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.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 bans all forms of gambling in India, but it does not specifically mention online gambling, creating a legal grey area. As a result, many betting apps succesfuly operate in India without facing legal consequences. Indian laws prohibit gambling on games of chance but allow betting on games of skill.
Are Betting Apps Legal in India?
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.
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.
Banned Betting Apps In India (Updated)
| App Name | Year Banned | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Betway | 2023 | Violation of local laws |
| MELBET | 2023 | Unauthorized operations |
| AndarBahar Poker | 2023 | Promoted illegal gambling |
| Silver Luck | 2023 | Unregulated casino games |
| Big Winner | 2023 | Misleading advertisements |
| Betfair Live Line | 2023 | Non-compliance with laws |
| Zodiac Casino | 2023 | Unlicensed gambling |
| SuperDraft Sportsbook | 2023 | Offshore betting operations |
| Betstamp | 2023 | Illegal financial betting |
| Live Blackjack | 2023 | Unregulated casino games |
| Onside Sports | 2023 | Violation of betting rules |
| Fun88 | 2023 | Unlicensed operations |
| Betindi | 2023 | Promoted illegal betting |
| PokerStars | 2023 | Breach of Online Gaming Laws |
| Live Baccarat | 2023 | Unlicensed casino games |
| Jackpot City Casino | 2023 | Offshore gambling activities |
| Spin Casino | 2023 | Unauthorized operations |
| Bambet | 2023 | Non-compliance with laws |
| Tivit Bet App | 2023 | Promoted illegal betting |
| BetM | 2023 | Violation of local laws |
| Winaura | 2025 | Unauthorized gambling platform |
| Winstler42 | 2025 | Violation of gambling regulations |
| Casinohermes | 2025 | Unregulated gambling platform |
| Amunra1 | 2025 | Unlicensed gambling activities |
| Polymarket | 2025 | Non-compliance with financial regulations |
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.
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.
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.