Is casino legal in India? Full Research

Casino is Legal in India? This question has been of significant interest to many Indians willing to play online casino games.

In this article, we will let you know how to tell if a casino in India legal, and which games you can enjoy and stay on the right side of the law at the same time!

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Are Casinos legal in India?

Let’s first discuss if casino legal in India? For the most part of the state, it is, as there are no laws that explicitly ban online gambling.

Although some might say that the fact that many states ban land-based gambling, also means they ban online gaming, there were no prosecutions regarding this matter whatsoever. Online casinos operate pretty much in the entire country, and only a few states have made moves to limit it.

State Gambling Laws

To see if online casino India legal, we have to go state by state. Sikkim Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Goa are the only three states with regulated gambling, in one way or another.

So, if you are wondering is Grand Mondial casino legal in India, the answer is obvious! Yes, it is!

Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu all prohibit gambling activities. The remaining states don’t recognize online gambling.

They don’t ban it, but they also fail to properly regulate it. This leads to increased exposure to offshore brands, and oftentimes, weak customer protection.

What are the Laws for Gambling in India?

If you want to play at legal casino in India, you will have to get familiar with all the laws that apply. We created a short summary to help you wrap your head around it.

Kindly note these are just summaries. For more information, consult your local authorities, or search for gambling laws online.

Public Gambling Act of 1867

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 doesn’t recognize such a thing as a “legit online casino”. After all, it is a law dating back to the 19th century!

Nowadays, it applies to all states who don’t have their own gambling laws. Regarding the question are casino legal in India this law has a rather precise answer – it is illegal to operate a gambling house offering games of chance or to visit such establishments.

Skill-based games are not considered gambling. Meanwhile, it fails to recognize online casino sites, places customers don’t visit physically and that are out of Indian jurisdiction.

Games of Skill

Online casino is legal in India, in most states, as long as the site focuses on games of skill. But what are games of skill?

It is the type of entertainment in which the outcome of the bet is not determined solemnly by luck, but skills as well. The most notable games of skill are poker and blackjack.

Let’s put this into perspective. In poker, the cards you get are the only thing that is left to chance, as you can get a really valuable combo or a hand of low values.

However, how you play the cards is what affects the outcome. You can read the other player, bluff, and calculate all the possibilities.

The same thing goes for blackjack. Players can, with a bit of time and dedication, develop card counting skills.

Once you know how to calculate the rations of high-value and low-value cards, you get a head advantage – all thanks to your skill.

Games of Chance

Games of chance, on the other hand, rely only on luck. Although there are certain strategies that can help you manage your money and time, it is impossible to impact the outcome.

For example, an average slot machine has thousands and thousands of combinations. It is downright impossible to predict in which way the symbols will line up.

The same goes for roulette. You can strategize all you want, but in the end, the ball will settle when and where it settles.

Once you place the bet, the outcome is beyond your control.

Sports Betting Gambling Laws

Did you know that every online legit casino will offer you sports betting as well? When it comes to sports, the legality is as complex as the legality of casino games.

The states that allow gambling, both online and land-based, allow sports betting on all sports. However, states that rely on the Public Gambling Act of 1867, have different rules.

They support only one type of sports betting: horse races, which can happen on the racetrack and outside of it. In fact, across India, you’ll find plenty of racetracks where you can pick your favourite and put your money on it.

Horse Racing Gambling Laws

Although the topic of online casino legal in India is very hot and often puzzling, the legality of betting on horse races never comes into question. Seeing the state not putting a blanket ban on all gambling, gamblers can wager on horses.

Perceived as a bet of skill, rather than a bet of chance, horse racing wagering is, according to the law, data-driven. This means punters can analyze the form, fitness, and other elements, and deduct which horse will win.

Games Gambling Laws

If online casino in India is legal, that doesn’t mean all games it offers will be considered legal. Online casino legit games are only those based on skill.

Even so, if you play with an offshore casino, you can pick any game you wish. They are out of Indian jurisdiction, meaning, the authorities don’t have a say in what is allowed and what’s not.

The world will be your playground!

