Are Betting Apps Legal in India? (December 2024)

Are Betting Apps Legal in India?

The legality of betting apps in India is a complex issue, as no specific law explicitly prohibits or allows them. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 bans all forms of gambling in the country, but it does not specifically mention online gambling, creating a legal grey area. As a result, many betting apps operate in India without facing legal consequences.

The situation becomes more complicated due to the unclear distinction between "games of skill" and "games of chance." Indian laws prohibit gambling on games of chance but allow betting on games of skill. However, determining whether a game falls into the skill or chance category can be challenging.

According to a Supreme Court ruling, rummy cannot be classified as a game of chance like brag and flush, which are three-card games. The court reasoned that rummy requires a certain skill level from players, particularly in memorizing cards. Therefore, playing any game that demands a specific skill level from the player is considered legal.

Despite this, the legality of betting apps remains uncertain because state governments can ban gambling apps whenever they choose. This 'legislative uncertainty' means that the legal status of betting apps can change at any time, depending on the decisions made by individual state governments.

How To Identify Legal Betting Apps In India

It's essential to differentiate between legitimate and unauthorized betting platforms. Here are some key factors to consider when identifying legal betting apps in India:

Other things to consider when identifying legal betting apps in India are:

• Verify whether popular payment options in India, such as UPI, PhonePe, VISA, and GPay, are available.
• Verify the presence of robust security mechanisms, including at least 128-bit encryption and SSL certificates. 
• Make sure the bookmaker app offers timely customer service. 
• Look for the function that verifies your account. 
• Check online reviews of betting sites and independent review sites such as ScamAdviser and Trustpilot.

How to Download Legal Betting Apps in India for All iOS and Android Users

While several nations have licensed online betting apps in the App Store and the Google Play Store, India does not yet have regulations for these apps. 

Google India is streamlining its rules concerning licensing betting apps in the country. However, as of right now, downloading betting applications is only permitted and safest through the bookmakers' official websites or legitimate sources like us. 

Use the instructions below to download legal betting applications: 

• Go to the website of the bookmaker. 
• Enter your information and make the initial deposit. 
• Locate the icon for the betting app on iOS or Android, then click to download. 
• Launch the betting app to begin placing bets.

The Online Gambling Laws in India

Central Government Laws

In India, the Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the sole piece of central gambling legislation. It does not, however, explicitly proclaim online betting legal in India because it was created long before online casinos and fantasy sports betting apps existed. Nor does it consider it unlawful.

State Government Laws

The Constitution's 7th Schedule declares gambling and betting to be state subjects, giving states the authority to create their own laws to control gaming inside their borders. As a result, several governments have created legislation governing online betting in recent years. 

These are some important findings:

• Offline casinos are permissible in Goa, Daman, and Sikkim; they are prohibited in all other places. 
• Sikkim and Meghalaya allow online domestic casinos as long as they are licensed. 
• In all other regions of the nation, online-based domestic casinos are prohibited. 
• Except for Tamil Nadu and Telangana, offshore casinos and online betting sites are legal everywhere. 

Game of Skill is Legal in India & Game of Chance Is Not

Games of skill and games of chance are the two main factors considered for legal considerations in the online betting markets. Let's examine them in more detail. 

Future of Online Betting Apps in India

Despite the industry's growth, the Indian government has taken steps to outlaw deceptive advertising tactics because it is worried about certain betting sites. Recent revisions in April 2023 highlight the necessity of a self-regulatory body (SRB) certification in India's online gambling business.

Some states, including Telangana and Tamil Nadu, have already decided to join the minority of governments in India that view online betting as lawful. We think that these two states are the exceptions, and it's unlikely that India will see a national online gambling ban very soon.

What is apparent is that the Indian online betting market, which has operated mostly autonomously, is placing a greater emphasis on establishing more structure and responsible betting procedures. More protection and safety overall for gamblers.

In summary, state laws regarding the legality of online betting apps in India vary, making it a complicated matter. While some states have welcomed online gambling, others have more stringent laws.

When choosing a legal betting app, security, user-friendliness, licensing, and payment methods should be prioritized. Remember to set limits and gamble sensibly. Have fun, and good luck as you play!