Online Casino Law India

What the 2025 Act Prohibits

The Act defines an online money game as a game played by paying fees or depositing money in expectation of winnings, whether the game is based on skill, chance or both. Online casino games fall within this definition, and so do other real-money formats such as card games, fantasy contests and instant games, as long as money is staked in the hope of winning more. Whether a game is sold as a test of skill makes no difference under this definition.

The Act prohibits offering online money games, aiding or abetting them, advertising or promoting them, and processing payments for them. Banks and payment systems may not process transactions for such games. The Act targets providers, advertisers and payment channels rather than treating players as offenders. The penalties are set out as follows:

• Offering or facilitating an online money game: up to 3 years in prison, a fine of up to ₹1 crore, or both.
• Advertising an online money game: up to 2 years in prison, a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both.
• Repeat offences carry higher penalties.

Online Money Games vs E-Sports and Social Games

The Act distinguishes online money games from other online gaming activities. E-sports and online social games are treated as legitimate forms of entertainment and skill, and the Act sets out to promote and support them rather than ban them.

It also provides for an Online Gaming Authority of India, a regulator for the online gaming sector. Its role covers matters such as determining whether a particular game is an online money game, recognising and registering permitted games, and dealing with complaints. The detailed procedures are set out in the Rules.

Where Older Gambling Laws Still Matter

The Public Gambling Act, 1867 is the old central law on physical gaming houses. It prohibits running or visiting a common gaming house and was written long before the internet, so it does not deal with online gaming. Many states have their own gambling laws built on the same model.

Land-based casinos operate legally only in Goa, Sikkim and Daman, under state law. Those state regimes cover physical casinos and do not extend to online casino games, which fall under the 2025 Act.

This page is a neutral summary of the law and is not legal advice. For a specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.