Dream11 and astrology apps earn over Rs 30,000 crore, but only 5 crore Indians invest for the future: Financial planner sounds alarm

India’s smartphone-savvy generation is hooked on online gaming and digital astrology. From fantasy sports leagues and esports to horoscope apps and virtual astrology consultations, these platforms have captured millions of users. The revenue speaks volumes: gaming apps like Dream11 and My11Circle have pulled in ₹30,000 crore, while astrology apps such as Astrotalk have crossed ₹1,000 crore in earnings.

Gurmeet Chadha, Managing Partner & CIO at Compcircle, recently pointed this out on X (formerly Twitter). He said, “Dream 11, my11 circle & other gaming apps did 30000 cr revenue. Astrotalk & astrology apps 1000 cr+ revenue. 56 cr Indians r gamers largely in 18-30 age group. Hardly 5 cr Indians do SIPs. Imagine the potential...” This contrast between entertainment and investment is stark.

Chasing predictions vs building the future

Chadha highlighted a worrying trend among young Indians. “We want to predict future on a daily-weekly basis but do not want to BUILD our future over long term,” he said. His words capture the dilemma perfectly. Daily horoscope checks and fantasy sports bring instant gratification, but commitment to long-term wealth creation remains weak.

This mismatch raises questions about financial literacy and priorities among a generation with access to advanced technology yet reluctant to invest in their future stability.

SIPs see growth, but investor caution grows

The latest figures from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) offer a nuanced picture. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) saw record contributions in April 2025, reaching ₹26,632 crore—a 3% increase from March’s ₹25,926 crore. The total number of mutual fund folios also increased to over 236 million, reflecting rising interest.

But the surge comes with a catch. The SIP stoppage ratio shot up to 75.63% for the fiscal year 2025. This means more than 514 lakh SIPs were discontinued, even as nearly 680 lakh new SIPs were registered. Since January, the number of SIP closures has exceeded new registrations—a reversal not observed in over two years. This points to growing caution among retail investors amid shifting market conditions.

A different kind of SIP: A call for national security

Chadha has been a vocal advocate of disciplined investing. But he recently suggested a new kind of SIP — one “that should have nothing to do with stocks, mutual funds or returns.” Instead, he urged voluntary monthly contributions to the National Defence Fund.

His proposal, made during a period of tense India-Pakistan relations, underscores a crucial truth: financial goals lose meaning without national security. This approach broadens the idea of investment beyond personal wealth to collective safety.

The booming demand for quick entertainment and daily fortune-telling apps reflects a youthful urge for instant answers. But the slow, steady habit of building wealth through SIPs remains underdeveloped.

Bridging this gap will require more than just numbers. It calls for shifting mindsets—encouraging young Indians to see long-term financial planning as equally essential as their digital pastimes.

As the data shows, while interest in mutual funds is growing, many investors are still hesitant to commit long term. Encouraging steady investing habits alongside digital trends could help build a more financially secure future for India’s youth.

The challenge is clear: can India’s young population balance their love for daily predictions with the discipline needed to build lasting wealth? The answer will shape the country’s economic outlook for years to come.