Indian Gambling Laws
Indian gambling a bit complicated. Despite the popularity of gambling in the country, it is restricted in most forms. Of course, there are some exemptions but relatively little on the way of regulation and legalization. The gambling laws in India have remained the same for over 150 years.
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Contents
Is it Legal to Gamble in India?
The legal status of gambling in India depends on the type of game and state. Each state has its own restriction and regulations. However, the general legislation puts gambling in two categories games of chance and skill-based games.
Most skill-based games are legal, but those conducting them must adhere to the set regulations. Games of chance like slot games, Roulette, RNG- Baccarat, and Blackjack are illegal in most states. They are only legal in a few states, including Goa, Dadra, Sikkim, Daman Diu, and Nagar Haveli. During festivals like Diwali, families are allowed to gamble in their homes without any legal restrictions.
The Current General Gambling Legislation in India
The major legislation connecting to Indian gambling is the Public Gaming Act that became effective in 1967. Initially, the Act only applied to around ten states that were by then under British control but was later extended to all other states. Some amendments have taken place over the years. Today, the states in India have their own gambling laws but utilize the Gambling Act as the basis of their regulations.
The Act legalizes games that involve skills like Sports, Poker, Fantasy, Racing, and Lottery. State-owned lottery is only legal in a few states. That said, since the gambling act dates back to more than 150 years ago when there was no internet, it is not subject to online betting.
Indian players can freely gamble on international betting sites without breaking any rules. We expect that in coming years the Indian gambling laws will be amended to give a clear understanding of what is legal and what is not.
The Local Gambling Legislation in India
The Public Gaming Act 1967 covers India as a whole, but the states have their own legislation and have different gambling views. In some states, some form of gambling is legal, while in some, it is completely banned. Here are legislations of each state in India.
New Delhi
The state has its own Public Act that prohibits gambling within its borders. Online gambling is, however, not illegal, and players can enjoy gaming on their favorite international site.
Meghalaya
In Meghalaya, only Horseracing gambling is legal. All other types of gambling are is prohibited. Players can only gamble online on International sites.
Maharashtra
The state has legalized Horseracing and Lottery. It is illegal to operate a land-based casino in the state, but players are free to gamble in offshore online casinos.
Karnataka
Besides the Public Gambling Act 1967, gambling in this state is subject to Karnataka Police Act, 1963. According to the state’s Act, only Poker, Rummy, and Horseracing are legal. All other types of gambling are illegal.
Haryana
This state only follows the Public Gambling Act 1967, which means it illegal to gamble. If you are in this state, you can gamble online on offshore sites without breaking any rules.
Gujarat
Gujarat is among the states with their gambling Acts. The Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887, prohibits gambling in the state. Online gambling is not mentioned in the Act, meaning players are free to enjoy gaming on offshore sites.
Punjab
The state also follows the Public Gambling Act 1967. Lottery is legal, and players can engage in online gambling.
Bihar
Besides the Public Gambling Act, state-based gambling in Bihar is regulated by Bihar Ban on Lottery Act, 1993. Only lottery is legal in the state, but players can engage in online gambling.
Rajasthan
The state is subject to the Public Gambling Act 1967 and the Rajasthan Public Gambling Ordinance, 1949. Online gambling is possible in Rajasthan.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is subject to the M.P. Lottery Pratibandh Act 1993 and the Public Gambling Act 1967. Only state-based lottery is legal, but online gambling is not mentioned anywhere in the Act.
Sikkim
Gambling is legal in Sikkim under the Sikkim Casino Act. Players in this state are free to practice casino gaming in five-star hotels. Online gambling is also legal. The state government also offers licenses to casino operators.
Tamil Nadu
The only game that is legal in Tamil Nadu is Horseracing. All other types of gambling are prohibited in the state.
Telangana
Under the Telangana Gaming Act 2017, all forms of gambling are prohibited. The Act does not mention online gambling.
Nagaland
Players from Nagaland are allowed to play games of skills like Poker, Chess, and Rummy. The operators offering these games should have licenses from the state government.
Assam
In Assam, only Horseracing is legal under the Amusement and Betting Tax Act established in 1939. All other types of gambling are illegal as per the Assam Game and Betting Act 1970.
