Is online casino legal in India?

The provision of online casino gambling in India is given under the state governments. State governments can make their own rules and regulations for gambling. Gambling games and casinos are illegal in most of the states of India. Casinos are run legally in some states of India like Goa, Daman, and Sikkim. Goa leads in the number of casinos. Talking about the 2013 report, the casino business contributed a total of Rs 135 crore to the revenue of the state in the respective year. According to the ‘Public Gambling Act – 1867 the Act prohibits any public house related to the game of gambling and there are provisions for fines and punishment for breaking its rule.

The corona pandemic that started in 2020 brought popularity to many online fun activities in India with gambling and online casino games being one of them. However, the discussion and launch of online casinos in India date back to long before the pandemic. It is however also true that this pandemic has brought online casinos into vogue. It is worth noting that gambling is not mostly banned in most states of India. Although, there is no such clear rule either regarding online casinos. This is the reason why online gambling is still going on in India. In 2009, Sikkim issued a memorandum on the rules for online gambling.

The Public Gambling Act 1867 is an old act and does not contain any specific law regarding online/internet gambling or betting. There are many online casino betting agencies that entice gamblers to place bets on their internet portals. The Reserve Bank of India was authorized under the Payment and Settlement Act 2008 to regulate and prohibit online gambling in India to regulate all types of electronic payment mechanisms in India. FDI policies have restricted enterprises to indulge in betting, lottery, and gambling activities. The IT Intermediary Guidelines rules prohibit access to certain types of websites and gambling-related content. Therefore the IT Act 2000 regulates cyber activities or online gambling in India in a way it allows the Government of India to block foreign sports and casino betting sites. Gives the power to do or give directions. It can be concluded that there is no clear law that makes online betting and gambling an illegal activity in India. Theoretically, it is allowed to place bets online on these major casino platforms without the risk of being penalized for it.

Many online casinos in India where you can play your favorite casino games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat allow registration of Indian players and even have numerous bonus offers and promotions to attract new players to their online casino platforms. Some of these reputable online casinos are:

• 10Cric
• Spin Casino
• Betway
• Royal Panda
• Royal Vegas
• Bet365
• LeoVegas
• 22Bet etc. 

Here, local operators are not allowed to offer casino games. But lotteries and betting on horse racing are legal. Rummy is also considered legal, although the laws on this are somewhat unclear.

Casino Laws in New Delhi

Delhi has enacted its own Public Gambling Act, which prohibits gambling within the state’s borders. However, this does not restrict international online casinos such as Pure Casino.

Casino Laws in Karnataka

Gambling in Karnataka is regulated by the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, as well as the Public Gaming Act, 1976. Gambling is illegal in a gaming house, while rummy, poker, and horse racing are legal.

Casino Laws in Meghalaya

Most gambling in Meghalaya is prohibited by the Act (1970), but horse race betting is not. Tier bets can be placed through licensed operators.

Casino Laws in Gujarat

All forms of gambling are regulated by the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1887. The act does not mention online gambling, which makes it possible to gamble online without any hassle.

Casino Laws in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the Public Gambling Act, 1867, sets out the gambling scenario, while the Rajasthan Public Gambling Ordinance, 1949, clarifies some matters further.

Casino Laws in Bihar

In Bihar, gambling is regulated by the Public Gambling Act of 1867 and the Bihar Ban of Lotteries Act, of 1993. In short, the state follows national gambling laws, making it easy to play online from here.

Casino Laws in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has used the Indian Public Gambling Act, 1867 for the MP Lottery Talent Act, 1993. Madhya Pradesh is one of the 13 states in the country that allow lotteries in the state.

Casino Laws in Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman, and Diu

Regulated states and union territories such as casino games are allowed to be offered by licensed operators as per the Public Gambling Act, 1976. Slot machines and table games are only found in five-star hotels and on offshore ships (cruise ships).

Casino Laws in Tamil Nadu

The state of Tamil Nadu is one of the few places in India where almost all forms of gambling are banned. The only exception to this is horse racing, which is considered an accepted sport of skill for betting.

Casino Laws in Sikkim

Another regulated state that allows casino games such as slots and table games. They are found in five-star hotels and are regulated under the Sikkim Casino Act. Blackjack, Roulette All types of games are allowed. Sikkim is the only state where sports betting is allowed.

All kinds of information related to gambling or betting are available at online casinos. Before gambling, you can also check the credibility and reliability of the casino site with the help of ratings and feedback available on Indiancasinoss. Apart from India, gambling is now rapidly shifting towards online platforms due to the corona epidemic in many other countries. It is worth noting that the casino business in India is running on a very large level legally and illegally. The government receives 30% of the amount of any winner as tax. Therefore, there is a possibility of some laws coming in the nearest future regarding the legalization of gambling and online casinos in India. Taxes received from casinos act as a finance booster for the revenue of any government.

Author: Varuun Singhan