Online betting in India is a topic that’s both intriguing and complex. With the rapid rise of internet use and smartphone penetration, more and more Indians are getting interested in online betting platforms — from sports betting to casino games. But here’s the catch: the legal framework governing online betting is not uniform across the country. Each state has its own set of rules, and the central government has a limited say in the matter. If you’re curious about how online betting laws work in India, especially state-wise, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll break down the confusing maze of regulations, helping you understand where betting is legal, where it’s not, and how it affects you as a player.
Why Are Online Betting Laws Different in Each Indian State?
India’s legal structure is designed in a way that gives individual states a surprising amount of autonomy, especially when it comes to matters like gambling. While the central government lays down broad, foundational laws—like the Public Gambling Act of 1867—these laws are outdated and vague when it comes to online platforms. What really matters today is how each state interprets and applies these laws. This means the decision to permit or ban online betting is left to the state governments, not the centre, and that creates a highly fragmented regulatory environment.
Some states, such as Sikkim and Nagaland, have decided to regulate and license online betting, treating it as a potential revenue stream and a modern entertainment sector. These states have created their own gaming laws and frameworks, which allow betting platforms to operate legally under certain conditions. On the other hand, states like Maharashtra and Telangana have taken a conservative stance, banning most forms of online gambling entirely. They consider such activities socially harmful or difficult to control in the digital age, and therefore opt for prohibition over regulation.
This uneven regulation results in a confusing landscape for Indian players. A betting site that’s legal and licensed in one state may be completely illegal in another. To make matters more complicated, there’s no central database or guideline that players can refer to for clarity. Most users are left in a legal grey area, not knowing whether their favorite betting app is compliant with local laws. Some platforms even operate from offshore jurisdictions, avoiding Indian regulations altogether but putting users at legal or financial risk.
At the heart of it all is a larger debate: should gambling be treated as a moral issue or a legitimate form of recreation that can be regulated and taxed? Until there is national consensus or a unified legal framework, India will continue to have a state-by-state approach to online betting—leaving players, companies, and even enforcement agencies to interpret and navigate a legal maze that changes as soon as you cross a state border.
The Legal Landscape of Online Betting in India: An Overview
- The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the core national law that still governs gambling in many parts of India. It was enacted during British rule and primarily targets physical gambling houses. This law makes running or being found in a gambling house a punishable offense. However, since it was written in the 19th century, it contains no reference to online gambling, mobile apps, or internet-based platforms, making it outdated for the digital age.
- Some Indian states have adopted this central law directly, while others have amended or replaced it with their own regional gambling acts. For example, Maharashtra follows the Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act, while Tamil Nadu and Telangana have passed their own updated versions. Each version may interpret or extend the original act differently, leading to variations in enforcement across states.
- The Information Technology Act of 2000, particularly after 2017, began to have an indirect impact on online betting. Although this law was not designed specifically to regulate gambling, it deals with cybercrime, electronic commerce, and data protection. Authorities have used its provisions to block websites, apps, or payment gateways associated with illegal online betting, especially when offshore platforms target Indian users without licenses.
- Despite these laws, there is still no direct, specific national legislation that defines the legality of online betting in India. This legal vacuum leaves room for interpretation and gives individual states the power to control what is permitted within their territory. As a result, the central government can block websites or payment systems but cannot legalize or criminalize online betting outright across the entire country.
- Because of the ambiguity, many international betting companies continue to operate in India under foreign licenses, such as those from Malta or Curaçao. While they aren’t breaking any specific Indian law at the national level, their legality depends on each state’s stance. Some states ignore these platforms, others try to block them, and a few allow them to function under strict oversight.
- The Indian judiciary has also weighed in over the years. Courts have repeatedly tried to differentiate between “games of skill” and “games of chance.” Games involving skill (like rummy, poker, and fantasy sports) are often considered legal, whereas games based purely on luck (like slots or roulette) are not. Still, these decisions vary by case and jurisdiction, adding another layer of complexity.
- States such as Sikkim and Nagaland have proactively filled the legal gap by introducing their own online gaming regulations. These laws permit and license operators to offer betting platforms that comply with state rules. These licenses are limited in scope and geography but set an example for what regulated online betting can look like within India.
