Are Online Casinos Legal in India? Understanding the Legal Landscape Blog

From there, it is often converted into cryptocurrency or hawala credits, making it nearly impossible to trace. The larger and more opaque this shadow economy becomes, especially online, the greater the risk to India’s national security. India’s online gambling sector is growing at breakneck speed, but much of it lies in the shadows. We’re not too keen on the fact that Neteller and Skrill deposits come with fees, however, no wagering requirements on bonuses is another huge, um bonus. Rule 3 (4) mandates that applicants ensure their operations—including technology support, platform management, and servers—are based in India. In addition, Rule 9(7) states that licensees may need to establish an office in Nagaland within 12 months of obtaining their licence.

A law was passed in early 2021 aiming to ban online gambling on Rummy or Poker, but this law was declared unconstitutional by the Madras High Court in August 2021. Although the Information Technology Act is a key piece of legislation related to online gambling in India, it doesn’t actually refer to gambling on betting whatsoever. Although some people have said that this law could be used to penalise online gambling as it legislates a wide variety of online activities in India.

State Gambling Laws

As of 2025, the central government has not passed any unified law for online gambling. However, discussions are ongoing about bringing in a new national-level law to regulate online gaming and betting apps. A significant distinction in Indian gambling law is between ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance’. Games that are predominantly based on skill are generally exempt from gambling prohibitions. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that games like rummy involve a substantial degree of skill and therefore are not considered gambling. This distinction has been pivotal for online platforms offering games like rummy and fantasy sports, allowing them to operate legally in several states.

Overview of Gambling Licensing in India

The legal status of online casinos in India remains complex and varies significantly across different states. While central laws provide a broad framework, state-specific regulations play a crucial role in determining the legality of online gambling activities. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest legal developments is essential for both operators and players to ensure compliance and protect their interests.

• The convenience and accessibility of online gambling have contributed to its popularity among Indian users.
• It is known for its eye-pleasing graphics and awesome gameplay that never leaves you disappointed.
• Moreover, the lack of clear regulations can also give rise to issues related to player protection, responsible gaming, and prevention of underage gambling.
• These measures are essential for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining player trust in the platform’s security protocols.

This is either in the form of a mobile app, such as JackpotCity and PlayOjo, or browser-based, such as Spin Casino. A slight mark against the site is that the games are only provided by one software provider, but it’s a minor complaint. After all, Microgaming is one of the biggest names in online casinos, and you can expect big jackpots, smooth graphics and excellent gameplay. On a positive note, despite the challenges of a fragmented regulatory environment and the introduction of higher tax rates, these obstacles are balanced by the country’s growing enthusiasm for online gaming.

State-Level Gambling Authorities

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. For example, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana impose strict jetx bans on all forms of online gambling. Meanwhile, Sikkim and Nagaland allow some skill-based games like rummy to be played for real money online. In this article, you’ll find clear explanations of India’s gambling laws, including the risks of playing at unregulated sites and why online casino gambling is not a legal option in the country.