11Factors Responsible for the Growth of Online Fantasy Cricket in India

Recently India’s self-regulatory Fantasy Sports body — the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) unveiled a report with Deloitte called “‘Fantasy Sports: Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Sports Development’ which states that India is the world’s biggest FS market with a user base of 13 crores. The market will boost up to 32% in the coming years. Due to the availability of the tech-savvy generation, the availability of smartphones and affordable mobile data has enhanced the growth of the industry. The industry is estimated to grow by 38% CAGR which is 1,65,000 cr in the year 2025.

Cricket being the most beloved game in the nation, might see its share of fan base going to other sports like volleyball, hockey, football, and kabaddi, which are expected to grow with a CAGR of 30%. However, fantasy cricket will remain the highest contributor in the industry for the coming four years. Slowly women’s cricket is also gaining popularity and platforms like Vision11 cover all of them to extend fantasy cricket playing opportunities for all.

Key Highlights:

• As of now, the users from small towns are also playing Fantasy Sports, 50% of the transactions done on the platform are from tier 2 and tier 3 cities. It promotes digital payment literacy and results in boosting engagement.
• 30% of the user base of Fantasy Sports Platform in India is female and this number will consistently rise in the coming years.
• The Fantasy user base is dominated by males resulting in the generation of 67% of the total revenue. The user base of the fantasy sports industry will grow at the rate of 14% CAGR in 2020–2026.

Factors that lead to the Growth of Fantasy Sports Platform

• Updated User Engagement

The usage of advanced and highly interactive features like 3D view of tables, responsive graphics, a storyline, etc. has improved the user experience to some great extent. The updated interface is attracting users and moreover, cricket fans have become addicted to online fantasy sports because of such an engaging UI.

• Prize and Rewards

Prizes and rewards involved in the game are one of the prime reasons behind the growth of Online Fantasy Cricket in India. Recently, platforms like Vision11 offered Scorpio, foreign trips, cash prizes, etc. to the winners as the reward for winning the Indian T20 league. Now, as the fantasy sports platform gets huge sponsorship; they are keeping huge rewards for the winners.

Fantasy Cricket platforms in India have the highest and most expensive rewards for the winners, also the giveaway organised by online platforms. Many FS platforms even host giveaways, where they give away a certain amount or gift to the user just participating in the game.

• Legality and Laws

Fantasy Cricket has become legal in India and is now legally allowed to play online cricket games. The Supreme court has allowed fantasy websites to operate in all the regions of India. An online game which has financial prizes is considered a skill-based game. The government has made certain rules for such games and lawfully allowed users to engage in such games.

Because of the laws, the fraudulent activities on the platform have decreased and built trust among users to play online.

• Game Format

Thanks to the multiple Online Fantasy Cricket operators, fantasy cricket users have the liberty to enjoy different game formats and experience the live playing experience.

Integration of technology like AR/VR, digital payments, etc, and Online Fantasy Cricket platforms have leveled up the game format. The advanced UI, graphics, features, and unpredictability of the game are driving more attention.

Fantasy Sports apps are covering all sorts of leagues from domestic to international. Besides hosting paid contests, platforms are also hosting practice contests to prepare the game for the particular format. Popular leagues like the Indian Premier League have brought a huge user base to the gaming platforms.

• Employment and Economy

Fantasy Sports platforms not only boosted the Indian economy but have also introduced new job opportunities. For the year 2016–17 the fantasy sports industry hired almost 1500 people. At present nearly 3,400 individuals work in the industry and almost 5100 people rely on it.

Fantasy Sports app developers are generating huge revenue because of the fantasy sports industry, which is eventually offering work to many. It has become an additional part of the sports industry.

• Branding and Marketing

Digital and social media marketing is leveling up the way of marketing products/services. Now, when every other person is on social media platforms, it’s easier for brands to connect with their targeted audience. Moreover, by hiring popular cricketers, fantasy sports platforms can drive huge user bases from players’ fan bases. These marketing strategies are equally responsible for the growth of online cricket games.

Besides this, by interacting with their audience; they can enhance the user experience.

Conclusion

The fantasy sports industry has become a promising business in the last few years and has been growing since the launch of Dream11. Various factors are directly affecting the growth of the industry Fantasy Sports platforms are the only source to live your dream of playing cricket by creating a team of favorite cricket players.