Is Online Gambling Legal in India? A Complete Legal Guide

However, the Act does not explicitly address online gambling, given its enactment long before the digital age. This omission has led to ambiguities regarding the applicability of the Act to online casinos. More recently, in 2023, the central government introduced regulations for online gaming, though this has primarily focused on skill-based games rather than jeetwin traditional casino gambling. States like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have implemented strict laws against all forms of online gambling, including skill-based games. Yet, others like Kerala and Maharashtra are not so strict and offer legal lottery systems.

Are Online Casino Games Legal In India

Multiple petitions were filed before the Delhi, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh High Courts challenging the constitutional validity of the New Act. The petitions contended that the New Act’s blanket prohibition on “online money games” infringes upon the fundamental right to trade and profession and disproportionately affects the online skill games sector. Subsequently, the Supreme Court ordered the transfer of all such petitions to itself by allowing the Union Government’s plea seeking consolidation of proceedings, holding that multiplicity of challenges across different High Courts could lead to confusion. The Court directed the Delhi, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh High Courts to transfer their complete records, and any similar challenges pending before other High Courts would also stand transferred. In the context of online gaming, states are gradually recognising the need for specific provisions to regulate the field and while some states of north-eastern India have preferred a licensing regime, some states of southern India have opted for bans. In most states, since it is difficult for a traditional police force to effectively act against online platforms if they do not have a physical place of business in a particular state, states are looking for ways to block such websites (see question 3.1 above).

Other states have enacted their own pieces of legislation to regulate gaming/gambling activities within their territories under their State Gaming Laws. Most of these are broadly modelled on the Public Gambling Act, albeit with suitable modifications. Though there can be different formats in which bingo is played, each of these formats (whether played online or land-based) would fall either in the category of lotteries or games of chance.

In India, poker is generally regarded as a game of skill, which helps in its legal acceptance. This distinction allows players to engage in poker games without breaching gambling laws in many regions. Fun88 greets new sports enthusiasts with an impressive 388% welcome bonus up to ₹28,000, activated through the Fun88 promo code. For those more inclined towards casino games, Fun88 offers a 200% bonus up to ₹10,000, provided you deposit a minimum of ₹200 within your first 24 hours as a member. Real money gaming law India requires platforms to implement strict KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, anti-money laundering (AML) safeguards, and secure payment mechanisms. Failure to comply with financial regulations can attract penalties under IT laws, financial regulations, and consumer protection statutes.

Sweepstakes models that are free to play (such as free-to-play casino games with prizes) are generally not regulated in India and fall outside the framework of most State Gaming Laws. However, depending on the way the sweepstakes are structured, specific legislation, such as the Tamil Nadu Prize Schemes (Prohibition) Act, 1979 (“TNPSA”) may apply, and will have to be analysed on a case-by-case basis. States like Goa and Sikkim have legalized certain forms of online gaming, while others remain ambiguous. Online gaming regulation India varies from state to state because gambling is a state subject under the Constitution. Some states have introduced specific restrictions or bans on real money gaming platforms, while others permit skill-based gaming with regulatory oversight.

What are some of the challenges associated with the legal ambiguity surrounding online gambling in India?

• The New Act applies throughout India, including platforms operated from outside India but accessible within Indian territory.
• Under this law, online gambling operators can obtain licenses to offer various games, including casino games, to players within the state.
• The goal is to make the best five-card hand using any combination of the seven cards available.
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• The regulatory framework is currently undergoing significant evolution at the federal level.
• Currently, the State of Tamil Nadu has filed a special leave petition before the Supreme Court challenging this portion of the judgment, which remains pending adjudication.

A uniform legal framework could provide much-needed clarity and boost the growth of the industry while ensuring consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. While gambling laws in India are primarily governed by federal legislation, individual states possess the authority to enact their own regulations. As a result, the legal status of online casino games may vary from one state to another.

Legal Betting Sites in India – Latest February 2026 Update on Legality

The states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh prohibit all activities in relation to real-money online gaming including skill gaming, whereas the state of Tamil Nadu currently prohibits real-money online gambling. More recently enacted State Gaming Laws, such as that of Haryana, specifically extended prohibitions of real-money gambling to the online medium as well. The legal status of online casino games in India remains a complex and evolving issue, shaped by a combination of colonial-era laws, state regulations, court rulings, and enforcement actions. While certain forms of online gambling, such as skill-based games, have received judicial recognition, the legality of casino games involving chance remains subject to interpretation.

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Established in 2023, BateryBet is a top name among new betting sites in India but is not short on either credibility or reputation. Thanks to its simplistic UI, first-time bettors will find navigation to be easy and straightforward. The BateryBet sportsbook lays extra emphasis on cricket, with several pre-match and live betting options, which adds to its appeal. The 1xBet site is also available to view in Hindi language, making it accessible to a broader range of bettors. All popular payment options like UPI, PayTM and NetBanking are supported, which ensures easy deposits and withdrawals.

