India’s betting landscape is undergoing rapid change. With the government preparing a unified regulatory framework for online gaming and betting, understanding what’s legal—and what isn’t—has never been more important. Whether you’re a casual punter or a seasoned high-stakes player, this guide explains the current betting laws in India, the difference between ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance,’ and what’s coming next for legitimate, responsible online gambling.
Is Betting Legal in India?
Short answer:
There is no single central law that outlaws all forms of betting and gambling across India. Instead, betting in India is mostly governed by a mix of state laws and the archaic Public Gambling Act of 1867, which predates online gaming by more than a century. As of July 2025, there is no national law that explicitly makes online betting illegal for individuals in most states.
Some states—like Goa, Sikkim, and Nagaland—have created their own frameworks to license and regulate both online and offline gambling operators4. In these states, licensed casinos and licensed online betting websites can legally operate, provided they follow state-imposed requirements.
Poker, rummy, and fantasy sports are treated as “games of skill” in many states and are often legal under license, while “games of chance” (roulette, slots, most casino games) are typically banned unless specially authorized34.
The Latest Developments (2025)
1. National Regulation on the Horizon
The Indian government is drafting a centralized regulatory law for online betting and gaming. This seeks to:
- Distinguish games of skill from games of chance
- Protect consumers from fraud and illegal operators
- Introduce a licensing and compliance system for legal operators
As of April–July 2025:
- A Home Ministry committee is preparing a draft bill, expected to be modeled after Karnataka and Chhattisgarh’s recent state frameworks.
- The draft aims to ban unlicensed betting on games of chance but will allow licensed skill-based games.
- The industry is massive: the legitimate online skill-based gaming sector is already worth $4 billion, contributing ₹12,000 crore in taxes annually.
2. State-Level Regulation
India’s states still play a huge role:
- Karnataka is introducing a new authority to regulate/banning betting on games of chance while licensing games of skill.
- Sikkim, Nagaland, Goa, and West Bengal offer regulated licenses for online or offline betting and casino operators.
- Other states may have total bans, partial bans, or grey areas—always check local law before you play.
3. Offshore Betting and Advertising
- The All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and others are pushing for a national law to clamp down on illegal offshore betting sites, which currently operate outside of Indian jurisdiction and offer no consumer protection.
- New agreements (as of January 2025) between ASCI and gaming federations aim to restrict illegal betting ads and ensure that only responsible, legitimate gaming platforms are promoted in India .
What’s Legal and What’s Not?
| Activity | Legal? | Legal Basis / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sports betting (majority of India) | Not explicitly banned; often a grey area | Public Gambling Act does not mention online |
| Horse racing betting | Legal nationwide (as a game of skill) | Supreme Court judgment |
| Online rummy, poker, fantasy sports | Legal/licensed in several states (as games of skill) | Sikkim, Nagaland, West Bengal, Goa, etc. |
| Online casino games (roulette, slots, etc.) | Banned unless specifically licensed by state* | Goa, Sikkim license land-based + certain online |
| Lottery | Legal, but only in states with a government-regulated lottery | Varies by state |
| Offshore betting | Not legal, not protected | Major focus of new law proposals3 |
*Subject to change with the upcoming national law.
Responsible Online Betting: What You Need to Know
- Only bet on licensed, regulated platforms: Avoid offshore sites offering huge bonuses but no consumer protection.
- Check for a valid gaming license: Look for operators licensed in Sikkim, Nagaland, Goa, or other legal states.
- Beware of illegal apps and misleading ads: The government is cracking down on misleading celebrity endorsements and offshore promotions.
- Games of skill vs. chance is key: Betting on cricket, football, or casino games may not be treated the same under law—know what you’re playing.
The Future: What’s Next?
India’s betting laws are likely to change very soon. Expect:
- A nationwide, central regulatory law focused on licensing, consumer protection, and differentiation between skill and chance.
- More states establishing authorities to license, monitor, and enforce legal betting and gaming.
- Continued crackdown on illegal offshore sites and misleading advertisements.
- More responsible gambling programs and consumer awareness campaigns.
Tip: Stay updated. Laws and policies are evolving throughout 2025. Always consult the latest government advisories or legal professionals before betting online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to bet on sports online in India?
In most states, there is no explicit national ban on online sports betting, but legal status varies. Horse racing is legal everywhere as a game of skill.
Each state in India has the authority to regulate gambling and betting at the state level, so it’s essential to check local laws before placing bets[2][1].
Are online casinos legal in India?
Only in states that specifically license them (Goa, Sikkim, Nagaland, West Bengal, etc.). Most states prohibit all forms of online casino gambling. State laws determine where and how online casino play is allowed, and operators must hold a valid state license[1][3].
What about international/offshore betting sites?
Offshore betting is currently not legal and not protected by Indian consumer law. Government and industry federations are actively pushing to block and restrict access to these platforms, and stricter enforcement is expected in the future[1][5].
How do I know if a site is licensed?
Check for state government licensing, clear display of license numbers, and inclusion in state regulatory portals. Licensed platforms will always display this information prominently in their footer or “About Us” section[1][4].
What’s the penalty for illegal betting?
Penalties vary by state and may include fines or imprisonment. The new draft law is expected to set clearer penalties nationwide, but currently, enforcement and penalties depend on where the activity takes place[1][4].