Slots

Slots are games of chance, and online casino games legal in India, as long as you play at offshore casinos. If you choose land-based gaming, you’ll be allowed to play only in states that allow gambling and games of chance.

Slots are fairly easy to understand. You typically have to press a button, and the reels in front of you will start to spin.

After the reels stop, the game will pay any win lines you trigger. The best thing about this type of game, is that you can win massive amounts if you choose those with good features and solid jackpots.

Roulette

Another game you won’t easily find at legal online casino in India is roulette. You can still play it in all its glory in the states that allow games of chance.

It is a game in which you have to predict where the ball will land. You bet on a certain number, as the roulette wheel is divided into at least 36 wedges.

Players from India love roulette as it is packed with anticipation, and offers a great range of betting options with different odds.

Blackjack

Blackjack is 100% legal in India. It is a pure game of skill and takes some time to master.

The main reason why blackjack is a game of skill is that players can develop methods and learn strategies to keep track of the cards used. This gives them a great advantage, and the ability to be the masters of their destinies.

You can play blackjack in land-based casinos (where available), or online.

Teen Patti

Any legit casino online will also offer teen patti. This popular entertainment is somewhere between a game of skill and a game of chance, but it is rooted deep into the Indian culture, it is impossible to ban it.

Teen Patti usually reaches its height during festivals, such as Holi, but it can also be played at online casinos. The Indian version of poker requires a fair amount of skill to be won.

Andar Bahar

Andar bahar, on the other hand, is a game of chance. You simply have to predict where the card will land: the andar or the bahar side.

As such, it shouldn’t be available in India, but it is. In addition to online casinos, you can play it on the streets during festivals, in brick-and-mortar establishments (where available), and even at home.

Considering it was developed during the time of Harappa Civilization times (lasting from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE), it is impossible to ban or avoid.

Baccarat

Baccarat is a 100% game of chance, and therefore, not widely available in India. Still, you can enjoy it if you decide to use online gambling platforms, instead of traditional gambling joints.

Similar to andar bahar, it is a game about predicting which hand, the Player on the Banker, will have a more valuable hand. In a way, it is similar to blackjack and andar bahar.

Poker

Is playing online casino legal in India, especially when it comes to poker? Yes, it is!

Poker is a game that relies on skill, rather than on luck. Even if the hand you get is not promising, you can always turn things around, and make the most of it.

In addition to peer-to-peer poker, you can also enjoy a stunning range of casino poker variants, as well as video poker games. Make sure to take advantage of the free demo, if possible, before placing a real money bet!

State Lottery Laws

Another popular type of gambling in India is lottery. And as usual, things get a bit complicated as lottery gambling is not allowed in the entire state!

States where you can play lottery: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, West Bengal.

In addition to playing a land-based lottery, you can also take a shot at an online lottery. This type of gambling won’t be available with Indian lotteries, but major international brands such as Mega Millions.

Foreign Online Gambling Sites

Did you know that, as an Indian, you can play at the best legit online casino Canada? Or the USA? Or whichever casino grabs your attention?

Online gambling platforms, operated by offshore companies, are for many Indians the only way to enjoy online gambling. As long as they are licensed by authorities in other countries, you can be sure you’ll get fair treatment and many exciting games!

Tax Gambling Laws

Online casino that are legit will never do the tax calculation for you. You will always have to make sure to pay 30% of your win to tax authorities, per Income Tax Act, 1961.

Is casino legal in India on land authorized to do the math for you? Yes it is!

Reputable establishments will immediately deduct the 30% tax and pay it in your name, while providing the remaining funds directly to you, at the cage.

Conclusion

We hope now you get a better idea of which online casino is legit, and which is not. And what is the most legit online casino?

The one that is on top of our list, of course. CasinoHEX team is diligently working on making sure you get as many great suggestions as possible, so you can pick the brand that works for you. All our reviews have been written in line with the highest standards, with a special accent on safety, fair gaming, and legality.

The situation in India might be confusing, as there is no unified legislation, but with our help, you’ll be able to find great legal brands in no time!