Live streaming lets you watch matches as they happen which is perfect for staying engaged and making informed in-play bets. For bettors who value quick access to their winnings, check out our top-rated instant withdrawal betting sites in India. Once your account is funded, browse the available sports, casino games, or live betting options. With a presence in 93 countries, Mostbet has been one of the most trusted names in online sports betting since their establishment in 2009.Mostbet covers 1000+ sports events on a daily basis, ensuring that there is something for everyone. They also offer unique features like Bet Insurance, which help users safeguard their first losing bet by giving them the option to get a partial or even a full refund. 1xBet is also renowned for offering some of the most competitive odds in the market, which adds to its appeal amongst bettors.

Games of Skill vs. Games of Chance: Key to Understanding If Online Gambling is Legal in India

Players are dealt three hole cards but must discard one after the flop, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game. Regardless if you are looking to place your first bets before a big event or to find a new site for betting, it’s important to set rules and keep a limit. Take part in 1xBet’s limited-time T20 World Cup campaign by logging into your account, activating the offer, and placing bets of ₹300 or more on eligible matches. Each qualifying bet earns you promo tickets, with higher bet amounts generating more entries. By following these steps, you can easily create an account and start betting on your favorite sports.

• MPC91 offers a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, ensuring that you can easily add funds to your account.
• In this intervening period, the Indian Government has published the draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Games Rules, 2025 (“Draft Rules”) and has invited stakeholder feedback.
• This distinction has been pivotal for online platforms offering games like rummy and fantasy sports, allowing them to operate legally in several states.
• Operators must maintain legal opinions and compliance audits to defend their classification under skill vs chance gaming India frameworks.
• As mentioned above, the Indian online gaming and gambling landscape is set to undergo significant changes.
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The Indian government uses Section 69A of the IT Act to block websites or apps that promote illegal betting or violate local laws. The legal ambiguity poses challenges for both players and operators, including uncertainty about the legality of participation, regulatory inconsistencies, and issues related to player protection and responsible gaming. India, with its diverse cultural and legal landscape, has complex laws concerning gambling activities.

On the other side, states like Arunachal Pradesh passed prohibition acts in 2012, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana imposed strict bans on all online gambling in 2020. India’s gambling history is marked by restrictive laws and regional variations in regulation. It began in 1867 with the Public Gambling Act, which banned most forms of gambling across the country. For now, there’s no national policy that regulates or bans foreign gambling platforms, which leaves Indian users exposed to legal and financial vulnerabilities. In case of the BNS or the IRWA, the offences may be related to content of the games or its advertisements or violation of any prohibitions imposed by the BNS (such as the one on private lotteries).

Many of these foreign-based apps continue to target Indian players using alternate domains or mirror sites. The lack of jurisdiction over international platforms makes regulation tougher, raising questions about user safety and legal accountability. Platforms that offer skill-based games often operate legally in most Indian states, while casino-style betting remains largely outlawed. The future of online gambling regulations in India is characterized by ongoing debates, legislative initiatives, and enforcement efforts. Clear and comprehensive regulation, coupled with effective enforcement mechanisms, can promote responsible gaming practices and support the growth of the industry.

Recent Developments and Regulatory Challenges

Under the antiquated State Gaming Laws, the prohibitions of which are in relation to physical gaming houses, there has been constant enforcement action over time by the police and other law enforcement authorities in the respective states. Some states have specific anti-gambling provisions in their police law (such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) and hence this gives the local authorities more reasons to be proactive in enforcement. Please also note that since the New Act prohibits all online real-money games, which include fees or deposits made by end users in the form of money or other stakes, the use of VDAs in the context of online real-money games would also be prohibited. While this does not fall within the ambit of a “licence”, an OGI offering an “online real-money game” is required to obtain a verification from an SRB in order to offer its online game to users in India.

Until India develops a uniform national framework, players must stay informed and cautious. Choosing licensed platforms, following tax rules, and knowing your state laws are essential steps to playing safe. The landscape is evolving, and legal clarity may soon follow but until then, online gambling in India remains a risky bet. It depends on the type of game, the platform used, and most importantly your state of residence. While skill-based games enjoy some legal backing, states still hold the power to ban them outright.

Meanwhile, casino-style gambling and foreign betting platforms largely remain outside the scope of regulation or legality. Even if a platform is legal in your state, any income from online gambling is taxable under Indian law. Under the Income Tax Act, gambling winnings are taxed at a flat rate of 30%, with no deductions allowed. In 2021, the state government of Tamil Nadu passed legislation banning online gambling, including games like rummy and poker. However, other states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have also introduced bills aimed at regulating online gambling and imposing restrictions on operators. Similarly, Goa and Daman permit the operation of land-based casinos, but the legal status of online gambling in these states remains unclear due to the absence of specific regulations.

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