Analyzing Kerala’s Increased Goods and Services Tax to 28%: Implications and Outlook
01/29/2024 435 Views
Tanisha Khanna from Nishith Desai Associates and former Indian government secretary Dr. Aruna Sharma discuss…
Is It Legal To Play At Online Casinos in India?
With the rise of online casinos, more and more people are wondering whether it’s legal to play at online casinos in India. The answer is not as straightforward as one might expect, as it depends on various factors, including state laws and the type of game being played.
In this article, we’ll explore the legalities of online gambling in India and provide you with all the information you need to know before you start playing.
Understanding the Legal Framework of Online Gambling in India
The Indian Constitution grants states the power to legislate on “betting and gambling”. As a result, different states have their own laws regarding gambling. Some states, such as Goa and Sikkim, have legalized and regulated gambling activities. On the other hand, other states have banned gambling activities, including online gambling. In some states, the laws are ambiguous, and the legality of gambling activities remains unclear.
In 2000, the Public Gambling Act was amended to include online gambling. According to the act, operating or owning an online gambling site is illegal in India. However, the act does not clearly address the issue of whether players who participate in online gambling are breaking the law.
It’s worth noting that the Supreme Court of India has not given a clear verdict on the legality of online gambling in India. In 2015, the court ruled that horse race betting is a game of skill and not gambling, which led to the legalization of horse race betting in some states. However, the court did not comment on online gambling.
Types of Online Gambling Games in India
In India, the most popular forms of online gambling are sports betting and casino games. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
Sports Betting
Sports betting involves predicting the outcome of a sporting event and placing a wager on the predicted outcome. This form of gambling is popular in India, with cricket being the most popular sport to bet on. However, sports betting is illegal in most Indian states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Only a few states, such as Sikkim, have legalized sports betting.
Online Casinos
Online casinos offer a wide range of games, including slot machines, table games, and live dealer games. The legality of playing casino games online in India is a grey area. Some states, such as Goa, have legalized and regulated casino games. However, in other states, such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, playing casino games is illegal.
The Legality of Playing at Online Casinos in India
As mentioned earlier, the Public Gambling Act does not clearly address the legality of playing at online casinos in India. It only prohibits operating or owning an online gambling site. However, some legal experts argue that the act can be interpreted to include players who participate in online gambling.
In addition, several states have passed laws that specifically prohibit online gambling. For example, in Maharashtra, the Online Gambling Prevention Act was passed in 2018 to prohibit online gambling. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act was passed in 1974 to prohibit gambling.
Despite the legal ambiguities surrounding online gambling in India, many international online casinos accept Indian players. These casinos are licensed and regulated by gambling authorities in other countries, such as Malta and the UK.
