The world of online betting has exploded globally, with millions of people placing bets on sports, casino games, and even virtual events. But in India, a country with a rich history of games and gambling, the question looms large: Are betting websites legal in India? It’s a topic that sparks curiosity, confusion, and debate among enthusiasts, lawmakers, and everyday citizens alike. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can legally bet on your favorite cricket match or spin the roulette wheel online, you’re not alone. Let’s unpack this complex issue step-by-step, exploring the laws, the gray areas, and what it all means for you.
To understand whether betting websites are legal in India, we first need to look at the foundation of gambling laws in the country. Gambling in India isn’t a new phenomenon—think of ancient texts like the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas famously lost their kingdom in a game of dice. But modern laws? They’re a different story.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867: The Old Rulebook
The backbone of India’s gambling laws is the Public Gambling Act of 1867, a colonial-era legislation introduced by the British. This act makes operating or visiting a “common gaming house” illegal, with penalties including fines and jail time. At its core, it was designed to curb physical gambling dens. But here’s the catch: it was written over 150 years ago, long before the internet or online betting websites existed. So, does it apply to the digital world? That’s where things get murky.
The Act doesn’t explicitly mention online gambling, leaving a massive gray area. States have the power to tweak gambling laws under India’s federal structure, which adds another layer of complexity. Some states have outright bans, while others have carved out exceptions. For instance, horse racing and lotteries are legal in certain regions—more on that later.
The Information Technology Act of 2000
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the Information Technology Act of 2000 governs online activities in India. It addresses cybercrimes, data privacy, and digital transactions but doesn’t specifically tackle online gambling or betting websites. This silence leaves room for interpretation—and exploitation—by both operators and users.
State-Specific Laws
Since gambling falls under state jurisdiction, the rules vary widely across India:
Most states, however, haven’t updated their laws to address online betting explicitly, leaving users and operators in limbo.
Here’s where things get interesting. Indian courts have consistently distinguished between “games of skill” and “games of chance.” This distinction is critical when determining the legality of betting websites.
Games of Skill: The Green Light
Games where skill dominates over luck—think rummy, poker, or fantasy sports—are often considered legal. The Supreme Court of India ruled in 1968 (State of Andhra Pradesh vs. K. Satyanarayana) that rummy is a game of skill, not chance. Similarly, in 2021, the Madras High Court upheld that fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 involve skill, making them permissible in many states.
Betting on games of skill, such as predicting a cricket player’s performance, often falls into this category. Websites offering fantasy leagues or skill-based betting argue they’re operating legally under this umbrella.
Games of Chance: The Red Zone
On the flip side, games like roulette, slots, or lotteries—where luck plays a bigger role—are classified as gambling and are illegal in most parts of India. Betting websites offering these games often operate offshore, outside Indian jurisdiction, which we’ll explore soon.
The Cricket Conundrum
Cricket isn’t just a sport in India; it’s a religion. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) drawing massive audiences, betting on cricket matches is a hot topic. Courts haven’t explicitly ruled whether betting on cricket is a game of skill or chance. Analyzing team stats, player form, and pitch conditions requires knowledge—sounds like skill, right? But the unpredictability of the game leans toward chance. For now, it’s a gray area, and many Indians bet on cricket through offshore websites.
If you’ve ever browsed a betting website, you might’ve noticed most aren’t based in India. Platforms like Bet365, 1xBet, or Betway operate from places like Malta, Gibraltar, or the UK, where online gambling is regulated and legal. These offshore sites happily accept Indian users, often with INR deposits and Hindi support. But are they legal for Indians to use?
The Legal Gray Area
Indian laws don’t explicitly prohibit individuals from using offshore betting websites. The Public Gambling Act targets operators, not players. Plus, these sites are hosted outside India, beyond the reach of local enforcement. The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 governs cross-border transactions, and while it restricts certain financial activities, betting isn’t explicitly banned. Many users deposit money via e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, or UPI, sidestepping traditional banking scrutiny.
Government Crackdowns
That said, the Indian government isn’t oblivious. In recent years, authorities have blocked access to some betting websites, especially during high-profile events like the IPL. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) can order ISPs to restrict these platforms under the IT Act. Yet, tech-savvy users often bypass blocks using VPNs, keeping the cat-and-mouse game alive.
Taxation Twist
In 2023, the Indian government introduced a 28% GST on online gaming and betting, signaling a shift. While this doesn’t legalize betting websites, it implies tacit acknowledgment of their existence—and a desire to cash in. Winnings from betting are also taxable under the Income Tax Act, 1961, with a 30% rate on “income from gambling.”
Legality aside, safety is a huge concern. Not all betting websites are created equal—some are legitimate, while others are scams waiting to fleece you.
Licensed Operators
Reputable offshore sites are licensed by authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the UK Gambling Commission. These licenses ensure fair play, secure transactions, and dispute resolution. Before signing up, check the site’s licensing details—usually found in the footer.
Red Flags to Watch For
User Responsibility
Even if a site is legal offshore, Indian users must weigh the risks. There’s no local recourse if something goes wrong—no Indian court will help you recover funds from a Malta-based operator. Plus, addiction is a real concern; betting can spiral out of control if unchecked.
Legality is one thing, but what do Indians think about betting? Culturally, gambling has a dual identity. Festivals like Diwali see families play card games for money, a tradition rooted in celebration. Yet, societal stigma labels gambling as immoral or wasteful, especially in conservative circles.
Online betting, though, is gaining traction among the youth. With smartphones in every hand and cricket fever year-round, platforms offering quick thrills are hard to resist. A 2022 report by KPMG estimated India’s online gaming market (including betting) could hit $3.9 billion by 2025. The numbers don’t lie—people are betting, legal or not.
So, where are we headed? India’s betting laws are overdue for an update. The Law Commission of India recommended regulating gambling in its 2018 report, arguing that a legal framework could curb black money and protect users. Sikkim and Nagaland have taken baby steps, but a national policy remains elusive.
Possible Scenarios
Public opinion, technology, and revenue potential will shape the outcome. For now, betting websites operate in a legal twilight zone—neither fully legal nor outright banned.
If you’re tempted to try a betting website, here’s how to stay on the right side of caution:
The short answer? It depends. Betting websites aren’t explicitly legal under Indian law, but they’re not explicitly illegal either—especially if they’re offshore and focus on games of skill. The Public Gambling Act is outdated, state laws are inconsistent, and enforcement is spotty. For now, millions of Indians bet online, navigating a maze of risks and rewards.
If you’re asking, “Can I bet safely and legally?” the reality is nuanced. Offshore sites offer a workaround, but they come with uncertainties. As India modernizes, clearer regulations might emerge, balancing cultural values with economic potential. Until then, whether you roll the dice is a personal call—one that blends legality, ethics, and a dash of daring.
What’s your take? Have you used a betting website in India, or do you think it’s time for reform? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from you!
Recent News 
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
Online Casinos
Stars Casino: Get $100 bonus cash + 200 bonus spins
Stars Casino: Get $100 bonus cash + 200 bonus spins
