Goa, Sikkim, and Daman are the only three places that allow casinos in India. Some states in India legalise casinos, while some ban them completely, like Telangana and Odisha.
There are also states where rules are unclear, and hence it is also known as a grey area, like Maharashtra.
This guide shows you where gambling is legal in 2026 and which states you should avoid completely.
Casino Legal States in India (Updated 2026)
India has different gambling laws in different states. Here is what you need to know before you play.
| Group | Category | States/UTs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physical casinos legal | Goa, Sikkim, Daman |
| 2 | Skill gaming allowed | Nagaland, Meghalaya, West Bengal |
| 3 | Strict ban states | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Odisha |
| 4 | Gray area states | Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar |
Physical casinos work only in three places. Skill-based gaming needs proper licenses. Some states ban all gambling.
Most states have old laws that don’t cover online games. Always check your state’s rules before playing.
Group 1 – Casino Legal States in India (Physical Casinos Allowed)
Only three places have legal casinos in India. These places have special laws that allow gambling in controlled areas.
| State/UT | Casino Type Allowed | Location Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Goa | Offshore & Land-based | 5-star hotels, Mandovi River |
| Sikkim | Land-based & Licensed Online | Geo-fenced to Sikkim only |
| Daman | Land-based | Resort-based |
Goa has casinos on land and on ships. Land casinos are in five-star hotels. Ship casinos float on the Mandovi River near Panaji.
Popular names include Deltin Royale, Casino Pride, and Big Daddy. The Goa law from 1976 allows these casinos with government permission.
Sikkim allows casinos only in five-star hotels. Two casinos run here: Casino Sikkim and Casino Mahjong. Local people cannot enter; only tourists can play. The state made this legal in 2002.
Daman has casinos in resorts. The Deltin Group runs casinos here. The same law as in Goa applies in Daman.
Group 2 – States Allowing Regulated Skill-Based Gambling
Some states see a difference between skill games and luck games. Skill games need your ability and thinking, not just luck.
| State | What’s Allowed | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaland | Online skill games | Nagaland Gaming Authority |
| Meghalaya | Land & online gambling | Meghalaya Gambling Act |
| West Bengal | Skill card games | State exemption |
Nagaland passed a law in 2016 that allows online skill games like poker, rummy, and fantasy sports.
Companies need a license that costs Rs 50,000. The license works for five years across India, except in states that ban all gambling.
Meghalaya changed its old law in 2021. Now it allows both skill and luck games with proper licenses. Companies must meet rules set by the state.
The 2021 law was repealed, and the state reverted to its older restrictive stance. The most prominent legalized form of betting in Meghalaya remains Teer (a traditional archery-based betting game), which is regulated under a separate, older law.
West Bengal’s 1957 law says poker is not gambling. Courts have said the same thing. Skill games are okay here with permits.
But remember, PROGA 2025 now bans all online money games. The Supreme Court will decide if this is fair in January 2026.
Group 3 – States with Strict Gambling Bans (Avoid Completely)
These states ban all gambling. You can face jail time and fines for playing, even online.
- Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Assam
- Odisha
Telangana banned online gambling in 2017. All online games for money are illegal here, including skill games.
Andhra Pradesh bans all online money games. Players and companies both face jail for up to one year or fines.
Tamil Nadu passed a strict law in 2022. Players can go to jail for three months or pay a Rs 5,000 fine. Courts later allowed some skill games, but the rules are still tough.
Assam and Odisha have complete bans. No licenses are given for any gambling. Do not play in these states as the risk is too high.
Group 4 – Public Gambling Act States (Legal Gray Area)
Most Indian states use an old 1867 law. This law bans physical gambling places but says nothing about online games.
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar and others
These states have not made new laws for online games. The 1867 law only talks about physical gambling houses. Since the internet did not exist then, nobody knows if the law covers online games.
PROGA 2025 now adds a ban on all online money games everywhere in India. Most states here don’t arrest players who use foreign websites. But the law is unclear. States can change rules anytime.
Is Casino Gambling Legal in India in 2026?
Physical casinos are legal in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman. You must be 21 or older. These casinos have government licenses. They follow strict rules about location and safety.
The PROGA 2025 law bans all online money games in India. This includes online casinos, betting sites, and gaming apps. The law started on August 22, 2025. Breaking this law means fines up to Rs 1 crore and jail up to 3 years.
Gaming companies have taken PROGA 2025 to the Supreme Court. They say the law is unfair. The Supreme Court will hear the case in January 2026. Until then, the ban stays.
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Conclusion: Casino Legal States In India Are Goa, Sikkim, and Daman
If you want to gamble legally in India in 2026, go to Goa, Sikkim, or Daman. These are the only safe places for casino gambling. All three have proper casinos with government oversight.
Stay away from gambling in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, and Odisha. These states have strict bans with serious penalties.
Always know your state’s laws before you play. Legal gambling should only happen in licensed places.
FAQs
Only Goa, Sikkim, and Daman have legal casinos. Goa has the most land and ship casinos. Sikkim has two luxury hotels. Daman has resort casinos.
Goa made casinos legal in 1976 to boost tourism and create jobs. Casinos bring rich tourists and tax money to the state government.
India has 28 states and 8 union territories, not 50 states. Gambling is legal in only 3 places: Goa, Sikkim, and Daman.
Sikkim passed a law in 2002 allowing casinos in five-star hotels. Only tourists can play. Local people cannot enter these casinos.
Sports betting is mostly illegal. Horse racing is allowed in some states. PROGA 2025 now bans all online sports betting across India.
Cricket betting is illegal in India. There is no law allowing it. PROGA 2025 bans all online betting, including cricket betting.
Delhi follows the 1867 law that bans gambling. Delhi has no casinos or betting licenses. PROGA 2025 also bans online games here.
