Casinos are legal in India, but only in select states like Goa, Sikkim, and Daman under strict licensing conditions.
The majority of Indian states prohibit casino operations based on the colonial-era Public Gambling Act of 1867.
Many Indians are unsure about what’s legal when it comes to casinos. And, with more online platforms and different rules in each state, the laws still remain confusing.
Let’s understand the current legal framework governing casinos in India, including state-wise permissions, online gambling regulations, punishment for violations, and rules for tourists visiting licensed casino zones.
Casino Legality in India – In Summary
Casino operations face different legal treatment across India based on location and game type.
| Category | Legal Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Casinos | Legal in some states | Only in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman with licenses |
| Online Gambling | Grey area | No central law; banned in some states like Telangana, TN |
| Game of Skill | Generally legal | Rummy, poker, and fantasy sports (depending on state) |
| Game of Chance | Mostly illegal | Covered under the Public Gambling Act, 1867 |
| Tourist Gambling | Allowed in licensed zones | Legal for tourists in Goa and Sikkim casinos |
| Punishment | Minor to moderate penalties | Fines up to ₹200 or 3 months jail under state laws |
In India, casinos are legal only in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman, while skill games like rummy and poker are mostly allowed. However, online gambling is banned in some states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
Let us now understand first the basics of Casino Gambling Laws in India
Understanding The Basics of Casino Gambling Laws in India
Casino laws in India operate under complex policies where states hold primary authority over gambling regulations.
The foundation remains the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits operating or visiting gambling houses but lacks specific provisions for modern casino formats and online platforms.
Indian courts distinguish between games of skill and games of chance when determining legality.
Games of skill like poker and rummy often receive legal protection, while games of chance such as roulette and slot machines face strict restrictions under most state laws.
In India, each state can change or create its own gambling laws to replace the old ones from colonial times.
This has resulted in an inconsistent legal environment where identical casino activities may be legal in one state but prohibited in neighboring states.
Where Are Casinos Legal in India (And Where It is Not)
Some Indian states allow and regulate casinos, while others actively ban them. Since each state sets its gambling laws, casino rules differ across the country.
States Where Casinos Are Legal
| State/Territory | Casino Type | Licensing Authority | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goa | Land-based & Offshore | Home Department | Five-star hotels and river ships |
| Sikkim | Land-based & Online | Tourism Department | Hotel-based operations only |
| Daman | Land-based | Local Administration | Limited operations, pending full implementation |
India has only three regions where casinos are legal. Goa stands out with land-based casinos in luxury hotels and floating casinos on the Mandovi River.
Sikkim permits casinos in five-star hotels and was the first state to license online gambling, though access is limited to local residents.
States Where Casinos Are Illegal
| State | Legal Position | Enforcement Level |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Complete ban | Strict enforcement |
| Maharashtra | Prohibited | Active crackdowns |
| Tamil Nadu | Banned | Recent legislation strengthening bans |
| Telangana | Prohibited | Heavy penalties imposed |
| Uttar Pradesh | Illegal | Traditional restrictions maintained |
The majority of Indian states maintain strict anti-gambling laws. States like Gujarat impose particularly harsh penalties, while Maharashtra regularly conducts enforcement operations against illegal gambling activities.
Recent legislative changes in Tamil Nadu and Telangana have strengthened existing prohibitions.
Is Online Gambling Legal in India?
India doesn’t have a clear national law for online gambling, so the rules are confusing. The old laws don’t cover internet-based games, which creates a legal grey area.
Some states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have banned online real-money games, including casino and betting apps.
Despite this, international websites like 1xBet, Wild Casino, Winna, Ybets, Bovada, and BetOnline continue to accept Indian players.
In India, several online gaming platforms are illegal and banned. But not all websites face this ban.
However, states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have completely banned online gambling, making it illegal to access platforms like Stake within their borders.
Types of Casinos That Operate in India
Casinos in India operate in three main ways: land-based, offshore, and online, each allowed only in certain states under specific regulations.
Land-Based Casinos
Land-based casinos mainly operate in Goa and Sikkim. These casinos are located inside five-star hotels and must follow strict government rules.
They offer classic games like blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. Visitors must be of legal age and show a valid ID to enter and play.
