Crypto Gaming Emerges as Alternative After Real Money Gaming Ban

Since the complete ban on legal real-money online gaming in India in October 2025, there has been an increase in players using cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals at online casinos. However, not every player knows how to use crypto for gaming, and some feel it is not the best option because they are unfamiliar with the system.

A much larger portion of the population in India is specifically unaware of how it works; typically, only those who live in major cities or have been involved in gaming for a long time are knowledgeable, while for others, it remains a significant hurdle. Nevertheless, there has been an approximate 18% rise in the use of cryptocurrencies, primarily because they are non-traceable. Furthermore, the status of crypto in India remains ambiguous regarding taxation; currently, the actual legal standing is not well-understood.

According to Crypto India, an organisation that monitors the growth of cryptocurrency in the country, Indian users are increasingly utilising USDT (Tether) to circumvent taxes and regulations. The adoption rate has surged to approximately 19.50% as of February 2026, a sharp increase from just 9% in October 2025.

Furthermore, activity on crypto exchanges has reached new heights. A primary driver for this trend is that more individuals are investing in cryptocurrency specifically to use those funds for online gaming.

Acknowledging that certain cryptocurrencies offer a level of stability, their utility has shifted. Many online casinos now offer direct investment options, allowing you to buy crypto and deposit it into your account in one go. Casinos are also providing extensive guides on the process, which makes sense; if this prohibition lasts, crypto will likely become the go-to currency for gaming. As more people invest, it should bring even more stability to the crypto gaming scene.

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Stan Sarvesh Content writer

Stan is deeply interested in the iGaming and casino world, particularly its content, marketing, and player engagement aspects. By combining technology, data, and instinctive acumen, he strives to create next-generation strategies and nurture emerging talent in the field. Beyond work, Stan is an avid autodidact who enjoys reading widely to expand perspectives and spark new ideas.