British bookmakers William Hill intends to follow Bwin and Betfair and to start operating in India, due to the recent decision by the Indian Government to give licenses to online gambling sites. India has 1.2 billion inhabitants, has a rising prosperity and as in many Asian countries, European football is very popular. Furthermore, India is also an interesting market for these bookmakers regarding online casinos and poker rooms.

The first licenses for the provision of online gambling will be issued in the Indian province of Sikkim. Three companies are currently chasing the limited number of licenses as it is the assumption that the Sikkim licenses will eventually apply throughout the country. One condition is that applicants who wish to establish themselves in India must first have a partner in the country. In the case of William Hill, the bookmakers is currently in talks with Global Torrent International, says the British newspaper The Independent. Betfair would seek a partnership with Agilisys Managed Services, which is thought to be imminent.

Other providers of online gaming accounts are temporarily in the background until the actual license are issued to the three bookmakers. There are still some ambiguities remaining regarding the requirements from the authorities of Sikkim province and the impact on employment. This will obviously be an opportunity to tap a huge market.