Offshore Casinos
Offshore casinos are floating casinos based on ships, mostly found on the Mandovi River in Goa.
They offer the same types of games as land-based casinos but follow separate rules. These casinos need special permits for operation and navigation, which are approved by local authorities.
Online Casinos
Online casinos are not clearly regulated in India. Many international websites still accept Indian players by operating from outside the country.
These platforms offer virtual versions of games like poker, roulette, and slots.
Whether they are legal or not depends on each state’s rules and how the games are classified either as games of skill or games of chance.
Punishment for Illegal Gambling in India
If someone is caught gambling illegally in India, the punishment depends on the state where the matter happens.
According to the Public Gambling Act, the punishment for Illegal Gambling In India is a small fine of up to ₹200 or up to three months in jail for running or visiting illegal gambling spots.
Some states have made stricter rules against gambling. Telangana can fine people up to ₹5,000 and send them to jail for one year, and if they break the law again, the punishment gets tougher.
Tamil Nadu has even stronger laws, with fines up to ₹10 lakh and up to three years in jail for online gambling.
Not all states take the same action against online gambling. Some strictly enforce the rules, while others hardly enforce them.
The punishments apply to both gambling operators and players, but in most cases, the police focus on large gambling operations rather than individual players.
Casino Rules for Tourists and Visitors in India
Tourists can legally enjoy casino games in certain parts of India, as long as they follow these rules set by the local authorities.
- Casinos are legal only in licensed areas: Tourists can visit and play at casinos in Indian states like Goa and Sikkim, where the government has permitted casino operations.
- Both foreign and Indian tourists can enter: In Goa, both international and domestic tourists have equal access to casinos. However, in some Sikkim casinos, only foreign tourists are allowed, while Indian citizens may face entry restrictions.
- Minimum age is 21: Visitors must be at least 21 years old to enter and play in a casino in India. This rule helps make sure gambling is limited to responsible adults.
- ID proof is required at entry: All guests need to show a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport, driving license, or Aadhaar card, before entering a casino. This helps confirm age and identity.
- Dress code and behavior rules apply: Casinos in India expect visitors to follow basic dress codes and maintain good behavior. Staff may deny entry to anyone not following these rules.
How Indian Casino Laws Compare Internationally?
Casino regulations in India differ significantly from international standards in terms of licensing, oversight, and player protection measures.
| Country | Regulatory Approach | Licensing Body | Player Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | State-by-state variation | Multiple state departments | Limited frameworks |
| United Kingdom | Centralized regulation | UK Gambling Commission | Strong consumer protections |
| United States | State-level with federal oversight | State gaming commissions | Established safeguards |
| Singapore | Strict national control | Casino Regulatory Authority | Mandatory responsible gaming |
Most countries have central gaming authorities that set clear rules for licensing, taxes, and player safety.
For example, the UK Gambling Commission ensures consistent standards across the country, unlike India’s system, where each state follows its own rules.
Many international markets also offer strong player protections, including support for gambling addiction and fair game testing. India, however, still lacks these safeguards, which puts players at risk even in legal casino zones.
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Conclusion: Casinos Are Legal Only In Some States In India
India’s casino laws remain complex, with physical casinos legally operating only in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman under specific state licenses.
Online gambling lacks precise national regulation, and states are taking different stands, some allowing it, others banning it entirely.
Because of this, the same gambling activity can be legal in one state and illegal in another. Most existing laws were written long before digital gaming and don’t fully address today’s realities.
As legal discussions continue, changes are expected. Until then, anyone interested in casino gaming should follow local laws and stay informed to avoid legal trouble.
FAQs
Online poker is allowed in many states if it is classified as a game of skill. States like Telangana and Tamil Nadu have banned all forms of online real-money gaming.
Fantasy sports are legal in most Indian states as games of skill. However, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have banned them, and some states require operators to hold a license.
Casinos in Goa are owned by licensed private companies. Major operators include Delta Corp, Pride Group, and international partners working through local approvals.
Deltin Royale in Goa is considered the largest casino in India. It operates as a floating casino on the Mandovi River and features multiple gaming and entertainment facilities.
Big Daddy Casino operates legally in Goa with a valid state license. It runs as a floating casino on the Mandovi River under local gaming regulations.
