Is Betting Legal in India? Understanding Online Betting Laws (2023)

In this guide, we will delve into online betting laws in India, suggest some of the best legal betting sites, and discuss what the future holds for online betting in India. The intention is to help you understand once and for all: Is betting legal in India? So, read on!

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION

20 Best Legal Betting Sites in India

  • Beginner-friendly betting site
  • Win ₹9,000 weekly reload bonus
  • Get up to 100% extra cash on combo bets

100% Sports Welcome Bonus up to ₹9,000

Claim bonus Read 20Bet Review
20Bet
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • One-click registration
  • Low minimum deposit of ₹100
  • High-quality livestreaming

100% First Deposit Bonus up to ₹20,000

Claim bonus Read Melbet Review
Melbet
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Register and win ₹1,000 sports bonus or 20 Aviator free bets
  • Instant 20% cashback on sports & casino
  • Win up to ₹3,000 free bets

150% Sports Bonus up to ₹1,00,000

Claim bonus Read Rajabets Review
Rajabets
MAIN FEATURES
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Up to 360% Bonus for every deposit
  • Win ₹82,577 referral bonus + 15% Commission
  • Website available in Hindi, Urdu, Bangla

360% Sports Welcome Bonus up to 1,00,000 BCD (₹4,40,000 approx.)

Claim bonus Read BC.Game Review
BC.Game
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Sleek design, straightforward UI
  • Crypto-first sportsbook
  • Enhanced odds on “Match of the Day”

Win ₹4,200 Free Bets Weekly

Claim bonus
Sportsbet.io
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
INR
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Laser-sharp focus on Indians and cricket betting
  • Regular odds boost
  • Get ₹1,000 weekly free bets

100% Sports Bonus up to ₹30,000 + ₹1,000 Free Bets

Claim bonus Read 10CRIC Review
10CRIC
MAIN FEATURES
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • One-click registration
  • Great bonus for a series of losing bets
  • 10% Boosted odds on accas

100% Welcome bonus up to ₹8,000

Claim bonus Read PariPesa Review
PariPesa
MAIN FEATURES
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Analytics Section for stats-based match outcomes
  • Low minimum deposit of ₹200
  • User-friendly mobile app

150% First Deposit Bonus up to ₹20,000

Claim bonus Read PariMatch Review
PariMatch
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
Betting Exchange
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Betting exchange available
  • Accepts Netbanking, UPI
  • Sports reload bonus up to ₹20,000

250% First Deposit Bonus up to ₹5,000

Claim bonus Read Fun88 Review
Fun88
MAIN FEATURES
Betting Exchange
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Cricket betting exchange available
  • Accepts UPI, Bank Transfer
  • Generous referral bonus of ₹1,200

Claim ₹1,200 Referral Bonus

Claim bonus Read Crickex Review
Crickex
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
Betting Exchange
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Low minimum withdrawal of ₹300
  • HD Livestreaming
  • Accepts UPI, VISA, Mastercard, Bank Transfer

160% First Deposit Bonus up to ₹16,000

Claim bonus Read Dafabet Review
Dafabet
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
Betting Exchange
In-Play Betting
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • One-click registration
  • Website available in Bangla, Hindi
  • Live results & stats section

100% First Deposit Bonus up to ₹11,000

Claim bonus Read 22Bet Review
22Bet
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Get up to 100% Acca Boost
  • Accepts UPI, Paytm, VISA, Mastercard
  • Sleek design and interactive UI

100% Sports Bonus up to ₹10,000

Claim bonus
PlayZilla
MAIN FEATURES
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
24/7 Support
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Excellent design with neat UI
  • Get up to 100% Acca Boost
  • Get ₹40,000 Weekly reload bonus

100% Sports Welcome Bonus up to ₹10,000

Claim bonus Read Rabona Review
Rabona
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • 100% Thursday Deposit Bonus up to ₹8,000
  • Bonus for a series of losing bets
  • One-click registration

