Indian Online Casinos

Gambling in India

Gambling in India is a bit of a tricky subject. In the country, gambling is a state subject. This means that each state is entitled to formulate its own laws regarding gambling activities. There is therefore no simple yes or no answer to the question of “is gambling legal in India”. Nevertheless, it is not all bad news!

Some states have legalised land-based casinos in India. Additionally, categories such as lottery and horse racing betting is generally legal. And when it comes to online gambling, it’s a whole lot better (but I will get back to that later down).

Landbased Casinos in India

There are several land-based casinos in India that you can visit and play at. They operate in the states Goa, Daman and Sikkim. Most of the casinos are based in (or on the coast of) Goa, with lots of river casinos offered. Examples of popular casinos based in India are:

• Grand 7 Casino (Candolim, Goa)
• Casino Pride (Panaji, Goa)
• Deltin Royale Casino (Panaji, Goa)
• Casino Paradise (Azad Bhavan, Goa)
• Casino Mahjong (Gangtok, Sikkim)

Online Casinos in India

As mentioned, things are looking a lot more positive when it comes to online gambling in India. This is simply because there are no clear laws or regulations in place that affect online activities. Old regulations like The Public Gambling Act of 1867 are still in place and there are no federal laws made to describe the legality of online betting. Therefore, it is seen as not illegal rather than legal. But this also means that players from India can gamble online with peace of mind.

There is no Indian regulation of online casino licenses nor much online casinos based in India. Instead, Indian players can sign up and gamble at offshore online casino sites. These are sites that are often operated by companies based in Malta, the UK or other European countries. As long as the site holds a valid license from another country (to ensure safety) and accepts players from India, you are good to go.

While many online casinos accept players from India, far from all “cater to them”. But some of the best casino sites will have a dedicated Indian version. This is often offered in English only, but some casinos do offer their sites in Hindi too. Additionally, you might get a welcome bonus specifically created for Indian players (in Rupees) and so on. From my recommendations of Indian online casinos at the top of this page, you can find some great alternatives.

What to look for at an Indian online casino:

• Lucrative bonuses for new and active players
• A good selection of games and/or sports to bet on
• Indian payment methods accepted
• Available and friendly customer support
• and more…

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about checking all these criteria, as you can just go for one of my recommended sites.
They are all safe, legal and fun!

Online Sports Betting in India

While casinos are legal in some Indian states, organized sports betting is generally restricted. But online, you can get the best of both worlds and bet on both casino games and sports events alike. If you sign up at a site offering both a casino section and a sportsbook, that is. From my recommendations, you can find sites such as Casumo and LeoVegas that offer extensive sportsbooks to Indian players.

With online sports betting, you can bet on popular sports such as horse racing, cricket, football and more. Simply register an account at an online sportsbook, make a deposit and start placing your bets.

FAQ

To complete my guide, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding gambling and online casinos in India.

Is betting legal in India?

In India, gambling is regulated by each state with some states offering land-based casinos while others banning all types of gambling. In India, organized betting is generally restricted apart from when it comes to horse racing. But since there is no clear legislation regarding online gambling, Indian players can bet on casino games and sports at online casinos based offshore.

Where is gambling legal in India?

There are three states in India that allow for land-based casinos: Goa, Daman and Sikkim. Other states have various regulations in place, but in general, online gambling can be accessed from the whole country.

Are there any land-based casinos in India?

Yes, there are several casinos in India – in the states Goa, Daman and Sikkim.

Why are the casinos on water in India?

In the coastal state Goa, you will find several casinos on water. These operate under international/offshore law.

Is online gambling legal in India?

Online gambling is a grey area in India as there is no clear regulation. There are no federal laws banning online gambling in India and old regulations that are used don’t cover online options. Therefore, it is not illegal and generally seen as legal to gamble online in India.

Is it possible to gamble online with Indian rupees?

Yes, it sure is. There are many online casino sites offering an Indian version where Rupees are accepted and used as a currency. This means you can get casino bonuses in Indian rupees and make your deposits and withdrawals using this currency.

Are you ready to start gambling at a safe online casino?
Then check my top list of Indian online casinos at the top of this guide for the best alternatives.

Take me to the top!