Online Gaming Laws In India
With the world trying to shift its paradigm on the years-long debate over online gaming and gambling, Indian laws are also evolving to put a halt on the questions of morality and ethics.
Game vs. Gamble:
Online Gaming in India The Indian online gaming market currently stands at USD 290 million which is further poised to grow to USD one billion by next year despite the current circumstances. The steady rise in consumption volumes, the local development and monetisation etc. Is expected to catch up at an exponential rate and grow beyond precedent. Gambling is a state subject, and only states in India are entitled to formulate laws for gambling activities within their respective states. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is a central law that prohibits running or being in charge of a public gambling house. The penalty for breaking this law is a fine of ₹ 200 or imprisonment of up to 3 months.
There are no specific laws dedicated to online gaming, online fantasy sports, online poker, etc. in India which makes it difficult for the gaming enthusiasts to indulge into the uncertain world of online gaming. The Supreme Court rejected a petition related to the legality of online poker, online rummy and online card games in India.
Supreme Court accepts lottery and horse racing as legal, but the laws regarding other games are still hazy.
Virtual Stakes:
The advent of the internet has expanded the horizons of the gaming industry, but in the absence of appropriate regulations, online gaming in India in many states is controlled by the available gaming and gambling legislation. Only a few states have answered the quandary of online gaming laws.
- The state of Sikkim has regulations applicable to the online gaming is the gaming is the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008 & Rules, 2009 which allow certain games to be played within the boundaries of the state.
- Newly formed State of Telangana would be framing laws based on their ordinance where they plan to ban all sort of online betting and betting.
- The north-eastern State of Nagaland permits online gaming involving stakes by mandating the requirement of a license for the same through the Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and promotion of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016 and Rules, 2016.
While some states have maintained an unambiguous stance over playing online games on their premises, others have strictly prohibited betting in any form within their boundaries:
- The State of Assam has forbidden online gaming under Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970.
- The eastern state of Odisha also bans online gaming under implementation of the Orissa (Prevention of) Gambling Act, 1955.
The Law and the legality:
Although the game of skill is not considered as gambling, the district court of Delhi observed that when skill-based games are played for money in virtual space, the same would be regarded as illegal as the degree of manipulations increase in the virtual area.
Central legislation must uniformly distinguish and regulate the online game of skill and gaming on the online platform.
There persists the requirement of Central legislation to uniformly distinguish and regulate the online game of skill from gambling on the online platform.
What is online gambling and is it safe?
More and more Indians are choosing to gamble online as the market opens and new operators offer easy-to-use platforms.
Play your favourite games like teen patti, poker, and casino classics like blackjack and roulette from the comfort of your home or wherever you are on mobile!
Online games play out exactly as they would if you were playing with your friends and family. State of the art software with incredible graphics and video animations ensure the most immersive online gambling experience.
All Indian gambling sites we list here are fully trusted, safe and secure. We have reviewed and tested them all to make sure they meet the highest standards for great gameplay and usability, big bonuses, and secure deposit and withdrawal methods.
Where can I gamble online in India?
We work with the biggest operators in India. Find them listed here and take advantage of exclusive sign-up offers.
To get started, simply sign up and create your account and then choose a deposit option that works for you. When you have funded your account you can claim fantastic offers like matched bonuses and free spins.
Many games you will also be able to try for free, so you can play around and learn more before you decide to play for real money.
What to look for in an Indian online gambling site?
Local Focus
You want to know the online casino understands and respects Indian players. You want to see traditional games like teen patti and Andar Bahar available to play. You want to be able to deposit and play in rupees rather than always losing money on currency conversions. And you want customer support available in Hindi if you ever need it.
Safety and Security
You deserve to be secure online and know your money and payment details are kept safe and protected. Don't settle for less than SSL protection and encryption to keep your data safe, licences from trusted European jurisdictions and regulators, and tested RNGs (random number generators) ensuring 100% fair and random gameplay.
Casino, Sports, and Poker!
You want the best choice and the widest range of options. Like sports betting? Find the biggest names in international bookmaking here. Prefer the thrill of the casino? Join the best ones in the world and play against live dealers. Want to test your skills on the poker table? We have exclusive deals with India's largest poker platforms.
Promotions and Bonuses
No matter how you want to gamble online, get top welcome offers here. Casino bonuses and Free Spins that let you play your favourite games for longer and try new ones for free. Or sports bonuses allowing you to place Free Bets on the best matches. And poker offers that let you hit the tables and tourneys for free!
VIP Experience
We only list gambling sites that look after their customers. If you are spending your money there, then they should look after you, right? We have strict tests for operators and rate them on how they treat us; regular promotions open to all players - not just new ones - loyalty and VIP programs, plus competitions and once-in-a-lifetime trips and packages.
Easy Deposits and Withdrawals
Gambling for real money online should be quick and painless. Make sure you choose an operator that offers fast and secure payment, and of course, withdrawal methods. You don’t want to wait to play, and you certainly don't want to have to wait long to get your winnings back.
Sparkling Support
Excellent customer support is a must. You shouldn't have to wait long for an issue or question to be resolved. Look out for operators who offer live chat so you can speak with a real person straight away. Some of the bookmakers and casinos we recommend have Hindi language support too.
Play on Mobile
Is Online Gaming Legal
Have a truly functional and immersive casino and a sports betting platform in your pocket. Play on the go with the best games and betting portals on mobile. The only limits are your network connection!
Online Gaming Industry In India
Why trust us to help you make your online gambling choice?
The CricketPrediction.com team has decades of experience in online gambling as both gamblers and having worked for bookmakers and gaming companies too.
We recognise a good company and a fake site, and would never recommend any platform we consider to offer a negative or poor experience for Indian gamblers.
What are the most popular games?
Teen Patti
Probably India’s favourite card game. Find a game whenever you want online with many casinos offering different variations. So whether you play tight or loose, there’s a game waiting for you now!
Blackjack
One of the most popular card games around the world. Take on the dealer and race to 21 in this simple but thrilling table game.
Roulette
Red or black, odd or even, and much more. Place your bets and then watch the wheel spin and maybe your luck is in!
Live Dealer Games
What’s better than playing the likes of roulette, blackjack or baccarat online? Playing live with real glamorous dealers!
Gaming Market In India
Slots
Play a huge range of exciting slots with hundreds of different themes. Find your favourite as you hit the reels and start discovering great in-game bonuses and hopefully big winnings!
Is Gaming Legal In India
Online Poker
Cloud Gaming India
Enjoy the thrill and the competition when you play online poker with real people. Poker is growing strong in popularity in India and established itself as the most social and dynamic gambling game for real money.
Online Gambling Laws In India
Gambling on sports online
Online Gambling Laws In India
India has a number of superb sites where you can place wagers online on all the best sports including cricket, football, horse racing and much more. Many sportsbooks also offer in-play betting, allowing you to place bets in real-time on the Indian Premier League cricket and other great sports.