India launches first ‘online’ sports betting shop; online lotteries earn court’s ire

India launched its first ‘online’ sports betting operation this week, but don’t go looking for it using your browser.

Thursday saw the launch of the first sports betting and gaming arena in Gangtok, the capital of the state of Sikkim. The new ‘gaming zone’ is operated by Golden Gaming International (formerly Maarm International), which began offering ‘online’ keno and virtual horseracing services at multiple locations in the state last December.

The new Gangtok venue has expanded Golden Gaming’s betting palette to include cricket, tennis and football wagers, as well as non-sports games like roulette and the popular Indian card game teen patti.

The ‘online’ description being thrown around by most media outlets is a tad misleading, as what’s on offer is simply the opportunity for punters to pop into a shop and place a wager via an ‘intranet gaming terminal.’