100% First Deposit Bonus up to ₹8,000

Claim bonus Read BETWINNER Review
BETWINNER
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Use promo code 'JWCBA'
  • Accepts UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, Bank Transfer
  • Hindi customer support

Special Free Bets up to ₹15,000 + 50 Free Spins

Claim bonus Read JungliWIN Review
JungliWIN
MAIN FEATURES
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Average payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Win ₹20,000 Free Bets on sports
  • Win ₹500 Free Bets + 50FS on "Book of Dead"
  • Fantastic mobile app

200% Free Bets up to ₹20,000

Claim bonus Read Leon Bet Review
Leon Bet
MAIN FEATURES
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Win ₹10,000 Free Bets on sports
  • Win up to ₹2,000 Cricket Free Bets
  • Weekly sports cashback up to ₹8,000

100% Welcome Bonus up to ₹10,000 in Free Bets

Claim bonus Read VBET Review
VBET
MAIN FEATURES
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
INR
Hindi
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • Easy registration in seconds
  • Get 15% of first deposit in free bets
  • 10% Boosted odds on Acca of the Day

100% First Deposit Bonus up to ₹20,000

Claim bonus Read Megapari Review
Megapari
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions
  • One-click registration
  • Get 30 FS or Free Bets in Aviator as no-deposit bonus
  • Bet Insurance to guarantee winnings

125% First Deposit Bonus up to ₹34,000 + 250 Free Spins

Claim bonus Read Mostbet Review
Mostbet
MAIN FEATURES
Live Streaming
In-Play Betting
Live Chat
Stats
INR
Hindi
24/7 Support
Mobile app
Bitcoin
Fast payout speed
Claim bonus Terms & Conditions

Online betting has witnessed significant growth in India, with a projected revenue of USD 0.82 billion in 2023. However, this thriving market faces several hurdles in the absence of clear laws, and punters often wonder: Is betting legal in India?

In reality, online betting regulations in India are marked by ambiguity. This lack of clarity often deters potential bettors as they remain in a dilemma.

In this section, we will explain the existing gambling and betting regulations in India to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current legal landscape and help you determine whether online betting is legally permissible in your specific region.

A. Central Laws

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the only central law that deals with betting in India. However, it was made long before online casinos and fantasy sports betting on the internet even existed and does not outright declare online betting legal in India. Nor does it deem it illegal.

B. State Laws

The 7th Schedule of the Constitution designates gambling/betting as a state subject, empowering states to establish their own regulations to oversee betting activities within their respective jurisdictions.
Thus, a few states have, in recent years, drafted laws regulating online betting. Here are some key observations:

  • Offline casinos are legal in Goa, Daman, and Sikkim. Everywhere else, it is illegal.
  • Online domestic casinos are legal in Sikkim and Meghalaya, provided they have valid licences.
  • Online domestic casinos are illegal in every other part of the country.
  • Offshore casinos and betting sites online are not prohibited except in Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

C. The Reserve Bank

To address online betting within India, FDI policies were drafted by the Reserve Bank of India to regulate the flow of money from Indian companies engaging in betting, lotteries, and gambling activities.

However, these regulations generally do not apply to offshore betting sites. Therefore, it's theoretically permissible to engage in gambling on top online betting apps and sites without incurring legal consequences. Which means prominent online gambling platforms, such as 10CRIC, Betwinner, and Parimatch are legal in India.

To sum it all up, like in the case of central laws, there is no concrete RBI policy that categorically states that you cannot consider online betting legal in India.

Cricket market on 10cric website

(Source: 10cric)

Is online sports betting legal in India? Or cricket betting, for that matter? Well, firstly, offline gambling is strictly prohibited. However, there is no blanket online betting ban in India. Most Indian states have no law to ban betting, and if you are using an international bookmaker like the ones we mentioned in the table at the beginning, you are in the safe zone.

You can legally bet on cricket without any fear of legal repercussions, provided they have valid licences and are based out of India. However, it is best to do a simple internet search every now and then to ensure that no new law has been enacted to ban online cricket betting in your state.

