports market has been growing rapidly in recent years, with increasing popularity and adoption of digital technology. Here is a regional analysis of the Indian fantasy sports market:

North India:

North India is the largest market for fantasy sports in India, accounting for around 40% of the total market share. The region has a large population base, high internet penetration, and a significant fan base for cricket, which is the most popular sport for fantasy sports in India. Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are the leading states in terms of fantasy sports adoption.

South India:

South India is the second-largest market for fantasy sports in India, accounting for around 25% of the total market share. The region has a high literacy rate, high smartphone penetration, and a significant fan base for cricket, football, and kabaddi. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are the leading states in terms of fantasy sports adoption.

West India:

West India is the third-largest market for fantasy sports in India, accounting for around 20% of the total market share. The region has a high urbanization rate, high disposable income, and a significant fan base for cricket, football, and basketball. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are the leading states in terms of fantasy sports adoption.

East India:

East India is the smallest market for fantasy sports in India, accounting for around 15% of the total market share. The region has a lower per capita income and lower smartphone penetration compared to other regions. However, the popularity of cricket and football is high in this region, and the market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar are the leading states in terms of fantasy sports adoption.

Competitive Landscape and Recent Developments – India Fantasy Sports Market

The India fantasy sports market is highly competitive, with a large number of players operating in the space. Here is an overview of the top competitive landscape:

• Dream11:

Dream11 is the market leader in the Indian fantasy sports market, with over 100 million registered users. The company was founded in 2008 and offers fantasy sports for cricket, football, kabaddi, and basketball. Dream11 has partnerships with major sports leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pro Kabaddi League.

• MPL:

Mobile Premier League (MPL) is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sports platforms in India, with over 80 million registered users. The company was founded in 2018 and offers fantasy sports for cricket, football, and other games. MPL has partnerships with major sports leagues, including the IPL and the Indian Super League (ISL).

• MyTeam11:

MyTeam11 is another popular fantasy sports platform in India, with over 20 million registered users. The company was founded in 2016 and offers fantasy sports for cricket, football, and basketball. MyTeam11 has partnerships with major sports leagues, including the IPL and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

• FanFight:

FanFight is a relatively new player in the Indian fantasy sports market, founded in 2017, with over 10 million registered users. The company offers fantasy sports for cricket, football, basketball, and kabaddi. FanFight has partnerships with major sports leagues, including the IPL and the NBA.

• 11Wickets:

11Wickets is another popular fantasy sports platform in India, with over 5 million registered users. The company was founded in 2018 and offers fantasy sports for cricket, football, and kabaddi. 11Wickets has partnerships with major sports leagues, including the IPL and the Pro Kabaddi League.

List of the prominent players in the India Fantasy Sports Market:

• Dream Sports Group
• Mobile Premier League (MPL) (Galactus Funware Technology Private Limited)
• 11 Wickets.com (Ability Games Pvt. Ltd)
• BalleBaazi
• MyTeam11
• MyFab11
• Paytm First Games Pvt. Ltd.
• Fantasy Power 11 and Head Digital Works Pvt Ltd.
• Halaplay
• Cricplay
• Fanfight
• 11 Wickets.com
• Zapak
• Sports Junki
• My11Circle
• Fancy 11
• Ftoss
• Livepools
• Others

Key Market Segmentation:

CMI Team provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the India fantasy sports market report, along with forecasts at the country and regional level from 2023-2030. Our report has categorized the market based on sports type, platform, and demographics.

By Sports Type:

• Cricket
• Football
• Others

By Platform:

• Website
• Mobile
• Application

By Demographics:

• Under 25 Years
• 25-40 Years
• Above 40 Years

By Region:

• North India
• West and Central India
• South India
• East India