How Does Online Betting Legality Vary by State?
| State | Legal Status | Regulation Type | Permitted Activities | Notable Laws or Updates |
| Sikkim | Legal | Licensed & Regulated | Sports betting, online casinos (within state limits) | Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008 |
| Nagaland | Legal | Licensed & Regulated | Poker, rummy, fantasy sports (games of skill only) | Nagaland Online Gaming Act, 2016 |
| Goa | Legal | Partially Regulated | Casino games, offline & some online platforms | Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976 |
| Maharashtra | Illegal | Strict Ban | None | Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act |
| Kerala | Mostly Illegal | State-Run Exceptions | Lotteries, horse racing | Kerala Gaming Act; legal battles over online rummy |
| Tamil Nadu | Illegal | Blanket Ban | None (recent amendments targeting online games too) | Tamil Nadu Gaming and Police Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021 |
| Telangana | Illegal | Full Ban | None | Telangana Gaming (Amendment) Act |
| Andhra Pradesh | Illegal | Strict Ban | None | Andhra Pradesh Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2020 |
| Punjab | Illegal | No Online Regulation | None | Applies central Public Gambling Act |
| Haryana | Unregulated | No State-Specific Law | Games of skill mostly allowed | Relies on judicial rulings and central law |
| Delhi | Illegal | Follows Central Law | None | Public Gambling Act applies |
| Karnataka | Illegal | Recent Ban | None (skill games also affected) | Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill, 2021 |
| West Bengal | Illegal | No Online Framework | None | West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competitions Act |
Online Betting Legality by Indian State (2025)
Online betting laws in India vary widely from state to state, reflecting a complex and often confusing legal landscape. Take Maharashtra, for example — here, online betting is outright illegal, with a strict ban in place that treats such activities as a criminal offense. This means that participating in online betting can lead to serious legal trouble for residents, as the state government enforces its gambling laws aggressively. On the other hand, states like Sikkim and Goa have taken a more progressive approach by legalizing and regulating online betting. Sikkim, in particular, has its own licensed online betting platforms, allowing residents to engage in these activities safely and legally, while Goa supports both online and offline betting under official regulation.
Nagaland is another state that stands out by offering licenses to online betting operators under the Nagaland Online Gaming Act. This law provides a legal framework for online games of skill and betting, distinguishing it from many other states that still prohibit these activities. However, not all states are this welcoming. Kerala, while mostly banning online betting, allows certain exceptions like lotteries and horse racing. This limited approach reflects the state’s cautious stance towards gambling, balancing between prohibition and regulated exceptions. Delhi and Telangana, meanwhile, maintain strict bans on online betting, with Telangana even introducing recent prohibitions specifically targeting online betting apps, showing their determination to curb gambling in all forms.
In other parts of India, such as Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, gambling remains illegal with no room for online betting platforms to operate legally. These states enforce their bans strictly, reflecting concerns over the social impact of gambling and the difficulty in regulating online activities. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu fall somewhere between, with mostly illegal status but occasional crackdowns on betting apps and some exceptions. Himachal Pradesh offers a different model by allowing limited online lotteries and betting on horse racing, demonstrating how a state can selectively permit certain types of betting while keeping others banned. Meanwhile, Meghalaya offers no legal provisions for online betting, continuing to prohibit such activities entirely.
This patchwork of regulations creates a confusing and unpredictable environment for bettors across India. What is legal in one state could be a punishable offense in a neighboring one. This situation highlights the urgent need for a clearer, more unified approach to online betting regulations in India, one that balances player safety, economic opportunity, and social responsibility. Until then, anyone interested in online betting must stay informed about their own state’s laws to avoid running afoul of local regulations.
