Morroco’s BetShah to Enter India’s Fantasy Cricket Market
In a bold move that signals growing international interest in India’s booming fantasy sports industry, Morocco-based gaming company BetShah is planning to foray into the Indian market. Known for its popularity in Morocco and Turkey, BetShah has built a solid user base through its online casino and sportsbook offerings. Now, the company is eyeing the lucrative and rapidly growing Indian fantasy cricket segment, following the footsteps of homegrown giants like Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle.
While an official launch timeline is yet to be confirmed, sources indicate that BetShah is actively exploring opportunities in the Indian market and is working to overcome regulatory and operational hurdles. One of the key challenges for BetShah remains navigating India’s complex legal landscape around online fantasy sports and gambling.
India does not have a uniform federal law governing online fantasy sports; instead, regulations vary by state. While the Supreme Court has recognized fantasy sports as games of skill — thus providing legal backing in several states — others like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam have imposed restrictions or outright bans. This fragmented regulatory environment requires foreign operators to tread carefully.
Furthermore, BetShah is reportedly seeking a reliable payment service provider to ensure smooth and compliant financial transactions within India. Payment gateways are a critical component in the success of fantasy platforms, and foreign companies often face challenges integrating with Indian banking systems due to strict financial compliance and anti-money laundering regulations.
Aside from fantasy cricket, BetShah is also evaluating the potential of expanding into casual real-money games such as Teen Patti, a traditional Indian card game that has seen rising popularity in the online gaming space. This could give the company a broader appeal and allow it to tap into India’s diverse gaming audience.
Industry analysts view BetShah’s interest as part of a broader trend of international gaming firms looking eastward. “India’s fantasy sports market is expected to reach USD 3.7 billion by 2024,” said a Mumbai-based gaming consultant. “With cricket as a cultural mainstay and smartphone penetration growing, it’s an attractive bet — but the legal ambiguity continues to be a roadblock.”
If BetShah manages to find a regulatory and operational footing in India, it could become one of the first international fantasy sports platforms to establish a presence in the country. However, until then, the company remains in its exploratory phase, navigating the legal maze before it can compete on the pitch.
