Sikkim India Next for Online Gambling

According to the Independent newspaper, Betfair and William Hill and unconfirmed Bwin are moving for licences in the jurisdiction of India. It's a little like a horse race, the thoughbreds are the post and ready for the gates to open. India is a huge and ready market for online gambling. These two seasoned businesses as well as others are primed for the action. India's growing population of 1.2 billion is also becoming some what wealthier in certain states. The Net has only come so far in rural areas, but is expanding in strides in the richer regions.

The region of India known as the Province of Sikkim will be the first area to offer online gambling licences. The Independent also reported there were thirteen companies competing for the possibility of three licences. It is expected that the granting of these licences in Sikkim will give the holders the ability to offer the services in the whole of India.

It is the law in India that any new initiatives in the country must have a local partner involved. The Independent reported that William Hill is rumoured to have talked with Global Torrent International, from Sikkim. Betfair, is thought to be partnering with Agilisys Managed Services.

Other potential licence holders have been keeping quiet for the most part, and it looks like some are waiting for the chips to fall before jumping in. There is a great deal of uncertainty related to the permits. The questions are many, how will Sikkim roll out it's regulations for the permits, will it permit multi state operations, will the people in Sikkim benefit from the introduction of the licences? These are a few examples of the hurdles that follow the obtaining of the permits. It is a potentially massive market that is going to go to the companies that have hit the ground running.