While online gaming and astrology apps rake in thousands of crores, long-term investment habits among Indian youth remain alarmingly low. With over 56 crore Indians gaming and astrology platforms crossing ₹1,000 crore in revenue, financial experts warn of a cultural shift toward instant gratification at the cost of future stability.
A Nation Hooked: Gaming and Astrology Go Mainstream
India’s digital ecosystem has undergone a radical transformation. With cheap data, smartphone penetration, and fintech ease, entertainment has become not just accessible but addictive. Leading this wave are fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle, which together with other online gaming apps have generated over ₹30,000 crore in revenue, according to recent market data.
Equally astonishing is the rise of digital astrology. Apps like Astrotalk and other prediction-based platforms have quietly built a ₹1,000 crore+ industry by tapping into a new-age version of an age-old belief system. Virtual horoscope consultations, AI-based kundali matching, and astrologer-on-call features have become part of daily digital routines for millions.
This meteoric growth is being driven by India’s 18–30 age group, which forms the core consumer base. According to estimates, 56 crore Indians are engaged in online gaming, many of them participating in high-stakes fantasy leagues and esports tournaments that blur the lines between play and profit.
SIPs vs. Screens: The Glaring Imbalance in Financial Priorities
Amid this digital frenzy, a quieter but more concerning trend has emerged: the neglect of long-term financial planning.
Gurmeet Chadha, Managing Partner and CIO at Compcircle, recently voiced this concern on X (formerly Twitter):
“We want to predict future on a daily/weekly basis but do not want to BUILD our future over long term.”
Chadha pointed out that only 5 crore Indians have Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), a meager number compared to the 56 crore gamers. His message has since sparked a wider conversation about the lack of structured financial discipline in a generation enamored by instant gratification.
Data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) supports his concerns. While April 2025 saw record-high SIP contributions at ₹26,632 crore (up 3% from March), the SIP stoppage ratio reached 75.63%. That means over 5.14 crore SIPs were discontinued, even as 6.79 crore new ones were added.
Moreover, since January, more SIP accounts have been closed than opened — a reversal that hasn’t occurred in over two years. The reasons range from market volatility and job uncertainty to a lack of awareness and financial discipline.
Building the Future: From National Security to Financial Literacy
Chadha’s financial advocacy extends beyond markets. During heightened Indo-Pak tensions earlier this year, he proposed a unique SIP — not for returns, but for national defense.
“A SIP that’s not about stocks or mutual funds,” he wrote, “but a voluntary monthly contribution to the National Defence Fund.”
His idea underscores a broader point: financial security is intertwined with national stability. While investing in SIPs may secure individual futures, contributing to national initiatives strengthens the collective future.
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The mutual fund industry is taking notice. New fintech startups and SEBI-registered advisors are ramping up digital campaigns to promote SIPs as not just a financial tool, but a lifestyle discipline — akin to daily fitness or meditation.
Conclusion: The Cost of Instant Gratification
India’s digital economy has unlocked avenues of income, interaction, and insight. But the dopamine rush of daily predictions and fantasy wins may be coming at the cost of delayed gratification and fiscal responsibility. Gurmeet Chadha’s call is more than financial — it’s cultural.