Is online gambling allowed through foreign websites in India?

Can I gamble at international websites if I live in India?

Although we would like to say yes, the answer is not that simple. 

You see, in some states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, online gambling is totally forbidden, which means that you should not play in online casinos for real money, even if they are international and accept residents of your country.

But, in states like Goa and Sikkim online gambling and gaming is legal, which means that you can play with total peace of mind in both national and international online gambling sites. 

In the rest of the states, the situation remains in a grey area. This is due to the fact that despite the efforts made, the regulations have not yet been updated to include these online activities. 

So, if you live in one of these states, you should consult a lawyer to make sure to know what you can and cannot do. 

In case you can play online, we will leave you a list of best legit Indian casinos for you to register using our affiliate link. 

Federal gambling legislation in India

In 1867, the first Public Gaming Act was enacted in India. This was applicable to the states that still belonged to the United Kingdom, yet, over time, this law has been applied to the states that still do not have regulation of this activity.

It stated that brick and mortar casinos were totally prohibited. 

Natheless, in 1996 the legal situation began to change, as thanks to the case of Dr. R. K. Lakshmanan v. State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court of India ruled that games based on skill can be legally gambled on. 

In particular, poker and its variants such as Teen Patti, Rummy, as well as lottery and horse racing, became legal betting markets within the country.

Now, in 2000, the Information Technology Act was created which, although it does not have anything to do with casinos, nor does it mention them, it does have an important point. 

The Indian state has the right to block certain sites without explanation. And although it is a measure that has happened very little, it has been seen how certain online gambling sites have been blocked.

After explaining this a bit, there is something important to note. In all the regulations that have been framed in the law, none of them prohibit Indians from accessing international casinos and gambling using rupees. 

This undoubtedly leaves a loophole that many take advantage of in order to gamble at the best safest online casinos with excellent reputations and track records in the industry. 

Short resume of history of regulations of gambling in India

Before you adventure to explore best real money casinos, we’ll give you a timeline of how regulations have been in India, we will explain below:

• 1867 – The Public Gaming Act is approved. Here, all types of betting and gambling in physical casinos throughout India are prohibited.
• 1970 – The Public Gaming Act was modified to define gambling as betting on any sports, or, playing at any chance game.
• 1976 – The Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gaming Act is approved, allowing gambling to be penalized with imprisonment and heavy fines.
• 1992 – The Goa Gaming Act is amended to allow slot machines in 5-star casinos and luxury entertainment establishments.
• 1996 – The Goa Gaming Act is again amended to allow table games and the establishment of some brick and block casinos in the state under full state regulation. This law allowed casinos to operate fully.
• 1996 – Thanks to the Supreme Court case: R. K. Lakshmanan v. State of Tamil Nadu, it successfully ruled that betting on horse racing is a game of skill, which decriminalizes betting on the sport throughout India.
• 1998 – All over India is approved the Lotteries Regulation Act which allows gambling on ticket lotteries and others games such as bingo.
• 1999 – The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) rules that the use of currencies other than rupees in any form within the country is a violation of the law and may be punishable. This law took into account e-wallets (which already existed but were few in number at the time) so their use is not illegal.
• 1999 – The first brick-and-mortar casino opens its doors in Goa.
• 2007 – Goa licenses more establishments to operate as casinos, which has been as a measure to attract more tourism and improve the state.
• 2008 – Sikkim joins to Goa by approving the Sikkim Gambling Act allowing physical casinos.
• 2009 – The first casino starts operations in Sikkim.
• 2010 – Sikkim revolutionizes legislation by announcing that it will begin accepting license applications for online casinos.
• 2016 – The Nagaland Gaming Act is approved, which allows online games of skill, with poker being one of them.
• 2017 – Telangana takes a firm step by prohibiting all types of betting on online gambling sites.
• 2020 – Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also prohibit online gambling activities in their states. 

Final thoughts 

There is no doubt that online gambling is an increasingly popular, comfortable and convenient activity for everyone. 

It provides access to a huge market at any time and any place and is an entertainment option.

Withal, as the laws in India are applicable on a state-by-state basis, we would always advise you to consult a professional before gambling.

We have collected and presented this information to you after doing a lot of research on the internet, but a consultant will be able to tell you exactly what the online gambling status is in your state. 

Finally, if you have questions, you can always contact the online casino’s customer support, especially to find out if they accept Indian rupees so you can register.