Understanding the Legal Nuances in Popular States
- Maharashtra — The Strict Enforcer
Maharashtra is well-known for its tough approach toward gambling. The Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act criminalizes all forms of betting and gambling, including online platforms. Players and operators caught engaging in or facilitating betting can face severe legal consequences, such as hefty fines and imprisonment. This strict enforcement makes Maharashtra one of the riskiest states for online bettors. Residents need to be extremely cautious because even casual participation in online betting may attract legal trouble. - Sikkim — The Pioneer in Legal Online Betting
Sikkim has taken a progressive stance by becoming one of the first Indian states to regulate online gambling officially. The Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008, allows licensed operators to legally run online betting websites within the state. This legislation provides a legal framework that gives players confidence to bet on sports and casino games through officially licensed platforms. Because of this, Sikkim is often viewed as a trailblazer and model state for legal online betting in India. - Goa — The Betting Paradise
Goa has long been synonymous with legalized gambling, mainly due to its flourishing casinos and tourist-friendly policies. The Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act permits gambling in regulated environments, which extends to certain online betting platforms licensed by the government. This legal backing has made Goa a hotspot for Indian bettors seeking safe and legal betting options. The state’s relaxed yet regulated approach offers a unique balance between entertainment and legal oversight. - Nagaland — The Online Gaming Hub
Nagaland stands out for pioneering legislation focused on online games of skill and betting through the Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016. This act allows online gaming companies, including sports betting operators, to obtain licenses and operate legally within the state. Nagaland’s proactive approach has made it one of the most favorable Indian states for online betting businesses, encouraging growth while maintaining regulatory standards. - Kerala — Cautious but Hopeful
Kerala adopts a conservative position on gambling, largely prohibiting it under the Kerala Gaming Act. Despite this, the state permits certain gambling activities, such as state-run lotteries and betting on horse racing, under strict regulatory supervision. Online betting platforms, however, are mostly illegal in Kerala. That said, there are some legal loopholes, especially for games considered to be “skill-based,” which allows certain online gaming activities to continue in a grey area. The state remains cautious but shows potential for future reforms.
What About Other States?
| State | Legal Status | Type of Ban | Enforcement Actions | Notable Points |
| Punjab | Illegal | Complete Ban | Strict blocking of betting apps, raids on illegal operators | Gambling considered a serious offense under state law |
| Gujarat | Illegal | Total Prohibition | Police actively monitor and shut down illegal betting operations | State has zero tolerance for all gambling forms |
| Rajasthan | Illegal | Ban on Gambling & Betting | Blocking of online platforms, occasional legal action against offenders | No state-specific online betting regulation |
| Telangana | Illegal | Recent Full Ban | Aggressive blocking of apps and websites, fines imposed | Online betting apps explicitly targeted |
| Tamil Nadu | Illegal | Blanket Ban | Amendments to ban online skill games, enforcement against illegal sites | Earlier allowed fantasy sports but banned recently |
| West Bengal | Illegal | Ban on Online Betting | Blocking access to illegal sites, limited enforcement actions | Gambling broadly prohibited under state laws |
| Uttar Pradesh | Illegal | Strict Prohibition | Police crackdown on illegal betting, websites blocked | Large population makes enforcement challenging |
What Does the Law Say About ‘Games of Skill’ vs ‘Games of Chance’?
The distinction between ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance’ is one of the most important factors shaping the legal landscape of online betting in India. This classification determines whether an activity is treated as gambling under the law or viewed as a legitimate game or sport. Games of skill rely primarily on a player’s knowledge, strategy, and expertise to influence the outcome. Examples include poker, rummy, and fantasy sports, where the player’s decisions and abilities can significantly affect their chances of winning. Because skill plays a dominant role, courts have often ruled that these games should not be categorized as gambling.
On the other hand, games of chance depend mostly on luck, randomness, or probability, with minimal or no influence from the player’s skill or decision-making. Classic examples include roulette, slot machines, lotteries, and other casino games where outcomes are determined by chance or random number generators. These are typically treated as gambling under Indian laws and face stricter regulation or outright bans in many states.
Indian courts have consistently upheld the principle that games of skill do not fall under gambling prohibitions. Landmark judgments by the Supreme Court and various High Courts have clarified that skill-based games fall outside the scope of gambling laws. This legal interpretation is why fantasy sports platforms and online rummy games have gained massive popularity and operate in a legal grey area, even in states where gambling is otherwise banned. The courts emphasize the element of skill as the defining factor that separates these games from games of pure chance.
However, the line between skill and chance is not always clear-cut. Some games blend elements of both, creating legal ambiguity that complicates enforcement and regulation. This ambiguity has allowed many operators to promote their games as skill-based to avoid legal issues, while authorities sometimes dispute these claims. Despite this, the distinction remains central to the debate on online betting regulation, shaping both government policies and the strategies of betting platforms in India.