Legal Information
Is it legal to participate in online betting sites in India?
When participating in online betting in India, you need to consider your state’s rules and regulations on gambling. Does it allow online gambling? Does it have particular regulations about online betting and gambling in general? If you are in India and want to check beforehand if online betting and gambling are allowed, you have come to the right place. We will discuss the legality of online gambling in India.
In most Indian states, online gambling is allowed, but a few states prohibit online gambling. When it comes to India’s national gambling law, no definite regulation prohibits online gambling. However, each state was given the right to impose its own gambling law.
The legal state of online gambling in India
The Indian government has constantly been monitoring the growing number of Indians engaging in online gambling. However, the parliament has a divided take in terms of online gambling – some proposed banning gambling while others proactively allow gambling but with some regulation. The thing is, the government has not yet come up with a resolution. Therefore, each has the discretion to set its own gambling legislation.
Which state prohibits gambling?
Only a few states in the country passed legislation on online gambling. One of the states in India that prohibits gambling in any form is Maharashtra.
Which state allows gambling?
The majority of states in India allow gambling, including online and land-based gambling. Two states that legalized gambling are Sikkim and Goa, but gambling is regulated. They have land-based casinos, and people from different parts of the country travel to these states to experience what it feels like playing in a brick-and-mortar gambling house. Those who don’t like to travel far can take advantage of online gambling platforms that offer casino and sports betting sites.
India’s gambling history
India is one of the nations with rich gambling history. Gambling is innate for Indians as it has been a part of their culture and tradition, especially with games like Andar Bahar and Teen Patti. Such forms of gambling are played across India, but there are no definite rules that regulate such types of gambling.
It was when the British colonized India that rules regarding gambling became eminent. They enact the very first gambling law in India, known as “The Public Gambling Act of 1867”. Even after the British colonized India, the law remains and is taking full effect in most parts of India up until now. The law is so old that it does not make mention of online gambling because, during such time, the internet is not yet developed. Therefore, it is safe to say that online gambling is legal in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you get caught playing at an online gambling platform, will you be arrested?
Will you be held legally responsible if you get caught playing at an international online gambling site?
What deposit methods are available when funding your online gambling account?
Is it legal to withdraw your earnings from an online gambling platform?
What are some highly reputable online betting sites that accept Indian players?
Indian States’ gambling regulations
India is one of the biggest countries in Asia. It consists of 29 states and a total of seven union territories. Aside from the federal laws, every state was given the freedom to craft its own gambling laws and regulations. Some have a strict take on online gambling, while others have lenient rules.
The Indian States and their take on gambling:
✅ Goa
✅ Bihar (allow online gambling)
✅ Maharashtra (allows online gambling, lottery, and horse race betting)
✅ West Bengal (allows online betting, lottery, rummy, and horse racing)
✅ Assam (allows horse racing and online casinos)
✅ Telangana (prohibits all kinds of gambling)
✅ Delhi (does not allow gambling and betting in the state but allow online gambling)
✅ Karnataka (allows horse racing, rummy, and poker, but does not allow online gambling)
✅ Punjab (Allows lottery, rummy, and online gambling)
✅ Gujarat (restricts all forms of gambling, but makes no explicit mention about online gambling)
✅ Haryana (allows online gambling)
✅ Madhya Pradesh (prohibits land-based gambling, but didn’t mention anything about online gambling)
✅ Tamil Nadu (Banned gambling in all forms, but allows horse racing)
✅ Rajasthan (Does not allow gambling, but allows rummy and horse racing; online gambling is possible too)
✅ Uttar Pradesh (allows online gambling as no law in the state prohibits it; also allows horse racing)
What to keep in mind?
Generally speaking, gambling is legal in India. It is safe to say that online gambling is in the grey area. However, it is a must to keep in mind that although gambling is legal, it does not allow everyone to participate in it. You have to be of legal age and ensure you have all the necessary documents proving that you are of legal age.