Poker Game User Statistics in India (2025)

The Indian online poker landscape has seen a remarkable evolution over the past few years. With the digital boom, growing internet penetration, and a rising interest in skill-based gaming, poker has emerged as one of the most popular online card games in India. As we move through 2025, the numbers speak volumes about this thriving ecosystem.

Key Poker User Statistics in India (2025)

Let’s dive into the latest stats that define the state of poker in India this year:

1. Total Active Poker Users

• Estimated Users: 11.2 million active players
• Growth YoY (2024-2025): +19% increase
• Daily Active Users (DAU): 1.7 million

This growth reflects increasing awareness of poker as a skill-based game and its rising acceptance as a form of online entertainment.

2. Platform Preferences

• Mobile Users: 72%
• Desktop Users: 18%
• Tablet & Others: 10%

Mobile poker apps have dominated the scene, with platforms like PokerBaazi, Spartan Poker, and Adda52 leading the charge with easy UI, seamless payments, and regular tournaments.

3. Gender Shift in 2025

While still male-dominated, the gender gap is slowly narrowing.

• Male Users: 82%
• Female Users: 18% (Up from 13% in 2023)
• Top platforms now offer women-only poker leagues and mentorship programs.

4. Peak Gaming Times

• Weekday Evenings: 7 PM to 11 PM
• Weekend Afternoons & Late Nights: Big tournament slots
• Players spend an average of 6 hours/week on poker platforms.

Regional Trends

Poker popularity is growing beyond metros.

Top 10 States by Player Base

1. Maharashtra
2. Delhi NCR
3. Karnataka
4. Tamil Nadu
5. West Bengal
6. Telangana
7. Gujarat
8. Kerala
9. Punjab
10. Uttar Pradesh

Revenue Generation & Monetization Models

How Poker Apps Make Money

• Rake Fees: Commission taken from each pot (2–5%)
• Tournament Buy-ins: Entry fees for large prize pools
• Premium Features: In-app purchases like coins, chips, or analytics
• Ad Revenues: Mostly seen in free-to-play versions

Average Tournament Earnings

• Mid-Level Players: ₹10,000–₹75,000/month
• Top 5% of Users: ₹1.5L – ₹5L/month from tournaments and sponsorships

Legal Status & Policy Watch (2025)

Online poker remains a state-subject in India, leading to a fragmented legal scenario.

Legal in:

• Nagaland
• Meghalaya
• Sikkim
• West Bengal
• Karnataka (recently reopened)

Banned or Restricted:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Telangana
• Assam
• Gujarat

Upcoming Supreme Court verdict (expected Q4 2025) may bring national clarity on “skill vs. chance” gaming laws, which could revolutionize the market.

Challenges in the Indian Poker Market

• Legal Uncertainty: State bans affect expansion plans.
• Stigma: Despite being skill-based, poker is still viewed as “gambling” by many.
• Taxation Issues: 30% TDS on winnings, lack of clarity on GST implementation for platforms.

Final Thoughts

Poker in India is evolving—from a casual pastime to a data-driven, skill-intensive, and competitive digital sport. The user data from 2025 shows not just rapid adoption, but a more mature and diverse player base than ever before.

Whether you’re a marketer, investor, gamer, or developer, the Indian poker market is a royal flush waiting to be played right.