Are you looking for legal and safe betting apps in India? We will help guide you through the laws and ensure you only download and play on legal and secure apps for Indian players.
Written by Shivam Bhateja
Verified by BettingGuide team
Last updated 12/6/2024
Explore the legality and regulations surrounding online betting apps in India!
Table of Contents
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.
So, is it legal or not?
The majority of Indian states do not have laws that prohibit betting, so you’re safe if you use one of the foreign bookmakers we recommend. Legal ramifications need not worry you when you wager on cricket as long as the operators have legitimate licenses and are not situated in India.
It is important to note that the Indian government has taken steps to crack down on online gambling in recent years. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued blocking orders against over 200 betting apps and websites and continues to ban more apps.
In the meantime, states must decide whether or not to allow betting apps. Some states, such as Sikkim and Nagaland, have legalized online gambling, while others have banned it. It is important to check the laws in your state before using a betting app.
Overall, the legal status of betting apps in India is complex and uncertain. Before using a betting app, it is important to be aware of the risks involved and only use betting apps from reputable operators.
Legal Betting Apps in India List (October 2024)
Legal in India
Tested & Approved by BettingGuide
Affiliate Disclosure
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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:
The App Shouldn’t Be India-Based
The gambling regulations in India prohibit the operation of betting apps from within the country. However, since offshore betting apps are legal, they’re the best option for placing legal bets. Verify whether the apps have licenses from international gaming regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao e-gaming, E Gambling Montenegro, etc.
The App Must Accept Indian Rupees
The Foreign Exchange Management Act prohibits the conversion of Indian currency into foreign currency without authorization. The only betting apps deemed legal in India are those that accept Indian Rupees.
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.
Betting Apps Owned by Offshore Companies with Global Licensing Are LEGAL in India!
Some internationally renowned gaming authorities have licensed and verified legal betting apps, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, e-Gaming Curacao, and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
Always verify the app’s legitimacy by visiting the page’s footer or ‘About’ section. For instance, the Parimatch app is a trustworthy and lawful betting software for Indian users licensed by the Curacao Gaming Authority.
Apart from this, the licensing authorities of the betting applications state that they adhere to stringent data privacy policies and encrypt data using powerful algorithms, such as 12-bit encryption techniques. Be cautious and use safe and regulated betting apps in India.
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.
Guidelines From the Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India created FDI laws to control the flow of funds from Indian businesses involved in betting, lotteries, and gambling to handle internet betting within the country. However, offshore betting websites are typically exempt from these laws.
As a result, there should be no legal repercussions for playing games of chance on reputable online betting applications and websites, which implies that well-known online gambling sites like Parimatch, Bettlit, and 10CRIC are acceptable in India.
In summary, similar to central regulations, the RBI does not have a specific policy declaring that internet betting is not permitted in India.
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.
Games of Skill in India
Games of Skill are games where prior knowledge or skill is necessary to improve your chances of winning. One of the best examples of games of skill that India is considering is horse racing betting. In horse race betting, your chances of winning decrease if you are an amateur with little experience, while an experienced player can patiently and strategically analyze the game conditions and plan his wager to win. Interestingly, the well-known Indian game “Andar Bahar” is a game of skill rather than chance because you have a 50/50 winning probability.
Games of Chance in India
Games of chance are illegal throughout India, except for a few states like Sikkim, Goa, and Daman. To play a game of chance is simply placing a wager over which you have no control. The best illustrations of games of chance are seen in casino slots with real money. Players of games like roulette or slot machines must be skilful and only be able to make bets. The player’s luck is the only factor that determines whether they win the wager. Indian gamblers have a legal alternative in online casinos. Games of chance include the lottery, roulette, and dice games.
Are Online Betting Apps Liable to Pay Taxes in India?
A long-pending issue was addressed during the 50th GST Council meeting in July 2023, when a tax structure for Indian internet gambling, casinos, and horse racing was recommended.
The GST Council reviewed the Group of Ministers (GoM) report on this subject and made important suggestions about how these activities should be taxed. Consequently, it was agreed that horse racing, casinos, and online gaming would now be subject to a 28% GST rate.
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!
FAQs
Why can’t I find betting apps in the Play Store?
India has been removed from the list of nations where tech giant Google’s latest policy permits gambling applications. Google has allowed the download of gambling apps from its servers to nations like the US, Germany, Mexico, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
State governments have apparently started issuing guidelines to outright forbid these kinds of apps, which is the rationale for this. Since they allegedly broke Google’s terms of service, Paytm and Paytm First games, for example, were recently prohibited. Installing multiple gambling apps on its platform is now prohibited by the Appstore’s interface.
Are legal betting apps safe?
Modern encryption ensures that every customer’s information is secure on the top legal betting apps in India. This includes the financial data users enter into a betting app to make deposits. You must be placing your bet with the understanding that the funds are ring-fenced and untouchable.
I use betting apps in India; can I get into legal trouble for doing so?
No, not if you utilize the licensed and legal betting apps in India run by offshore operators. Use the betting apps from bookies based outside of India that accept Indian rupees if you are unwilling to fall for any scam or fraudulent betting apps. In India, there won’t be any issues if you utilize authorized betting applications for online betting.
How can I determine whether a betting app is legal or not?
To determine whether the betting app is acceptable in India, look for the two factors listed below: India shouldn’t be the home base of any betting app. Indian Rupees must be accepted on betting apps. Only betting apps acceptable for Indian players are recommended by our experts.
Is there anywhere in India where using betting apps is permitted?
The Indian government has given each State the authority to choose its own gaming legislation. The Public Gambling Act of 1867, on which the majority of states rely, permits the use of lawful internet betting apps. However, a few governments have outlawed all forms of internet gambling, including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Which legal betting apps provide bonus bets?
Upon signing up, you will receive a welcome bonus from the top betting apps in India. It follows that if you use an Indian betting app, you will receive a bonus in addition to your initial investment. It may be necessary for you to use the app to wager the bonus and first deposit a set number of times at predetermined odds.
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