India’s online gambling market took a symbolic step forward after two operators licensed in the Himalayan state of Sikkim began offering services to state residents.

In July, Sikkim’s state government passed the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulations) Amendment Bill 2015, which authorized licensed operators to offer sports betting, casino and poker games via ‘intranet gaming terminals’ in betting shops located across the state.

Two licensed operators – Golden Gaming International (formerly Maarm International) and Essel Group (under the Playwin brand) – have since begun offering keno and virtual horseracing at their Sikkim points of sale and other licensees are reportedly gearing up to join them.

Golden Gaming director Manoj Sethi told Gambling Laws in India that his group had launched terminals in about 40 or 50 locations last month. The company hopes to expand its product line to poker, blackjack, roulette and (especially) cricket betting in the coming months. Once those options are in place, Golden Gaming plans to scale up its operations.