Significant Poker Developments in India during 2015: A Key Review
Year 2015: Hope on the Horizon for Indian Poker
In 2015, the Indian poker scene shimmered with anticipation. The Indian government had chatter about legalizing gambling industry reforms in the works, aiming to transform the societal view of poker from a "social evil" to a legitimate form of entertainment.
Poker, known as a "game of skill" in India, had been on a steady upward trajectory, edging towards becoming a cultural cornerstone that society couldn't ignore. Despite the controversy surrounding land-based casinos in Goa, the government's revenue from tourists and games was undeniable, as demonstrated by their pursuit of updated legislation on floating casinos.
The illegal market remained a concern, acting as an indicator of the enthusiastic community and the expansion of online gaming. One of the leading Indian poker sites outlined the most significant poker-related events occurring within the country that year.
1. Leaps in Online Poker and Newcomers in Sikkim
In a move to jumpstart the online gaming industry within the country, the Indian state of Sikkim issued licenses in 2015 to various operators, permitting them to provide virtual gaming services within the state. However, the operators encountered challenges when they were asked to temporarily halt their operations. The government later made amendments to the licensing rules, with two key points: online games would only be permitted within the state of Sikkim, and locals would be barred from entering casinos.
Although this development may have slowed the growth of the online poker market, it still raised hopes for legalizing online gaming in other Indian states, potentially driving additional revenues for the government. New operators began to emerge, adding dynamism to the online gaming scene in India, albeit with the shadow of the "Black Money Act" acting as a deterrent for Indian players who often opt for international sites instead.
Television show Poker High made its debut, airing live from local series like Rocket Poker Series and IPC December Finale. Meanwhile, new sites like StarPoker, Spartan Poker, and reinvigorated mainstays such as Thrill Poker, Noble Aces, Khelo365, PokerBaazi, and Adda52 expanded their promotional efforts, offering increasingly enticing tournaments, cash games, and satellite events to live events.
2. Goa's Casinos Stir up controversy, but Demonstrate Tenacity
Despite the growing number of live poker rooms across the nation and the emergence of online poker, Goa maintained its position as the hub of India's poker industry. The state played host to three offshore casinos, offering poker to both locals and tourists. Historically, regulated casinos have been political pawns, used by parties to curry favor among voters. Locals voiced concerns about corruption, loss of livelihood for fishermen, and environmental hazards, demanding the complete eradication of casinos.
Despite promises to relocate casinos from the Mandovi River, the process faced numerous obstacles. In response to local discontent, the government announced a study on environmental pollution, set to commence once the casinos had moved. By August 2015, four alternative locations were proposed. Although obstacles remained, the continuing popularity of poker was underscored by the record field at the 2015 IPC series.
3. Revival of Tournaments in India
The India Poker Championship (IPC) elevated the live poker scene in 2015, marking a resurgence of tournaments across India. The union of entrepreneurs Samir Rathod, Peter Agha, Rajiv Kanjani, and Amin Rozani took over the organization and hosting of the series, held at the prestigious Deltin Royale poker room in Goa. The series featured a demanding schedule and a diverse player pool, attracting players of all skill levels and age groups, even female participants.
The popularity of the game shifted the focus towards creating a healthy and professional atmosphere for poker play. Notable players, including Sam Razavi and Nikhil Jhuju, proved their prowess throughout the series, and impressive prize pools and field sizes became commonplace.
While the poker industry still encountered hurdles, such as the temporary halt in Sikkim and the controversy surrounding Goa's casinos, the overall vibe was one of growth and energy. 2016 promised to be an exciting year with more live events and increased competition within the market.
- In 2015, Rajiv, along with a group of entrepreneurs, took over the India Poker Championship (IPC), aiming to revive tournaments across India.
- The IPC series at Deltin Royale poker room in Goa featured a demanding schedule and a diverse player pool, attracting players of all skill levels and age groups.
- Notable players, such as Sam Razavi and Nikhil Jhuju, showcased their skills during the IPC series, while impressive prize pools and large fields became common.
- Despite the temporary halt in Sikkim's online gaming, hopes remained for legalizing online gaming in other Indian states.
- New operators started to emerge in the online gaming scene, despite the shadow of the "Black Money Act" deterring Indian players from utilizing domestic sites.
- Television show Poker High made its debut, airing live from local series like Rocket Poker Series and IPC December Finale.
- StarPoker, Spartan Poker, and reinvigorated mainstays like Thrill Poker, Noble Aces, Khelo365, PokerBaazi, and Adda52 expanded their promotional efforts, offering enticing tournaments, cash games, and satellite events.
- Despite the controversy surrounding Goa's casinos, other Indian states started to explore the possibility of legalizing gambling and eradicating the illegal market.
- The government's focus on reforms aimed to transform the societal view of poker from a "social evil" to a legitimate form of entertainment.
- Casinos in Sikkim began issuing licenses to operators in 2015, permitting them to provide virtual gaming services within the state.
- The government of Sikkim also implemented restrictions on online games being only within the state and barring locals from entering casinos.
- The growing number of live poker rooms across the nation and the emergence of online poker kept Goa as the hub of India's poker industry.
- Despite local discontent over corruption, loss of livelihood, and environmental hazards, the continuous popularity of poker was underscored by the record field at the 2015 IPC series.
- Apart from poker, the sports world also saw a rise in popularity, with basketball (NBA, NCAA), American football (NFL), baseball (MLB), hockey (NHL), golf, football (NFL, soccer), tennis, horse racing, Grand Prix, mixed martial arts, and sports betting gaining traction.
- The debate on societal views and legalization of casino-and-gambling, casino-games, and sports-betting continued to be a hot topic for policymakers and regulators in various sports and gambling trends discussions.
- Poker, as part of the casino-culture, found itself being compared to other sports like football, basketball, or tennis in sports-analysis, auto-racing, and other sports-related discourse.
- As 2016 approached, the overall vibe in the poker industry remained optimistic and energetic, with prospects of more live events, increased competition within the market, and continued growth.
