First Sports Betting & Gaming Arena Launched in Sikkim

The first online sports betting and gaming arena was launched in Sikkim by Golden Gaming International Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Maarm International Pvt. Ltd.), at MG Marg in Gangtok. The venture would be restricted to the state of Sikkim and would offer sports betting on games, such cricket, tennis and football. Wagering on other games like roulette, teen patti would also be included.

Currently there are three online license holders in Sikkim and Golden Gaming is one of these. The news about this development had come back in September, 2015 and by December the license holders had already begun offering keno and virtual horse-racing. But, this will be the first time sports betting and other games offered in the state through betting terminals.

The launch saw Kapil Dev, former Indian cricket captain attending as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Sethi, Director of Golden Gaming International said, “Our venture (online sports betting) is the first such initiative in the country which will bring fiscal revenues to the state of Sikkim as well as provide employment to local youth. I think all other state governments should also study the unique model created by the Sikkim government and legalize, regulate and license gambling and betting.”

With Golden Gaming having initiated this offer, it is expected that the other license holders will also follow suit shortly.