Online betting in India operates in a complex legal framework, with the question “Is online betting legal in India?” hinging on state-specific laws. As gambling is a state subject under the Indian Constitution, legality varies across regions. This guide explores whether online betting is legal in India, state by state, as of August 2025.
Understanding India’s Gambling Laws
The Public Gambling Act of 1867, a colonial law, governs gambling but doesn’t address online platforms, leaving a gray area. The Information Technology Act of 2000 also lacks clear rules for online betting. States have their own laws, and courts often distinguish between games of skill (e.g., rummy, poker) and chance (e.g., lotteries). Skill-based games are more likely to be legal in India, while sports betting remains controversial.
State-Wise Legality of Online Betting
Here’s a concise breakdown of whether online betting is legal in India, state by state. Always consult local authorities for updated regulations.
Andhra Pradesh
- Status: Prohibited.
- Details: The Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974, amended in 2020, bans online betting, making it illegal in India’s Andhra Pradesh. Skill-based games like rummy may be permitted by courts.
Arunachal Pradesh
- Status: Regulated.
- Details: The Arunachal Pradesh Gambling (Prohibition) Act, 2012, allows licensed betting. Online betting is legal in India’s Arunachal Pradesh under regulation, though infrastructure is limited.
Assam
- Status: Prohibited.
- Details: The Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970, bans betting, including online platforms. Lotteries and horse racing are exceptions but tightly controlled.
Bihar
- Status: Prohibited.
- Details: The Bihar Ban on Lottery, Gambling, and Betting Act, 1993, makes online betting illegal in India’s Bihar, with no skill-based exemptions.
Chhattisgarh
- Status: Gray area.
- Details: No specific laws exist. Skill-based games may be legal in India’s Chhattisgarh, but sports betting is likely illegal.
Goa
- Status: Regulated.
- Details: Goa’s liberal laws under the Goa, Daman, and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976, make online betting legal in India’s Goa for licensed platforms. Offshore sites are accessible.
Image Placeholder: Offshore casino in Goa. Alt Text: Licensed offshore casino in Goa, where online betting is legal in India.
Gujarat
- Status: Prohibited.
- Details: The Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887, bans online betting, though skill-based games may be legal in India’s Gujarat per court rulings.
Haryana
- Status: Gray area.
- Details: No specific laws. Skill-based games are likely legal in India’s Haryana, but sports betting is ambiguous.
Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal
- Status: Varies (mostly gray areas or restricted).
- Details:
- Prohibited: Telangana, Tamil Nadu (chance-based), and Odisha ban most betting.
- Gray Areas: States like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh allow skill-based games but lack clear sports betting rules.
- Details: Check state-specific acts (e.g., Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930) for clarity.
Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim
- Status: Regulated.
- Details:
- Meghalaya: The Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, permits licensed online betting.
- Nagaland: The 2016 Act allows skill-based online games under licenses.
- Sikkim: The Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008, makes online betting legal in India’s Sikkim, including sports betting.
Union Territories
- Delhi: Skill-based games are legal in India’s Delhi; sports betting is unclear.
- Jammu & Kashmir: Mostly illegal, except skill-based games.
- Puducherry: Regulated, similar to Goa.
Key Takeaways
- Skill vs. Chance: Games of skill (rummy, poker) are more likely to be legal in India than chance-based betting.
- Regulated Hubs: Goa, Sikkim, and Nagaland offer licensed betting platforms.
- Strict States: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Telangana prohibit most betting.
- Evolving Laws: Courts often clarify ambiguities, especially for skill-based games.
Conclusion
Determining whether online betting is legal in India depends on your state’s laws. Sikkim and Goa lead with regulated frameworks, while states like Telangana enforce strict bans. Always use licensed platforms and consult legal experts to stay compliant.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects information as of August 2025. Laws change, so verify with local authorities or legal professionals.