Online gambling in India has become even more complex after the Online Gaming Act of 2025. The new law bans all forms of real-money games (RMGs) nationwide — including casinos, poker, rummy, fantasy sports, and betting platforms.
This means that international sites like Stake.com, which operate on real-money gambling, now fall under the prohibited category. While earlier, restrictions varied from state to state, with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh banning real-money gambling, the new Act enforces a countrywide ban on such platforms.
In this article, I explain what the new bill means for Stake in India, whether it is still accessible, and what players should know in 2025.
Is Stake Banned in India?
Stake is a popular platform for betting and online casino games, allowing users to wager on sports and play with money or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
Current Legal Status (2025)
With the introduction of the Online Gaming Act, 2025, the legal landscape has changed significantly. The Act places a nationwide ban on all Real Money Games (RMGs) — this includes betting, casino sites, poker, rummy, fantasy sports, and platforms like Stake.com.
Earlier, Stake was restricted only in certain states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, while other states had unclear or partial rules. Now, the new central law overrides state-level variations, meaning that Stake is not legally permitted anywhere in India in 2025.
What It Means for Players
- Users may still be able to access Stake.com through VPNs or offshore servers, but doing so is at their own risk.
- The government has empowered CERT-IN (India’s cybersecurity authority) to block gambling apps and websites, and can even coordinate with Interpol to curb offshore operators.
- While the Act does not penalize individual players, it makes operating, advertising, or authorising payments for Stake illegal in India.
State-Wise Stake Legality in India (Before 2025 Gaming Act)
Before 2025, Stake was legal in many Indian states but restricted in a few that had their own bans, such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Here is the previous state-wise table before the Online Gaming Act, 2025 .
After the Online Gaming Act, 2025, all forms of real-money gaming platforms, including Stake, are now banned across India, regardless of state-specific rules.
The table below shows Stake’s state-wise legal status in India before the Online Gaming Act, 2025 came into effect.
| State | Legal Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Telangana | ❌ Banned | Online betting is banned under state laws. |
| Andhra Pradesh | ❌ Banned | All online gambling platforms are illegal. |
| Assam | ❌ Unclear/Banned | State prohibits most forms of online betting. |
| Odisha | ❌ Unclear/Banned | No specific provision for online gambling; assumed prohibited. |
| Tamil Nadu | ✅ Allowed (Ban Overturned) | High Court struck down online gaming ban. |
| Karnataka | ✅ Allowed (Ban Overturned) | High Court declared online gaming ban unconstitutional. |
| Maharashtra | ✅ Allowed | No online betting ban; Stake can be accessed. |
| Delhi | ✅ Allowed | No law restricts offshore betting platforms. |
| Goa | ✅ Allowed | Legal gambling state, no online ban. |
| West Bengal | ✅ Allowed | No known restrictions on crypto/offshore betting. |
| Punjab | ✅ Allowed | No state laws blocking sites like Stake. |
| Other States | ✅ Mostly Allowed | Unless banned, Stake is accessible in most regions. |
Why Stake Might Not Work in India
Even if you live in a state where online gambling is not banned, you may still have trouble opening Stake.com.
This is often not because of a law, but because of local internet settings (ISP restrictions). Some internet providers block gambling sites, even if they’re legal in your state.
If this happens, many users suggest using Stake’s mirror site: stake.bet. This is just another version of the main site and is safe to use if Stake.com doesn’t open.
Can You Use a VPN to Access Stake?
Some people try to use a VPN (a tool that hides your location) to open Stake from states where it’s banned or blocked.
But according to Stake’s own rules, this is not allowed. If they find out you are using a VPN, your account may be closed, and you could lose your money and winnings.
So even if a VPN works for a short time, it’s not worth the risk. It is better to wait until the laws are clear or to play only where it is legal.
How to Use Stake in India (If Not Banned in Your Country)
If Stake is not banned in your state, you can start using it safely by following these steps:
Step 1: Sign up on the Stake website and create your account.
Step 2: Complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) process. This means uploading your ID and address proof so Stake knows you are real and of legal age.
Step 3: Deposit money using options like UPI, cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), or net banking.
Step 4: Once your money is added, you can start betting on sports or playing different casino games like roulette, slots, and blackjack.
Countries Where Stake Is Illegal
Stake is not allowed in many countries around the world. This is not because of Stake itself, but because of local laws.
Some of the countries where Stake is banned include:
- USA (except for some states like New Jersey)
- UK
- Australia
- Pakistan
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- India
- North Korea
- Syria
Online Gambling Laws in India: A Quick Overview
India’s gambling laws are very old. The main ones are:
- The Gaming Act of 1857
- The Public Gambling Act of 1867
- The Information Technology Act of 2000
- Online Gaming Act, 2025
Should You Play for Stake from India?
If your state does not ban online gambling and you are above the legal age, you can use Stake carefully.
But remember: online gambling always carries risks. You can lose your money, and there is no help from Indian law if something goes wrong on these offshore sites.
Also, do not trust social media tips from random users who say you can cheat the system. These can be dangerous or illegal. Always play safely, legally, and responsibly.
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Conclusion: Stake Is Now Banned Across India!
With the introduction of the Online Gaming Act, 2025, there is no longer a state-by-state difference in online gambling laws. The Act places a nationwide ban on all real-money gaming platforms, including betting and casino sites like Stake.com.
Earlier, Stake was accessible in many states except Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, but the new law overrides state rules and applies across the country. While players are not penalized directly, the Act targets operators, advertisers, and payment providers, and agencies like CERT-IN are tasked with blocking access.
If you’re in India, you can no longer legally use Stake. Always prioritize safety, compliance, and awareness of updated laws when it comes to online gaming.
FAQs
If your state hasn’t banned online gambling, you can access Stake. Always double-check the latest updates.
You must be at least 18 or 21, depending on your state’s laws.
Stake requires KYC verification to confirm your age, location, and identity for safety and legal reasons.
Stake accepts secure payments like UPI, crypto, and bank transfer. But always play responsibly.
Not likely if you’re in a legal state. But using Stake from a banned state or with a VPN can cause problems. Always follow your state’s laws.
