In recent times, online gambling and betting platforms are being heavily promoted and endorsed by influencers through social media platforms. These platforms are making big claims regarding winning crores worth of prizes or getting huge cash prizes.
There are so many options, like color betting, sports fantasy, live bets, and live casinos, through which you can test your luck and win big. With such major claims and appealing advertisements, they have carved a specialized position in the market.
After witnessing such dominant marketing, everyone is wondering whether the government has legalized gambling and whether it is genuinely legitimate to take part in. Through this guide, we will help you know how these platforms are regulated.
Is Gambling Legal in India?
There is no simple answer to whether it is legal to gamble and bet in India. It is a multifaceted concept where the type of games and the state you are in matter a lot.
For example, fantasy cricket is not seen as gambling but more of a skill-based game where you have to indulge your analytical mind. On the other hand, games like poker, blackjack, roulette, and spin wheel are seen as betting games. So it becomes necessary to clarify the context and then move on to the legalities of betting.
India’s laws make a clear distinction between games of chance and games of skill. The Public Gambling Act of 1867, a central law, prohibits running or being in charge of a public gambling house, but it does not cover online gambling directly.
Due to loopholes and a weaker regulating body, each state has the authority to formulate its own laws on the matter. So it becomes important to become aware of current governing laws and the state you are in.
Let’s take a look at what the laws around India say.
Various Laws Regarding Gambling in India
There are certain states, like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, that have imposed strict bans on online betting. Meanwhile, states like Goa, Daman, and Sikkim have legalized and regulated forms of gambling, including casinos.
There are many online gambling sites that are affiliated with Sikkim and Nagaland states that let them own gambling licenses. If we talk about taxation gains from gambling, there is a 30% tax rate.
Although there have been fluctuations in the law related to gambling and despite the unclear guidelines, many international and offshore betting platforms continue to operate in India.
Final Verdict
I hope the question behind whether gambling in India is legal or not is quite clear to you. There are several spoof websites that exist in the online space that scam you out. These websites are designed in such a way that never lets you win; whether you are staking in roulette or poker, the odds will always be against you.
So make sure to register yourself and place your stakes on reputable, licensed sites such as Lotus365. Lotus365 Shop has a wide range of betting games, from fantasy cricket to live casino—you just name it.
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