Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
India is governed by complex laws, with the Public Gambling Act of 1867 being the primary legislation that prohibits most forms of gambling nationwide. However, each state has the authority to regulate gaming within its borders.
For example, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana impose strict bans on all forms of online gambling. Meanwhile, Sikkim and Nagaland allow some skill-based games like rummy to be played for real money online.
All India Gaming Federation
- MeitY promotes a co-regulatory framework.
- Self-regulatory bodies (SRBs) certify and monitor online gambling sites.
- The central rules aim to protect users from financial harm, addiction, and fraud.
- Only games approved by SRBs are allowed online.
- Platforms must adhere to IT intermediary guidelines for online gaming.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) oversees online gaming, including skill-based games, through self-regulatory bodies, yet this does not extend to traditional online casinos.
Gambling in India
Gambling in India operates under a fragmented legal framework, with the Public Gambling Act of 1867 banning most forms of gambling across the country. While land-based casinos are allowed in a few states like Goa, Sikkim, and Daman, online casinos are largely prohibited.
States like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have implemented strict laws against all forms of online gambling, including skill-based games. Yet, others like Kerala and Maharashtra are not so strict and offer legal lottery systems.
Quick Factsheet
- Land-based casinos are legal in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman.
- Online gambling regulations vary by state.
- Games of skill, like rummy and poker, are legal in 13 states.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have strict bans on all real-money gambling activities.
- The MeitY regulates online gambling via self-regulatory bodies.
- Lottery systems are legal and regulated in 12 states.
- Offshore casinos are permitted in Goa, operating on floating vessels.
Personally, I believe the lack of unified regulation leads to confusion and missed opportunities for establishing a safer, well-regulated gambling environment nationwide.
Gambling History and Future
India’s gambling history is marked by restrictive laws and regional variations in regulation. It began in 1867 with the Public Gambling Act, which banned most forms of gambling across the country.
Significant changes occurred in 1976 when Goa legalized land-based casinos under the Goa, Daman, and Diu Public Gambling Act, later amended in 1992 to allow electronic games in five-star hotels.
On the other side, states like Arunachal Pradesh passed prohibition acts in 2012, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana imposed strict bans on all online gambling in 2020.
Indian Flag
- 1867: The Public Gambling Act was introduced, prohibiting most gambling activities.
- 1976: Goa, Daman, and Diu Public Gambling Act allowed land-based casinos in Goa.
- 1992: Goa amended its law to permit electronic games in five-star hotels.
- 2007: Sikkim legalized casinos under the Sikkim Casino Act.
- 2012: Arunachal Pradesh introduced a gambling prohibition act.
- 2020: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana banned all forms of online gambling.
- 2023: Central government implemented online gaming rules.
More recently, in 2023, the central government introduced regulations for online gaming, though this has primarily focused on skill-based games rather than traditional casino gambling.
Conclusion
Gambling in India remains a complex and fragmented landscape. While land-based casinos are legal in states like Goa, Sikkim, and Daman, online casino gambling is prohibited across the country. The introduction of 2023 online gaming rules is a step toward regulation, but the overall situation remains unclear for most online gambling forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our legal experts have address common queries about gambling laws in India. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.
Is online gambling in India legal?
Online gambling is generally not legal in India. Most states prohibit it, and engaging in online casino gambling can result in fines or imprisonment. However, a few exceptions exist for skill-based games like rummy and chess.
Are there states where online gambling is legal in India?
Certain states, like Sikkim and Nagaland, have regulations for online gambling, but they are very restrictive and mainly apply to skill-based games. Traditional online casino gambling in the form of slots, blackjack or roulette is not accessible online in India.
Written By Angelina Vodenicharova