Offline Betting vs Online Betting: Differences in Legislation

A screenshot showing the different offers available on 10cric website

(Source: 10cric)
  • In India, the legislation governing offline and online betting varies significantly from state to state.
  • Offline betting, which includes activities like casinos, horse racing, and lotteries, is subject to state laws.
  • Some states and UTs, such as Goa, Sikkim and Daman, permit these activities and have legal casinos and horse racing. Lotteries are also legal in these states.
  • However, in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Telangana, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra, casinos are illegal. In several others, there is no clear legislation yet.
  • Despite this, lotteries and betting on horse races are legal in Indian states. However, there are no explicit state or central laws that make online betting legal in India. Therefore, the legal landscape remains relatively ambiguous.

Domestic online betting platforms are generally not legal in most states (except Sikkim and Meghalaya), but the situation is different for offshore or international bookmakers. This means that many Indian players (except residents of Tamil Nadu and Telangana) can play on international online betting platforms, which operate outside the ambit of Indian laws and regulations.

As of the day of publishing, this is an overarching picture of some Indian states where online gambling is legal and states where it isn’t.

  • Domestic online casinos are deemed legal in Sikkim and Meghalaya, provided they have valid licences from their respective governments.
  • International online casinos are considered legal across India, except Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
  • States that have passed some form of legislation and regulation in favour of online gambling are Kerala, Delhi, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
  • States where online gambling is expressly illegal are Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

We have already answered the question: Is online gambling legal in India? But the next pertinent question that often keeps punters on the edge is whether online gambling is safe.

The majority of the top legal betting apps and sites take efforts to ensure that their platforms are safe for users. Be it payment confidentiality or data safety, these bookmakers go the extra mile to ensure that you have an exciting and safe wagering experience online.

However, it is always better if you know how to tell a legal betting site from a fraud one. To that end, here’s a basic checklist to ensure you do not end up with a duplicitous betting site:

Games of Chance vs Games of Skill: Betting Laws in India

  • Games of chance include the lottery or roulette. There’s little scope for skills, and one relies more on luck in such games.
  • On the other hand, games of skill are quite the opposite and require knowledge, experience, and smart decisions to win. Online betting games in India, like poker, rummy, fantasy sports, and horse racing, fall into this category.
  • When it comes to games of chance, however, each state gets to decide. Maharashtra and West Bengal have legalised lotteries, while Goa and Sikkim have legalised casinos.

Now, when it comes to the law, India treats these two types of games differently. Betting on games of skill is generally legal across the country, except in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, which have banned all forms of betting, online and offline. NOTE that this does not apply to horse racing.

Casino games

Just like sports betting, the legality of online casinos depends on whether they are domestic or international platforms.

Registration of online casinos in India is currently illegal, except in Sikkim and Meghalaya. So, if you find a local Indian casino website outside these two states, remember that they are illegal. However, Indians can assuredly play on online casinos based out of India.

VISIT RAJABETS

Several High Courts, including those in Punjab and Haryana, Bombay, and Rajasthan, and the Supreme Court have upheld the legality of fantasy sports platforms like Dream11. They have emphasised that these games are primarily skill-based, requiring players to use their knowledge and strategic thinking.

In light of these court rulings, it is established that fantasy sports games are lawful and do not constitute gambling or betting.

  • Horse race betting in India is considered a game of skill, and as per Indian law, betting on games of skill is legal across the country.
  • Despite this, not all states and union territories have legalised horse racing.
  • Here are the states and union territories where it is legal: Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Goa, Daman and Diu, Sikkim.
  • In all other states and union territories, it remains illegal.

NOTE: This law does not apply to offline online betting sites.

VISIT PARIMATCH

Card games like rummy and poker are often seen as skill-based rather than pure luck, and this distinction is vital in determining their legality. Indian courts have examined these games and consistently ruled that because they involve skill and strategy, they are generally legal in the country.

However, in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, these games have been banned by state legislation, despite their skill-based nature.

