India’s online gambling market took a symbolic step forward after two operators licensed in the Himalayan state of Sikkim began offering services to state residents.
According to calvinayre.com, in July, Sikkim’s state government passed the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulations) Amendment Bill 2015, which authorised licensed operators to offer sports betting, casino and poker games via ‘intranet gaming terminals’ in betting shops located across the state.
Two licensed operators – Golden Gaming International (formerly Maarm International) and Essel Group (under the Playwin brand) – have since begun offering keno and virtual horseracing at their Sikkim points of sale and other licensees are reportedly gearing up to join them.