Betting in India is more vibrant than in any other part of the world. Sports betting is an activity deeply rooted in Indian people like a culture. The vague regulations surrounding betting leave people confused and wondering about its legality. Indian states can legalize betting or not, and a few of them have done so. 

Foreign betting companies capitalize on the undefined betting laws to get Indians betting on anything and everything. The Indian Premier League is the topmost sought-after betting opportunity, and operators are going as far as creating offshore websites and betting agencies to enlarge sports betting platforms for Indians to place bets online.

Bettors need to use legal bookies in India to help them place bets worldwide. From the IPL homepage, you will find a list of legal bookies and links to their sites. You select the one you wish to be your ambassador, click on the link to register, and begin placing your bets. Betting online from a state that does not allow sports betting is fine for anyone since India has no offshore jurisdiction over these sites. 

Therefore, no law is broken when bets are placed online, and they can play as many times as their money allows them. In the near past, betting in India was illegal, but the situation is now different as the accessible internet influences millions of better smartphones.

Mature betting markets like the UK and Sweden have legalized sports leading to the closure of other related activities because of the strict regulations. Business closure means revenue loss, but operators are diversifying to other activities like sports betting and legal bookies. 

According to the Public Gambling Act of 1867, gambling or betting is illegal in India. People were not allowed to bet on any sport, which the government upheld with all seriousness. However, the same law treats skill games differently from games of chance. Cricket is the favorite Indian game but placing a bet on it is illegal because it is a game of chance, yet horse racing and lotteries are legal sports to bet on. 

The online betting topic is quite controversial in India, but some states have allowed Indian citizens to enjoy its activities, like in the north-eastern state of Sikkim. Other states that are open-minded about these activities are Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil have banned online betting within the states, but they can’t control foreign betting companies. 

Citizens are now aware of the regulations, but they are not deterred from betting events. Since sports betting in most states is illegal, they have opted for online betting to flee from breaking the vague laws. The player’s responsibility is to select a legit bookie to guide and assist them when placing bets on their favorite teams. 

Foreign betting sites know the legal situation in India and the betting culture of its citizens; hence the reason many offshore sites are offering the service is that the Indian government cannot shut them down. However, there are things you should consider before settling for a betting site to avoid being duped by unscrupulous operators. 

  • Before you register on a site or seek the services of a bookmaker, make sure the service is legit by checking a valid license.
  • The most reputable licensing bodies are MGA, UKGA, and Curacao. They display the license at the footer of their home page. A permit from these bodies should assure you of your safety and revenue.
  • Check the variety of games they offer to avoid hopping from one site to another.
  • Generous bonuses and promotions.
  • Ensure that the payment methods are okay with you.

As welcome bonuses, promotions, wagering fees are significant and attractive, don’t let them lure you into overlooking the above crucial factors. 

Conclusion

Is it legal to bet online in India? Yes. Those living in states where the activities are permitted have nothing to worry whereas those living in states where it is illegal can opt to use online betting platforms. 

The Indian government is considering flexing betting laws to gain from taxation of betting revenue to power the national economy. Besides the tax gains, operators are also eyeing the market because it is ripe for business, and it is unknown when the government will act on changing the laws.

Shares:

Drop a Reply