In India, gambling means betting money or something valuable on an uncertain outcome. Some formats are permitted, while others face restrictions depending on the state. Each region sets its own rules, and operators must comply accordingly.
This section shows which types of gambling are legal in India and how online sites follow the law.
What Is Gambling?
Gambling includes three elements:
- Stake: risking money or valuables.
- Risk: accepting an uncertain outcome.
- Prize: receiving a reward if the result goes your way.
The outcome might be instant, like a spin or a card draw, or take longer, such as betting on sports.
What Counts as Legal Gambling in India?
There is no single national law that defines all gambling rules. Each state makes independent decisions. Some permit betting and casino operations; others prohibit most formats. The distinction between skill and chance determines much of what is legal.
Games like rummy, fantasy sports, and crash games are legal in some states if they follow local rules. Operators offering these formats must follow state-specific regulations.
Forms of Legal Gambling in India
Casinos
Casinos are only legal in Goa and Sikkim, where they can run inside five-star hotels or on ships. Operators must meet strict compliance requirements. This answers a common question: are casinos legal in India? Yes, but only in specific states under local licensing.
Aviator Game
Aviator is a game where the number keeps going up as a plane takes off. You have to cash out before it stops. Players must cash out before it flies away. It’s quick, reactive, and timing-based. Some platforms offer an Aviator game bonus when you sign up.
Horse Racing & Sports Betting
Horse racing is classified as a skill-based activity. Betting is legal within licensed turf clubs. Sikkim also permits online horse race betting under regulation. Most states still don’t allow sports betting, but Sikkim lets it happen with a license. A common question: is betting legal in India? The answer depends on the type of betting and the state you’re in.
Poker & Other Card Games
Poker qualifies as a skill-based game under several state laws. States such as Nagaland, Sikkim, and Gujarat may require licenses for legal operation.
Lotteries
Government-run lotteries are legal under the Central Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998. Each state controls its own scheme. Private lotteries are banned in most jurisdictions.
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports are legal in many regions when defined as games of skill. Operators may be required to hold a license depending on the state. Some platforms are fully approved in Nagaland, where licensing is enforced.
Legal Framework of Gambling in India
The Public Gambling Act, 1867
This is the core legislation. It bans gaming houses and public gambling. However, states like Goa and Sikkim are exempt and allow regulated gambling services.
Games of Skill vs. Games of Chance
- Games of Skill: Rely mainly on player ability (e.g., rummy, horse racing)
- Games of Chance: Depend mostly on luck (e.g., flush or three-card poker)
Aviator requires timing, decision-making, and strong focus. We think Aviator is one of the most skill-based games on platforms where gambling is legal in India.
Online Gambling
Online gambling isn’t directly addressed in the Public Gambling Act. However, other laws apply:
- IT Act, 2000: Allows blocking of foreign gambling sites
- Banking rules: May limit financial transactions for gambling platforms
Still, there’s no national law banning online gambling outright. Indian users can access international platforms and Aviator apps that comply with local skill-game rules, though payment restrictions may still apply. There are many places online where you can play casino games in India, but not all of them are fully legal.
Types of Legal Gambling in India
- Casinos. Only Goa and Sikkim issue licenses for hotel and offshore casino formats. This confirms that casino legal in India applies in specific states, not nationwide.
- Horse Racing. Horse race betting is legal, treated as a skill-based exception. Turf clubs operate under local guidelines. Online betting is also allowed in Sikkim.
- Sports Betting. Most states ban it. Sikkim permits it with a valid license. Broader legalization is under discussion, but not passed.
- Poker. Poker is legal in many regions where it is viewed as skill-based. Some states require operators to hold a gaming license.
- Crash Games. Aviator Crash is a real-time betting format. Players wager before a multiplier crashes. It’s legally available under licensed casino platforms in Goa and Sikkim.
- Bingo. Bingo is classified as a chance game. It is restricted in most Indian states, though a few exceptions exist.
- Lotteries. Government lotteries are permitted and regulated by each state. Private lottery schemes are not allowed in most regions.
Gambling Licenses in India
- Casinos: Licenses issued in Goa and Sikkim.
- Poker: Required in Sikkim, Nagaland, Gujarat.
- Sports Betting: Only Sikkim currently issues valid betting licenses.
- Lotteries: Regulated state-by-state under public frameworks.
- Fantasy Sports: Licensing needed in states like Nagaland.
Taxation on Gambling and Betting in India
- Income Tax. Winnings above ₹10,000 are subject to 30% TDS, deducted during payout.
- GST. A 28% GST applies to betting, casino services, and related activities. Skill-based games like poker may be exempt unless classified as ODAIR.
- Equalization Levy. Foreign websites that offer gambling or betting to people in India must pay a 2% tax.