Today, the Indian government controls all areas of the gambling industry, except for horse racing and lotteries. India belongs to those countries where gambling is allowed, but very limited. Supporters of the legalization of gambling activities believe that the industry can be regulated and controlled, and the taxes received will significantly increase state revenues. Opponents of full legalization are sure that gambling is an increase in crime and a convenient option for money laundering.
What gambling is legal in the country?
Federal and state laws governing the gambling industry differ. The state prohibits all forms of gambling, except for lotteries and skill games, and even then, not in all states. But the final word belongs to the local government of the states. In addition to lotteries, most states allow:
- fantasy sports betting;
- games of skill, including horse races;
- poker and card game Rummy.
As for casinos, here most of the states support federal law, land-based establishments are legal only in some states, such as Damana, Sikkim, Goa. But, online casinos are a completely different matter. The government cannot prohibit residents from playing on international venues. Many Indians choose the Parimat website for entertainment and earnings. It is a reliable company offering customized websites to its users in India. In addition, shortly, Parimatch launches a crypto casino that further simplifies earnings and withdrawals for residents of India.
Online gambling in India
The federal law does not mention online poker idn, so it is difficult to talk about its illegality in India. This has become a loophole for international online platforms wishing to provide access to games for a local audience. The government is tolerant of virtual casinos but prohibits foreign exchange transactions as part of such gambling activities. In the event of a violation of the company’s IP, it is blocked, which is provided at the federal level.
The local online gambling market is represented by only a few platforms licensed by a certain state. All fans of slots and other gambling entertainment play and earn on international platforms.
Latest News on India Gambling Industry
The Indian authorities state that there will be no softening of the rules or expansion of gambling in the country. The Minister of Sports declared his firm opposition to the legalization of betting on sports, calling such activities immoral. The head of the cricket control council has the opposite opinion. In his opinion, legal bets are an opportunity to fight corruption in this area.
At the same time, the situation in different states is different. So the local government of Goa has not yet developed a policy to control the gambling industry and have not taken any action to transfer floating casinos. And the government of Maharashtra, on the contrary, has banned even online lottery because of the financial losses that result from the impossibility of selling virtual lottery tickets.
According to experts regulating the gambling market in Asia, the main problem of the Indian gambling market is the lack of unambiguous laws and regulations. It is possible to obtain a permit for gambling, but the framework is too narrow, and each regular ban forces operators to carry out illegal activities. Specialist Jay Site says that the legalization of gambling and sports betting with their further regulation will help fight corruption in this area and significantly replenish the state treasury.