Playing at a casino in India is not so straightforward, as a casino is legal in India only in select states.
Some states allow casinos, while others ban them altogether. This creates big differences in what is legal depending on where you are.
If you are a tourist, investor, or casino operator, it is essential to understand these rules before joining the market or playing in India.
The Basics: Casino Gambling Laws in India
India doesn’t have one national law for all gambling. Instead, the rules depend on both central laws and individual state decisions.
Understanding the foundation helps make sense of what’s allowed and what’s not.
The foundation of Indian gambling legislation is the Public Gambling Act of 1867. This colonial-era law prohibits operating or visiting gambling houses. However, it only applies to physical gambling and has no explicit mention of online gambling or modern casino formats.
Under the Indian Constitution, gambling is listed as a state subject, meaning that individual states can create and enforce their own laws on gambling. Some states have retained the 1867 Act, while others have passed modern legislation or built regulated casino industries.
What Are ‘Games of Skill’ and ‘Games of Chance’?
Indian law clearly separates games of skill from games of chance, and this distinction plays a vital role in how gambling activities are regulated. A game of skill depends on the player’s judgment, strategy, or expertise, while a game of chance relies primarily on luck or random outcomes.
The Supreme Court has confirmed this difference in landmark rulings such as State of Bombay v. Chamarbaugwala (1957) and K.R. Lakshmanan v. State of Tamil Nadu (1996). Games like rummy and fantasy sports are often considered skill-based, while casino staples like roulette or slots fall under chance-based games and are heavily regulated.
This legal divide affects both offline and online gaming. Skill-based platforms can often operate legally across multiple states, but games of chance are typically limited to licensed casinos in specific jurisdictions.
Where Are Casinos Legal in India?
Casino legality in India is governed by individual states. Only a few states currently allow licensed casino operations, and even within these, the rules vary.
States Where Casinos Are Legal:
While most Indian states ban or restrict gambling, a few have legalized and regulated casinos under local laws.
This section explains where casinos are officially allowed and what the legal setup looks like.
| State | Casino Type Allowed | Legal Basis / Act | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goa | Land & Offshore | Goa, Daman, and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976 | Offshore casinos on the Mandovi River |
| Sikkim | Land & Online (limited) | Sikkim Casino Games (Control and Tax) Act, 2002 | First to issue online gambling licenses |
| Daman | Land (pending operations) | Goa Act extended to Daman | License issued but pending functional casinos |
Top 5 States Where Gambling Is Banned:
Several Indian states have banned casinos and other forms of gambling outright, including:
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
These states often enforce strict anti-gambling legislation and impose fines or imprisonment for violations.
A comparative map or table helps highlight where casinos are allowed and where they’re strictly restricted, aiding tourists and investors in understanding the regulatory environment.
Types of Casinos That Operate in India
Casinos in India can be found in different forms on land, floating on rivers, or online. Here’s a quick look at the main types you might come across, and how they’re treated under Indian law.
Land-Based Casinos
These are found mainly in Goa and Sikkim, usually within five-star hotels or specially zoned areas. Entry is regulated with strict ID verification and age limits (usually 21+). Gaming operations are overseen by state-appointed regulatory authorities.
Offshore Casinos (Floating Casinos)
Primarily located in Goa, these casinos operate on anchored ships in the Mandovi River. They’re subject to different rules from land-based establishments and are a significant tourist attraction. Licensing includes navigation, tourism, and gaming permits.
Is Online Casino Gambling Legal in India?
India does not have a centralized law that governs online casino gambling. As a result, the legality remains a gray area.
Legal Framework
The Information Technology Act, 2000 governs online activity in India, but it doesn’t explicitly mention online gambling. Enforcement varies widely, and most international operators target Indian users by hosting their platforms offshore.
Indian vs. International Sites
While Indian-licensed platforms (like those in Sikkim) are few and limited, international casinos often accept Indian players without facing direct legal challenges due to jurisdiction loopholes. However, players should verify whether these sites follow fair gaming and KYC policies.
Is Crypto Gambling Allowed in India?
The use of cryptocurrencies in online casinos adds another legal ambiguity. India does not formally recognize crypto as legal tender, making crypto-gambling operations even more legally uncertain.
How Do Casinos Operate in Legal Indian States
In states like Goa and Sikkim, casino operators must obtain multiple licenses, including tourism, hospitality, and gaming permits.
There are separate categories for land-based, offshore, and online gaming. Regulatory bodies in these states also have enforcement wings to ensure compliance with operational guidelines, responsible gambling measures, and tax obligations.
Casino Rules for Tourists and Visitors in India
Tourists are allowed to gamble legally in Indian states where casinos are licensed, such as Goa and Sikkim. However, certain rules apply:
- Players must be at least 21 years old to enter most casinos.
- A valid government-issued ID, such as a passport or Aadhaar, is required at entry.
- Most casinos expect formal dress and proper conduct inside the premises.
Travelers are advised to verify if the casino is government-licensed before entering, as unlicensed operations are illegal and subject to penalty.
Recent Legal Developments and Trends
Several Indian states have recently introduced new laws targeting online gambling. For instance:
Tamil Nadu and Telangana have imposed bans on online gambling, particularly targeting platforms offering rummy and poker.
The central government is exploring a national framework for online gaming, with proposals submitted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The growth of India’s online gambling market has attracted international attention, prompting calls for a regulated, tax-paying digital ecosystem.
How India’s Gambling Laws Compare Internationally
India’s gambling framework is a hybrid model with decentralized enforcement. Here’s how it compares:
United Kingdom:
Gambling is centrally regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, covering both physical and online casinos under a single framework.
United States:
Like India, gambling laws vary by state. However, U.S. states that legalize gambling often have clearer online gambling provisions.
Singapore & UAE:
Both countries maintain near-total prohibitions on gambling, with limited exceptions for state-run lotteries.
India’s evolving legal model places it somewhere between permissive and restrictive regimes.
Future of Casino Gambling in India
With increasing internet access, digital payment options, and growing public interest, casino gambling in India is heading toward more formalized regulation.
Key trends include:
- Central government interest in creating a national online gambling policy
- Rising public debate on addiction, taxation, and legality
- Expansion of legal casino zones due to tourism and revenue needs
If legal clarity improves, India could become a major regulated iGaming market in Asia.
Conclusion: Casinos Are Legal In India, But Only In Few States
The legal status of casinos in India is best described as regionally legal, nationally ambiguous, and evolving. Physical casinos operate legally in only a few states, such as Goa and Sikkim, while others maintain outright bans.
Online casino gambling remains in a legal gray area, with foreign operators filling the demand. As policy discussions continue, legal professionals and investors should monitor updates from both state and central authorities.
To stay safe and compliant, only engage with licensed operators and remain informed on jurisdiction-specific laws.
FAQs
Goa permits land-based and offshore casinos under strict licensing rules.
Yes, but the legal status is ambiguous. Many international sites operate offshore and accept Indian players.
Typically, the minimum age is 21 years. ID verification is required.
Fantasy sports are generally treated as games of skill and are legal in most states.
In states like Goa and Sikkim, tourists can enter casinos with a valid ID and meet the age criteria.
While Indian law doesn’t explicitly ban it, there’s no formal regulation either, making it a legal gray zone.
