October 30, 2009 (CAP Newswire) — William Hill and Betfair are among the UK-based online gambling companies looking to possibly sink their teeth into a huge new gaming market, reports the British newspaper the Independent. Currently, India is accepting bids for new online gambling licenses.
Both of these companies have made bids for the subcontinent’s first-ever online gambling license, hoping to get in on India’s £37 billion gambling market. A decision is expected within weeks, the Independent reports.
Local Indian operators are also in the bidding — there will be at least three awarded. Some sources have reported that the licenses are to be granted by, and betting to opened by, April 2010, in time for the next World Cup in South Africa. Ladbrokes and 888 are also considering bidding.