VISIT FUN88

Is online gambling legal in India? In a word, yes, it is, provided you only play on bookmakers that are headquartered outside of India and affiliated with reputed regulatory jurisdictions. To that end, below is a list of some of the best legal online betting sites in India where you can play with total peace of mind.

Live Betting SitesFounded InClaim BonusLicensed By
20bet-logo2018100% up to ₹9,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Melbet-logo2012100% up to ₹20,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Rajabet-logo2021150% up to ₹1,00,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
BC.Game-logo2019360% up to ₹17,00,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Sportsbet.io-logo2016Win ₹4,200 Free Bets Weekly

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
10cric-logo2013100% up to ₹30,000 + ₹1,000 Free Bets

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Paripesa-logo2020100% up to ₹8,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Parimatch-logo1994150% up to ₹20,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Fun88-logo2009150% up to ₹50,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Crickex-logo2019₹1,200 Referral Bonus

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Dafabet-logo2004200% up to ₹20,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board and UKGC
22bet-logo2017100% up to ₹11,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Playzilla-logo2021100% up to ₹10,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Rabona-logo2019100% up to ₹8,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Betwinner-logo2018100% up to ₹8,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Jungliwin-logo2022Special Free Bets up to ₹15,000 + 50 FS
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
leonbet-logo2007200% up to ₹20,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Vbet-logo2003100% up to ₹10,000Malta Gaming Authority
Megapari-logo2019100% up to ₹17,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Mostbet-logo2009100% up to ₹25,000 + 250 FS
Curaçao Gaming Control Board

Here are some of the best and most popular legal betting apps in India.

Live Betting SitesFounded InClaim BonusLicensed By
20bet-logo2018100% up to ₹9,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Parimatch-logo1994150% up to ₹20,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Rajabet-logo2021150% up to ₹1,00,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
BC.Game-logo2019360% up to ₹17,00,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Melbet-logo2012100% up to ₹20,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
10cric-logo2013100% up to ₹30,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Paripesa-logo2020100% up to ₹8,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board
22bet-logo2017100% up to ₹11,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Fun88-logo2009150% up to ₹50,000
Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Dafabet-logo2004200% up to ₹20,000

Curaçao Gaming Control Board and UKGC

How is Online Gambling in India Taxed?

In a significant development, the 50th GST Council meeting in July 2023 addressed a long-pending issue by recommending a tax framework for online gambling, casinos, and horse racing in India.

After considering a report from the Group of Ministers (GoM) dedicated to this matter, the GST Council made crucial recommendations regarding the taxation of these activities.

As a result, it was decided that a uniform GST rate of 28% would now apply to online gaming, casinos, and horse racing.

  • Bet365
  • BetVictor
  • Ladbrokes
  • William Hill
  • Betfair
  • Betway

Online Betting Legality in India: Possible Outlook

The future of online betting in India is evolving due to increased regulatory scrutiny. While the industry is growing, the Indian government is concerned about misleading advertising practices by some betting platforms and has initiated actions to ban such ads.

Recent amendments in April 2023 highlight the need for a self-regulatory body (SRB) verification in India's online gaming industry.

States like Tamil Nadu and Telangana have already decided to be on the other side of the few states that consider online betting legal in India. We believe that these two states are exceptions and that a nationwide ban on online gambling in India may be unlikely in the near future.

However, what is certain is the increasing focus on getting more structure and responsible betting processes in the online betting industry in India, which so far has been running on autopilot. All in all, more safety and security for bettors. So, that’s good news!

CricketBettingAdvice Final Say

We hope by now you have a fair idea of: Is betting legal in India? Knowledge of the legal implications is essential to ensuring you have a fun time betting on cricket online.

However, always do a comprehensive background check on bookies before you make an account with them, and never take a deal that seems too sweet to be true. That aside, if you haven’t yet tried your hand at online cricket betting in India, go ahead and do so!

Is Online Betting Legal in India FAQs

Is online gambling legal in India?

Betting laws in India vary from state to state. Casinos are only legal in Sikkim, Daman, and Goa. Lotteries and horse racing are legal in states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Mizoram, among others, while there is a total ban on all gambling activities in Tamil Nadu and Telangana. To directly answer the question, is online gambling legal in India? Yes, it is, provided you use an overseas bookmaker to place bets.

Is online betting legal in India?

It depends on whether you are betting on offshore online betting sites or domestic ones. Offshore cricket betting in India is legal in all states except Tamil Nadu and Telangana. However, when it comes to domestic sites, online betting is forbidden in all states except Sikkim and Meghalaya.

Which are the best legal betting sites in India?

Our recommendations for the best legal gambling sites in India are the ones we have suggested in this article. However, if you were to ask us to narrow it down further, we’d go with 20Bet, 10CRIC, Melbet, Parimatch, Betwinner, Paripesa, Dafabet, and Fun88.

Which are the best legal betting apps in India?

20Bet, 10CRIC, Betwinner, Dafabet, Melbet, Parimatch, and Fun88 are among the best legal betting apps in India at the moment.

Is cricket betting legal in India?

Betting on cricket is legal in India provided you use an international online bookie with a valid licence. Check our recommendations above. However, for residents of Tamil Nadu and Telangana, it is illegal.

Is Betway legal in India?

Since Betway is an offshore online bookmaker, it is theoretically legal in India. It was also legal in Karnataka until some months ago. However, due to publicly unknown reasons, the bookie has recently stopped offering its services in India.

Is Dafabet legal in India?

Yes, Dafabet, being an offshore betting site, is legal across all regions of India except Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Is 10CRIC legal in India?

Besides Tamil Nadu and Telangana, 10CRIC is legal in every other Indian state and UT.

Is Parimatch India legal?

Not only is Parimatch legal in India, but it is also one of the most popular betting sites here, thanks to several free bet offers and other promotions. However, if you reside in Tamil Nadu or Telangana, it is illegal to access this site.

Is 1xBet legal in India?

Yes, 1xBet is legal in all of India, barring Telangana and Tamil Nadu. It is preferred by many Indian punters due to its convenient payment options and an excellent sports welcome bonus. To know more about this popular bookmaker, read our comprehensive 1xBet review.

Is there a Bet365 ban in India?

Bet365 is not officially banned in India, but the bookie itself has chosen to cease its services here. The decision stems from the evolving regulatory landscape and challenges related to financial transactions with Indian banks, prompting Bet365 to stop accepting Indian players.

Is gambling legal in India? Are online casino games legal in India?

Barring Telangana and Tamil Nadu, gambling is safe and legit in the country, provided you only play on legal gambling sites in India.

What are the most popular online betting games in India?

Besides fantasy sports betting, some of the most popular online casino betting games in India are poker, rummy, roulette, and Teen Patti.

Is IPL betting legal in India?

Yes. Residents of India, except Tamil Nadu and Telangana, can legally bet on IPL games on offshore online betting sites.

Are winnings from online gambling taxed in India?

Yes, in India, winnings from games of chance and skill, including online gambling, are subject to a GST rate of 28%.

Is satta legal in India?

Satta is illegal in India, but if you find a variant of the game at an offshore online betting site, you can play the game legally. However, residents of Tamil Nadu and Telangana are forbidden from playing any variant of this game for real money online.

What are the best cricket betting sites in Bangladesh?

Our recommendations for the best betting sites in Bangladesh include Melbet, Parimatch, and Dafabet.

What are the best cricket betting sites in Pakistan?

There are several top cricket betting sites in Pakistan, like 1xBet, Fun88 and 20Bet.

Further Reading

  1. Top 49 Cricket Betting Sites in India (2023 Update) Planning to bet on your team this cricket-heavy season? Before...
  2. 33 Best Cricket Betting Apps in India (2023 Update) In this guide, we’ve listed the most enjoyable and user-friendly...
  3. Top 18 Bookies for Online Betting in Pakistan (2023) The scope of online betting in Pakistan frequently perplexes punters....

This website uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies