Every day, tens of millions of young Indians open fantasy sports apps to create virtual teams for real matches. What started as a fun way to engage with cricket has exploded into a nationwide phenomenon. Users join contests for almost every game, putting in money and hoping their chosen players will outperform others. But behind the excitement lurks a growing concern that this pastime is turning into an obsession.
- 225 million Indians actively use fantasy sports platforms (mostly ages 18–30).
- Fantasy apps earned nearly $1 billion in 2024 from contest fees and commissions.
- Average user spends about 40–45 minutes daily on these apps.
- Only a small fraction of players profit — most lose money overall.
Big Numbers, Big Business
With over 225 million users, fantasy sports platforms have built a massive audience by riding on India’s cricket fever. Players pay a small fee to enter contests and win prizes if their team performs well (otherwise they lose the fee). In 2024, these platforms generated nearly $1 billion from entry fees, showing how lucrative the industry has become. The majority of users are aged 18–30, so companies have turned a youth pastime into a billion-dollar business.
Daily Habit and Dopamine Hits
For many, checking fantasy sports apps is as routine as checking social media. There’s always another match, another contest, another chance to win. Apps send frequent notifications to pull users back in, and each contest brings a thrill of anticipation. That rush of dopamine keeps users hooked. What began as a game can start to feel like gambling, with players chasing the high of a win each day.
The Real Cost: Time and Money
While a lucky few boast of big wins, most players lose money as those small entry fees add up over time. And with the platform’s commission on each contest, the house always wins.
Time is the other cost. An average user devotes 40–45 minutes a day to these apps — about 20 hours a month that could go toward school, work, or self-improvement. Instead, it’s spent on fantasy lineups, yielding no real skill — just a cycle of wagers and quick dopamine hits distracting from real-life responsibilities.
Addiction Red Flags
What begins as entertainment can spiral into addiction. Mental health experts report cases of fantasy players with symptoms mirroring gambling addiction — anxiety, sleepless nights, mood swings, and an inability to cut back. Some students can’t concentrate on studies, while young professionals overstretch their finances. Counselors call heavy fantasy gaming a form of digital addiction. The harm can be just as real as any other addiction.
Player or Product? Rethinking the Fantasy
If you’re putting money on every match, ask yourself: are you the player or the product? Fantasy platforms thrive on this habit, taking a cut from every contest entry. It’s fine to enjoy the thrill, but do it in moderation. Recognize when fun crosses into obsession, and set limits on your time and spending.
India’s fantasy sports craze is a double-edged sword — offering excitement but also the risk of addiction. The fantasy game might be entertaining, but don’t let it turn your future into a fantasy. No amount of virtual points or winnings is worth sacrificing your real-life goals and well-being.