Is online gambling legal in India? Naturally, for all casino and sportsbook enthusiasts this is an important question. Land-based gambling is heavily restricted, on a state-by-state basis, and only certain categories such as Horse Race betting and lotteries are allowed more freely.
However, with online live casinos India has a lot more freedom. There is very little legislation that addresses the digital gambling question, although 2000’s Information Technology Act does allow the government to block foreign websites.
In short, the only Indian state where online gambling is illegal is Maharashtra under the Bombay Wager Act of 2012 and the only state where it is strictly legal is Sikkim – the Sikkim Act of 2008 allows authorities to licence certain operators within state limits.
As you can see, the guidelines are grey, rather than black and white. That means players are free to enjoy the action on offer at offshore gaming sites. Any winnings are considered taxable income and are subject to the 1961 Income Tax Act.
That means you’ll need to pay 30% of your payout to the government. Operators will either pay that sum directly before you make your withdrawal or pay you the full amount. If you get your total winnings you need to declare and pay the tax yourself on your annual return.
So, is online gambling legal in India? While that’s not 100% clear, the important thing is that it is only illegal in Maharashtra. As long as you choose respected sites such as the ones that we recommend, you can be sure of a fair, secure and enjoyable experience.
Gambling has been part of major Indian festivals such as Diwali for hundreds of years. In terms of legal gambling, legislation goes all the way back to the 1800s. Here’s a quick summary of India’s gambling laws’ timeline:
If you’re in any state other than Maharashtra, you can quite confidently say yes if asked, “is online gambling legal in India? Your bigger concern is making sure that you choose a reputable site. The lice casino that you register with should be fully licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority or another trusted regulator.
This licence is your proof that game results are fair, financial records are transparent, player privacy is protected, banking is secure, and winnings are paid out promptly. Don’t even consider any live casino India has to offer, if it doesn’t hold a valid permit.
You should also make sure that the available banking methods are convenient for you, that the site is fully compatible with your desktop or mobile device, and that the bonuses are generous with reasonable playthrough requirements.
Once you’re satisfied with all of these issues, you know the answer to both, “is online gambling legal in India?” and “should I choose this site?” and are ready to register your account. This is done in a matter of moments, and is accomplished in a few simple steps:
Live casino India players are legally allowed to enjoy all games that involve an element of skill, including Roulette, Poker, Blackjack and Baccarat. Offshore operators can also offer games that are completely dependent on chance, such as slots or Scratch Cards.
If you’re looking for legal gambling options online, choose from one of Live Casino India’s top recommended sites:
