Best Gambling Sites in India: IN Online Gambling Guide for 2024

Top Indian Gambling Sites for Real Money

While Indians have many online gambling operators to choose from, understanding the laws may be challenging. In the following guide, we will explain the local gaming legislations by state and list the legal games and betting types. Additionally, we have ranked safe IN gaming platforms with excellent bonuses and mobile compatibility. Here are the best gambling sites in India for 2024:

John Isaac, Editor at online-gambling.com

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John Isaac is one of the editors at online-gambling.com. He is an expert at card games, such as blackjack and poker. In addition, he writes about the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets.

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Types of Gambling in India

It’s illegal to operate or enter a gaming house according to the Public Gambling Act 1867. Despite the law declaring gambling illegal, it excludes games where skills are needed. Nowadays, Indians can legally bet on horse racing and rummy. The lottery was officially legalised in the country, thanks to the Lotteries Regulation Act of 1998. Every state can modify the local laws, which is why land-based casinos are available in Sikkim and Goa.

Meanwhile, the situation with online gambling in India is uncertain. Considering neither the Public Gambling Act of 1867 nor the Information Technology Act of 2000 mentions it, online betting isn’t officially forbidden. However, the government keeps the right to block foreign websites when needed. While the topic remains in legal limbo, Indian residents are allowed to play at licensed gambling sites in Sikkim.

Online Casino Gaming in India

As mentioned above, the Public Gambling Act 1867 doesn’t refer to online casinos, which is no surprise since the internet didn’t exist at the time. Thus, while we cannot claim that the act outlaws online casinos, it is also true that it does not legalise them either. Consecutively, people who want to enjoy gambling online in India are in a grey area. To clarify the situation, the government introduced the Information Technology Act in 2000.

While the act didn’t legalise online gambling sites in India, it gave the government the power to block operators. The states also can decide whether to allow or ban online gambling. In 2017, Telangana officially prohibited online gambling, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in 2020. Nowadays, online casinos are legal in Sikkim, the first state to change its online gambling laws in 2010. Meanwhile, Goa and Daman don’t outlaw online betting.

Benefiting from the legal loophole, many offshore casinos welcome Indian players. Most states allow games of skill, but when it comes to casino games, it’s difficult to define which ones require more skills than chance. Nevertheless, while legally undefined, online casinos provoke different opinions. In 2022, the Indian government announced a plan to update the current Public Gambling Act of 1867 by introducing a new bill.

If you are lucky to be resident in one of the states that allow online gambling, check the recommended gambling site in India for 2024:

Sports Betting

Currently, sports betting is not legal in India, nor it’s illegal. While there have been some arrests made of street bookies, no online sports betting players have been charged. Various sports betting sites accept players from India, and some even work with rupees. Meanwhile, the legalisation of sports betting in India is currently under discussion.

We remind you that online sports betting is legal in Sikkim. Following the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act 2008, online gaming and sports betting are allowed. If you are searching for the best sports gambling site, take a look at our top sports betting offer below:

Daily Fantasy

In 2017, following a complaint submitted by Varun Gumber, Judge Amit Rawal ruled that daily fantasy sports aren’t equal to gambling as they require skills and thus shouldn’t be outlawed. Unhappy with the ruling, Gumber took his petition to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where two high judges backed the original decision. Nevertheless, the dismissal of Gumber’s petition didn’t make daily fantasy legal, and its status in the country was still unclear.

Meanwhile, the growing popularity of daily fantasy sports in India has led to various discussions regarding its legalisation. On October 8th 2021, the Former Judge Supreme Court of India issued a statement confirming that any operators that are members of the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) are considered legitimate and that DFS is a game of skill and, therefore, legal.

Online Poker

As we mentioned above, according to Indian gambling laws, all games of skill are allowed. While many lawmakers in India have claimed that poker requires skill, the legal status of the game in the country is still unclear. Nevertheless, some states have taken action to clarify whether poker games are permitted or not within their borders. You can legally play poker in West Bengal, Karnataka, and Nagaland, as their courts have ruled in their favour.

Residents of Goa can play poker only at land-based casinos, while the game is not allowed in Gujarat and Telangana. Online poker has been declared illegal in Assam and Odisha, and anyone caught playing could be prosecuted. Nevertheless, if you are located in one of the Indian states where you can freely enjoy your favourite game, take a look at our top Indian site for playing poker below:

Lottery

Unlike online gambling websites in India, the lottery is one of the games that has grown and developed the most. Nevertheless, the lotto is not legal in all Indian states, and only some of them run their state lottery. Currently, it’s legal to play the lotto in 13 states – Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

Bear in mind that online lottery is not legal in all of them. The only states that have allowed the launch of online lotteries are Sikkim, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Meanwhile, Indians can also participate in international lotteries without being at risk of legal repercussions. Want to try your luck? Check out our top lottery offer below:

Online Gambling Guide for Indian Players

The rising popularity of online gambling has led to the launch of many gaming platforms from which Indian players can choose. Nevertheless, not all of them can provide the best service, and there are certain things you should consider when signing up for a betting site. To make the best choice and play at the safest online gambling sites in India, please follow our advice and read the information we prepared in the following sections:

Gambling Licence & Safety in India

Your safety and privacy should be among your top priorities when registering at real money gambling sites in India. There are various symbols and certificates to look out for to ensure that your banking and private data will be safe. Before playing at an offshore online casino, you must verify whether the operator holds a licence from an accredited institution such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.

Furthermore, you should check whether your selected online casino owns a certificate issued by independent testing agencies like eCOGRA. You will usually find the logos of gambling authorities and responsible gambling organisations displayed at the bottom of the home page of each betting site. To help you ensure your safety, below we listed the most reputable regulatory bodies and their symbols that you will encounter at the legal online gambling sites in IN:

How to Spot a Great Product: Games and Bets

Of course, while safety and privacy are essential, they aren’t the only factors you should evaluate when choosing an Indian real money online gambling platform. To enjoy your experience, you should ensure the online casino offers enough games that match your taste. If you like to play online poker, you should check whether your chosen website has enough poker games and tournaments.

Maybe you prefer DFS? Enjoy a gaming session by checking whether the chosen site offers all leagues and contests you want to join. Sports betting fans will know they make the right choice when the operator’s catalogue includes a comprehensive list of sports and bet types. Casino fans usually have preferred games or software and look for those. For many Indian players, our list of the best online roulette games has proven particularly useful.

Once you have found an operator with a satisfying number of games, you must verify that it offers the best customer conditions. To save your time and to help you make the best choice, we have listed the best gambling sites in India according to our quality criteria and their category:

Best Gambling Bonuses in India

Once you have found an operator with entertaining games, you must check if it offers good promotions. Many Indian gambling sites would offer attractive and generous welcome bonuses, but you must bear in mind that the bonus amount isn’t always the best indicator of a good offer.

Thus, before making your first deposit, you must check the wagering conditions and validity period of the current promotion. Since you are playing from India, you might also want to check if your selected site accepts rupees. To help you make a suitable choice, we have listed our best bonus offers for Indian players below:

Of course, things change constantly, so you should always keep a watchful eye for new deals. If you are interested in finding the best gambling bonuses, then you should learn how to evaluate them on your own – we have already spoken at length on the topic while listing our criteria for the selection of the best gambling sites in the world.

Indian Gambling Sites with the Best Payouts

If you want to make the most of your gambling journey, you will have to make sure that your chosen gambling site has a relatively good payout rate. In most cases, you will find this information stated under your selected operator’s terms and conditions. For example, most online casinos would have an average payout rate of 92% to 98% which is generally satisfactory.

Nevertheless, to boost your winning chances, you must also check the RTP of the game you intend to play. To help you make the most suitable choice, we have listed the online gambling sites in India with the best payout rate:

Accepted Payment Methods

Deposits and withdrawals are an essential part of participating in online gambling for real money. Thus, it’s crucial to confirm that your selected operator supports the payment methods you prefer. Generally speaking, most gambling sites that accept players from India work with a variety of international payment methods that would guarantee every transaction’s safety and efficiency.

While there is no doubt that most players prefer the convenience of e-wallets, many others rely on the popularity of credit and debit cards. The more serious question for most players would be: is online gambling legal in India? And if not, what guarantees that my deposit won’t be stolen?

Fortunately for you, the best gambling sites in India are recognized international operators who are subject to strict regulations from abroad and cannot risk losing their licenses or endangering their reputation. To help you to get a better grasp of the online gambling banking situation in India, we have listed all payment methods accepted by the betting sites in the country:

1. E-Wallets:
   1. PayPal
   2. Neteller
   3. Skrill
2. Credit/Debit Cards:
   1. Visa
   2. Mastercard
   3. Maestro
3. Bank Transfers:
   1. BankWire
   2. Wire Transfer
   3. Instant Banking
4. Other:
   1. AstroPay Card
   2. ApplePay
   3. BitCoin

Mobile Gambling Apps

Online gambling has gained popularity for a reason. Each player needs to have a convenient option when travelling to a brick-and-mortar casino isn’t possible. Consequently, playing on the go has become the first choice for over 80% of the players. Thus, it’s no surprise that most online operators have developed excellent native apps for their users.

As mentioned above, real money gambling sites accept players from India, and many have launched fast-loading mobile apps. Wondering which operator offers the best mobile platform for Indian players? We have listed the top mobile gambling apps in the table below:

Safe & Fair Gambling Software

While your safety and a rich game selection are essential for having a pleasant online gambling experience, none of them could be reached without relying on fair and functional gambling software. To achieve that, the best online gambling sites in India partner with renowned software developer brands such as Microgaming and Playtech.

You will usually find explicit information about your operator’s software provider at the footer of the home page, in the game library, or under Terms and Conditions. Nevertheless, we realise that you might not be familiar with the software developers and their pros and cons. Thus, to help you choose the best Indian gambling sites with the finest software, we have listed the most reputable gambling software providers according to our research:

India Gambling Laws & Regulations

As we have mentioned above, the main gambling legislation in India is the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which automatically makes you understand the legal gambling system is outdated. There is no mention of online gambling in the Public Gambling Act, and it is no surprise, considering that the internet was not invented at the time. Thus, most forms of online gambling are currently in legal limbo.

The only exception is the state of Sikkim, where online games are legal. Meanwhile, according to the law, in the other states, the only games allowed are games of skill, while all games of chance are outlawed. Nevertheless, the lack of sufficient clarifications in the Public Gambling Act makes it difficult to comprehend which games you can play without fear of legal repercussions.

To help you understand the local gambling laws, we will focus on the most important legal aspects that every Indian player must know. Learn about where land-based and online gambling in India is allowed and what games they offer. You can use the icons below to navigate through the content on the page.

Is Online Gambling Legal in India?

Generally speaking, online gambling is neither legal nor illegal in India because there is no direct mention of it in the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Moreover, the legal situation becomes even more complicated since the Indian Constitution grants the separate states the right to autonomically govern gambling in their territory. Thus, nowadays, online gambling has only been officially legalised in Sikkim.

In 2022, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed establishing a new regulatory body to classify the types of online gambling in India. In the market, many foreign operators have created online gaming platforms offering daily fantasy sports and betting on cricket. As the income from the online gambling industry in the country grows, government officials see the urge to establish a new regulatory body under the Indian IT ministry.

According to the Supreme Court, daily fantasy games and rummy are skill-based and, therefore, legal, but some Indian states classify poker in this category, while others completely ban it. Until we see a new, more precise update on the current regulations, the legality of the best gaming sites in India is still uncertain in most states.

Land-Based Gambling in India

Real money gambling in India is state-managed, which means the separate territories define its legalisations. Nevertheless, the Public Gambling Act 1867 explicitly states that public gaming houses are illegal, and so is visiting such establishments. However, the prohibition refers to playing games of chance and approves all games of skill, even though it is not clear which exactly they are.

Meanwhile, Indian players can currently legally enjoy horse racing betting and lotteries. Furthermore, gamblers also have the option to travel to Goa, Daman and Diu and Sikkim, where the establishment of land-based casinos was officially allowed in 1998. Wondering which are the biggest gaming venues in India? Check out our list to find out:

Regional Gambling Laws & Differences Between States

As we have already established, gambling is a state subject in India, and the separate states have the legal right to decide whether any form of gambling should be legal in their territories. Currently, only three states allow land-based casinos – Goa, Daman and Dui, and Sikkim. There are currently two casinos established in Sikkim and 10 in Goa.

According to the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act of 1976, casinos can only be set at five-star hotels or offshore vessels if the government grants permission. Nevertheless, Sikkim has also legalised gambling. All lotto fans will also be glad to know that lotteries are legal in India. To understand the legality of gambling in the different Indian states, please take a look at the table below:

Official Regulatory Body

Most forms of gambling remain illegal in India, and thus it remains under the regulation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867 and by the corresponding state governments. Nevertheless, as we mentioned above, some states have taken steps towards the legalisation of gambling.

As one of the states with modernised gambling laws, Goa has decided to establish its own authority, responsible for the regulation of land-based and online gambling. At the moment of writing, the Goa Gambling Commission is currently under development and is expected to be officially launched in the near future.

Gambling Taxation in India: What Taxes Do I Have to Pay?

According to current laws, all taxpayers must pay a tax on their winnings and gambling-related activities. The current tax on gambling winnings is 30%, along with a surcharge of 10% on the income tax. All gambling operators should deduct 30% of their winnings before paying you.

Otherwise, you will be required to declare and pay the amount together with your annual income tax. If you are gambling in a foreign country, the host country should usually deduct the corresponding tax before handing the money over to you. The gambling winnings tax is covered under Section 194B of the Income Tax Act.

Legal Gambling Age

As we mentioned above, the gambling laws in India are rather complex, and most forms of gambling, except lottery, horse racing, and rummy, are prohibited in most parts of the country. Nevertheless, certain states, such as Sikkim and Goa, have legalised land-based casinos, and many offshore online casinos accept Indians due to legal loopholes.

The minimum age for gambling at a casino varies between 18 and 21, although most ventures require players to be at least 21 years old. We advise you to avoid all gambling activities outside of Goa and Sikkim, as your involvement in such could lead to legal issues. If you want to play at the best gambling sites in India, you must be 21 years old.

Advertising Laws

Most states in India prohibit the distribution, circulation and publishing of any magazine, newspaper or other documents that advertise, facilitate or aid gambling. According to the Indian Penal Code 1860, the advertisement of lotteries is forbidden unless they comply with the stated requirements in the Lotteries Act 1980 and the Lottery Rules 2010.

The advertisement of any further gambling activities and prize contests is prohibited unless it has been authorised by the corresponding authority, as stated in the Prize Competition Act 1995. Meanwhile, in the state of Sikkim, where most forms of gambling are permitted, licensees are allowed to advertise it, given that they comply with requirements.

For example, according to the state’s laws, all online gambling advertisements must not be offensive or directed at minors or in any jurisdiction where it is prohibited. All gambling advertisements in Sikkim must also be based on facts and include the website of the online operator, where players can find explicit information.

Penalties for Illegal Gambling

As we have already established, most forms of gambling are prohibited in a big part of India. Thus, while players can legally enjoy games such as lottery, horse racing and rummy, getting involved in any other form of gambling in a state where it is not allowed could lead them to a legal situation. We remind you that visiting the best online gambling sites in India is allowed only in Sikkim.

Nevertheless, if you engage in any form of online gambling outside of Sikkim, you would not immediately face legal charges because there is no direct mention of online gambling in the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Nevertheless, we must clarify that there have been certain exceptions. Meanwhile, residents of India caught violating the gambling law in any other way could face the following charges:

Upcoming Regulation Changes

We have clarified that compared to other countries, India has rather antiquated gambling laws. Although the country has gone through legal changes, such as the legalisation of online gambling in Sikkim, there is no doubt that India has a long way to go if it wants to expand its gambling industry.

While there haven’t been any officially announced upcoming changes, there has been a lot of pressure on the Indian Government to legalise sports betting and online lottery in all states. Nevertheless, the country has not yet taken any steps towards their legalisation.

Thanks to increased income from the casino industry, the licensing procedures would be best for players, operators, and regulators. Even if the authorities haven’t communicated any upcoming changes, there is no doubt the Public Gaming Act needs a revision and update that would clear the confusion around the legal and illegal gambling activities in India.

Responsible Gambling & Addiction Prevention

While gambling could be entertaining, it can occasionally lead to addiction and serious problems. The international organisation Gamblers Anonymous is holding meetings in various cities in India. If you play at the best online gambling sites in India, you can access self-exclusion programmes or set a limit to your spending, which will help you have better control over your betting habits.

Even though gambling is not allowed in most states of India, all players suffering from gambling problems can find adequate help on how you could join them. For further information, you can also contact Gamblers Anonymous India directly by dialling their hotline number: (+91) 8826904945. Alternatively, you can contact the British charitable organisation GamCare, which operates internationally, for further advice. For further information, you can consult any of the organisations listed below:

Those organisations partner with reliable real money gambling sites in India, and seeing their logos on a platform is considered a sign of trustworthiness. If you want to gamble online in India, it would be best to select a site that respects good practices. Our advice to avoid unpleasant situations is to set a budget and stick to it. Not spending more than you can afford is the first step toward healthy gaming behaviour.

Online Gambling in India Trivia – Curious Facts

Even though there have been various discussions on whether online gambling should become legal in the whole country, it is currently permitted only in the state of Sikkim, India. Nevertheless, it is an interesting fact that even though the state has issued several licenses, there aren’t many local online operators currently available.

All Indian players who opt out of offshore operators should choose online gambling sites in India that accept rupees to avoid possible banking and legal complications. Meanwhile, shall they wish to visit a brick-and-mortar casino, the best option for Indians is Panaji, the state capital of Goa. The biggest gambling city in India has five casinos, 94 table games and 120 gaming machines of different varieties.

History of Gambling in India

We have already discussed the most important legal aspects of the Indian gambling industry. Nevertheless, to fully understand its development and the economic and social factors behind it, we must review its story. It is an interesting fact that according to old manuscripts, gambling in India dates back to 2000BC when kings were occasionally rolling dice with the expectation of a certain result that would bring them victory.

According to the myths, there were certain precious belongings on the stake. There is no doubt that the gambling industry has developed a lot since then and has come to times when online gambling is legally allowed in the state of Sikkim. If you are curious to see the history of the Indian gambling industry in detail, you can use the timeline below.

Famous Land-Based Casino and Gambling Resorts

India might not have the most developed gambling industry, but the modernisation of its gambling laws has given certain states the right to establish casino resorts. Currently, most of them are in Goa, which was one of the first Indian states to legalise land-based gambling.

The capital of Goa, Panaji, has gained popularity for being the home of many popular gambling ventures. Wondering which are the biggest Indian casinos? After rating the best gambling sites in India, we have researched all land-based casinos in the country and have chosen the major ones of them below:

Famous Gamblers and Poker Players from India

India might not have the most liberal gambling laws, but it is undoubtfully of the countries with the biggest gambling profits. As we have established, it has a long gambling history, and it is no surprise that it is also the home to some of the best gamblers in the world.

Some of them have gained popularity through their excellent performances at international tournaments, while others have proven themselves as outstanding entrepreneurs with a special talent for gambling. Would you like to find out who the most popular Indian gamblers are? All you have to do is check out the list of famous players from India that we have prepared for you:

Indian Gambling Books and Movies

India is not only famous for its film industry and rich culture but also for its centuries-old gambling industry. Thus, it is no surprise that Bollywood has represented India’s infamous gambling industry in numerous movies. Moreover, the gambling industry is also described in various books. To help you explore the country’s cultural representation of gambling, we have listed the most famous Indian films and books dedicated to the industry:

Did you like any of our suggested Bollywood gambling films? While wondering which ones are the best to watch, why not read some of the most popular Indian gambling books? You can find more information about them in our list below:

Online Gambling vs Land-Based Gambling in India

The gambling laws in India are rather complex because most states follow the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which outlaws all games of chance and allows games of skill. Nevertheless, the law fails to clarify which define as games of skill. In the meantime, India has slowly begun to modernise its laws and has allowed land-based gambling in Sikkim and Goa.

While the legal status of online gambling is undefined in most of the country, the state of Sikkim has officially legalised it, and there you can find the best online gambling sites in India. When choosing the most suitable option, keep in mind you should play on licensed gaming platforms. To help you out, we have selected the top-rated online and land-based casinos in India.

More Useful Guides and Interesting Articles

Has our gambling guide about India been helpful for you? If you are interested in learning about gambling laws and sites in other countries, we have many more guides prepared. We have guides on gambling laws in the most popular English-speaking countries. Check out our most popular guides and articles, as well as the latest gambling news.

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