India has a rich and diverse culture that extends into the world of gaming and betting. While cricket might be the most popular sport in the country, numerous other traditional games also capture the essence of the country’s traditions.
Here are 6 Indian betting games that you might not have heard of but are an integral part of the Indian gaming landscape:
- Teen Patti
- Andar Bahar
- Pro Kabaddi
- Satta Matka
- Jhandi Munda
- Raja Chor Mantri Sipahi
1. Teen Patti
Often referred to as the Indian Poker, Teen Patti is a card game typically played with a standard 52-card deck. In the game, each player is dealt three face-down cards. The players then bet based on the strength of their cards.
The one with the highest hand, as per the game’s rules, wins the pot. There are various variations and house rules, but the core idea remains the same: bet if you think you have the highest hand. The English equivalent of this game is 3 Cards Poker.
What makes Teen Patti so appealing is its simplicity and the speed at which the game can be played. It’s common during Indian festivals like Diwali and is often played with friends and family. The game is not just about luck; it also requires skill in bluffing and psychology.
2. Andar Bahar
Andar Bahar is another traditional Indian betting game that has gained popularity due to its simplicity. A single deck of cards is used, and a ‘dealer’ deals a single card that players can see. This card is known as the cut card or joker.
Then cards are dealt alternately into two sections known as ‘Andar’ and ‘Bahar’ until a card matching the joker is found. Players bet on which side the matching card will appear.
The game is so straightforward that even someone who has never played it can understand the rules within seconds. It’s a 50-50 chance, making it exciting and a favorite among people who are new to gambling. The game often finds its way into Indian homes during family gatherings and festivals.
3. Pro Kabaddi
Pro Kabaddi is a professional-level Kabaddi league in India, which is now available for online sports betting, just like the country’s Indian Premier League (IPL). For the uninitiated, Kabaddi is a contact sport that originated in ancient India. It’s played between two teams of seven players each.
The objective is for a single player (‘raider’) from the attacking side to tag as many opponents as possible in the defending team’s territory while chanting ‘Kabaddi, Kabaddi’ continuously. The defending team tries to capture the raider before he returns to his territory.
Pro Kabaddi has modernized the ancient sport, giving it a professional touch with televised matches, detailed analytics, and a significant fan following. The game requires not only physical strength but also strategic skills, making it an exciting spectacle.
4. Satta Matka
Satta Matka, originally rooted in the betting on cotton rates from the New York Cotton Exchange, has evolved into a lottery-style game where numbers are randomly drawn, and participants wager on the chosen numbers for the day.
While the game boasts various forms and intricacies, the basic premise involves betting on a specific set of numbers and receiving payouts based on the odds. What sets Satta Matka apart and contributes to its widespread popularity is the potential for high returns on investment.
A single round of this game can yield winnings up to 80 times the initial bet. This tantalizing blend of risk and excitement has made Satta Matka a favored choice among players who seek thrilling and potentially lucrative gambling experiences.
Over the years, Satta Matka has gained cult status among Indian online gamblers. The game has been localized over and over again into many variants and remains popular across different generations and social classes.
5. Jhandi Munda
Jhandi Munda is an Indian dice game played with six dice, each featuring the following symbols instead of numbers: heart (paan), spade (hukum), diamond (eent), anchor (langar), crown (munda or burja), and flag (jhandi), instead of numbers.
In this game, players place bets on which symbol they believe will appear face-up on the dice the most after they are rolled. Bets can be made on one or more symbols. After placing bets, the dice are rolled, and the symbols that land face-up determine the winners.
Payouts depend on how many times the chosen symbol appears. Jhandi Munda is a game of chance with an RTP of approximately 97.14%, offering the possibility of both entertainment and substantial winnings.
6. Raja Chor Mantri Sipahi
Raja Mantri Chor Sipahi, a popular Indian role-playing game, involves four players who assume the roles of the king, minister, thief, and soldier. The game begins by creating four chits with different point values for the Raja (1000-2000 points), Mantri (500-1000 points), Chor (0 points), and Sipahi (100-500 points).
These chits are shuffled and randomly distributed among the players, with each player secretly receiving one chit representing their character. The player who receives the chit for the Mantri (minister), orders the Sipahi (soldier) in the group to identify the Chor (thief) between the other two players without them revealing their identities.
If the Sipahi correctly guesses who the Chor is, they retain their points; otherwise, they surrender them to the Chor. Multiple rounds are played before the final score is tallied, and the player with the most points wins.
Variations may include additional characters like Rani (queen) and Villager, each with its own point values, and the game’s complexity can increase as more players join.
Wrap-Up
The world of Indian betting games is a vibrant tapestry woven with tradition, excitement, and cultural significance.
From the intricate strategies of Teen Patti to the straightforward yet thrilling Andar Bahar, from the physical prowess of Pro Kabaddi to the high-stakes drama of Satta Matka, and from the captivating rules of Jhandi Munda to the suspenseful nature of Raja Chor Mantri Sipahi, each game brings its own unique charm that appeals to a variety of players.
If these games have piqued your interest and you’re looking to try them out, you’re in luck. A majority of them are readily available at any Indian online casino, offering you the chance to experience the excitement and tradition right from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