Odisha
The Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, 1955 prohibits all forms of gambling in the state. The Act does not mention online gambling, meaning players are free to gamble on offshore sites.
West Bengal
Skill-based games like Rummy, Poker, and Horseracing are legal in the state. Players are also free to engage in online gambling.
Kerala
The Kerala Paper Lotteries Rules 2005 only allow lottery gambling in the country. All other forms of gambling are illegal, but players can engage in online gaming.
Types of Gambling in India
There are several forms of gambling in India with specific regulations, which differ depending on your state. If you are playing a state-based game, you need to adhere to the rules set by the state government. Here the common types of gambling in India and their legislation.
Betting
The legality of betting in India depends on whether the game skill-based or chance-based. If you are betting on games of skills like sports, fantasy, or racing, it is legal. However, games of chances like slots are prohibited except in the aforementioned states.
Casino
Casino games are regarded as chance-based and are illegal in India except in a few states. Indian players can only gamble in international casinos since they are not subject to the laws. With the advancement in technology, you can enjoy gaming online at your favorite casino online at the comfort of your home. They are well designed to give you a feeling of a real land-based casino.
Poker
Poker is under the category of skill-based games and is therefore legal in India under specific regulations. It is a popular game in the country, although some states like Sikkim and Telanganado not offer it. Indian poker enthusiasts can also play online freely on the best international poker sites.
Lottery
Lotteries are only regulated in a few states in India, like Sikkim. State-based lotto is illegal in most parts like in Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Players from states can only gamble online on international lottery sites.
Bingo
The legality of bingo also depends on your state. Some states consider bingo as a lottery, while others consider it as gambling. Those who take it as lotto have legalized it while it is illegal in the states where it is under the gambling category.
Best International Betting Sites in India
Numerous foreign gambling sites accept Indian players today but knowing which ones offer legit services can be challenging. To make your work easier, Bettingsites24 experts have listed the best foreign sites in India. These sites have been proven legit and safe for Indian players.
They offer enticing welcome bonuses to attract players and regular promotions to keep the existing customers hooked. Check out our list and sign up on any of the sites today.
Pure Win accepts INR- Curacao license
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The Future of Gambling in India
The gambling industry in India has generated a lot of outsiders’ interest. Popular betting sites like Bet365 and 22Bet are aiming to win the coveted gambling licenses offered by the state government of Sikkim.
It is the only state offering gambling licenses in India. Many hope that in the near future, Sikkim will be a precursor towards a more lucrative market for established gambling fans in India.
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Conclusion
Concisely, Indian gambling laws are quite unclear, and only time will tell the direction these laws will take. For many years, gambling laws have been subjected to intense discussion in the country, but there has been little progress in clarifying the issue.
The idea that there is gaming-related legislation on state and federal levels makes it even more complex. That said, we hope that the discussions will bear fruits and India come clear in its gambling laws. Since the Public Gambling Act 1967 does not touch on online gambling, Indian players are free to register on any of the sites on our list without fear of getting in trouble.
FAQs about Gambling Laws in India
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Is online gambling legal in India?Online gambling is not mentioned anywhere under the Public Gambling Act 1967. It means that Indians can wager on offshore gambling sites without breaking any laws and regulations. We have listed some of the best sites for Indian online bettors.
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In which gambling sites can I legally play in India?Bettingsites24.in experts have come up with a list of the best betting sites in India. They are legally approved and licensed by reputable authorities in the industry. You can choose one from our list, sign up and place bets without getting into any legal troubles.
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Which games are legal in India?Games of skills like poker, chess, sports, and racing are legal in India under specific regulations. Lottery is also legal in some states like Kerala and Sikkim. Games of chance are illegal according to the Public Gambling Act 1967.
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Why gambling laws are not equal in all states of India?Since the laws governing gambling in India date more than 150 years ago, the state governments have come up with their own legislation. However, they use the Public Gambling Act 1967 as a basis for forming their laws and regulations.
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In which states is gambling legal in India?A few states in India like Sikkim and Nagaland allow skill-based gambling. Online gambling is, however, legal in all states in the county. Players are free to gamble on their favorite online foreign sites.
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