Although the gambling market in India is booming, in legal terms, it’s still a little bit of a gray area. Since many people have voiced their concerns, uncertain whether their favorite hobby could land them in trouble, we’ve decided to get to the bottom of this and determine whether the fears are justified or not. So let’s start digging away: is online gambling legal in India?
Games of chance vs. games of skill
The law states that playing a game of chance is considered gambling, but if you’re playing a game of skill, the same does not apply. Now, the question presents itself: what online games fall under each category? To add on top of the already difficult question, there is a third category: games that contain both the elements of skill as well as chance.
Examining the 3 legal categories
If you’re playing a game of skill where no betting is involved, you’re in the clear. Officially, online betting is forbidden in India, even though sports betting is an exception. Now, the good news is, games that contain the elements of both are allowed, and most casino operators have obtained a license in this category. So the short answer is, the legality depends on the casino and its licensing.
Do bear in mind the government wants to protect the people
It’s common knowledge that not all casinos are honest and some are run by scam artists who are after your hard-earned money. This is why the government, in general, is against casinos – to protect your rights as a citizen. Some online casinos, however, are 100% legitimate with nothing but fair practices. Therefore, it’s up to you to do your due diligence and invest your trust in the ones that deserve it. And yes, you can play casino games online without having to fear that you’re breaking the law!
The online gambling market in India is booming
Since the internet and various other IT devices became so readily available as they are today, placing a bet is as convenient as ever and millions are doing it in India. All in all, the government has no quarrel with the fair casinos and those with proper licensing. In addition to that, the government only has a say when it comes to the casino businesses that are based in India. In other words, when it comes to offshore casinos, they have no say in the matter. At the time of writing, there is no law that would regulate them.
Will the regulators get a firmer grip on the situation as time goes on?
As the market grows and overextends its current boundaries, the need for tighter regulation will grow as well. However, different political parties may have a different view on what the correct approach on this would be, so it’s going to take a while before a unanimous framework is established. But once regulation does fully kick in, the people will benefit from an increased number of job positions, for example.
Conclusion
The future ahead of us is still unknown, but in practice, you can try your luck at an online casino without worries, given that you’ve researched it beforehand. Even though there will always be some who disagree, the government is not out to get you, but to secure your best interests and keep you out of harm’s way.
Please note : Any type of gambling is not allowed in india