Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)
[cm_ad_changer campaign_id="4"]

News

The Ins and Outs of Online Gambling in India: Laws and Legislation Explained

Published

on

Needless to say, the online gambling industry has dominated the world by storm. In a nutshell, gaming industries from across the globe are thriving. In particular, the Indian market has experienced significant growth throughout the last couple of years. More and more players are trying their hand out at casino games and just in general experience what the gambling world has to offer.

Whether they’re raising their stakes at floating casinos in India, abroad or online, Indian players have expressed a keen interest in gambling. This is illustrated in some stats and figures; by the end of 2020, the Indian market generated over 90 billion in Indian Rupees.

Whilst all this sounds great, there is one issue that India has been dealing with for years. Even though we are living in 2021, Indian lawmakers still abide by ancient gambling laws, some of which are over 154 years old! So, what does this mean for players and casino operators?

An Insight into India’s Gambling Laws

 

With reference to the Indian Constitution, it is stated that all forms of gambling are regulated at state level. In other words, this mean that each Indian state has its own laws and legislations when it comes to gambling, particularly when it comes to online casino games. Needless to say, players and operators aren’t happy about this since it’s severely impacting the industry.

This all boils down to one thing. As mentioned in earlier sections of this post, India remains stuck in the past as far as gambling rules are concerned. A prime example of this is the Public Gaming Act of 1867. This 134 legislative document was published during the British role. Evidently, such documents don’t make sense now that most of us have witnessed the advent of the internet and the continuous developments made in the technological field.

But alas, Indian lawmakers beg to differ. Let’s take a look at some statements in the Public Gaming Act of 1867. For starters, the operation of Indian casinos is strictly prohibited. So, is the assisting and visiting of these venues. On top of that, financial gambling, devices and anything remotely related to gambling is also forbidden. In fact, you can face a ₹200 fine or even face up to 3 months in prison.

The Act also defines gambling into two separate categories – Games of Chance and Games of Skill. The problem with this lies here – one cannot completely class a casino game as a Game of Skill or Chance. This is because certain games have hints of both skill and chance.

At the time of writing, India has identified only 13 card games as games of skill, including rummy and poker. As far as online betting goes, horse racing and cricket betting also fall under this category. Without a doubt, lots of reforms are in order if lawmakers want to see the industry really thrive in the years to come.

The Problem with Online Gambling

 

All this brings us to the main topic of this discussion – online gambling in India. Evidently, there is a dire need for more sensible laws to be imposed. Since lawmakers are still adamant to stick to incredibly archaic laws, this is causing a lot of problems for casino operators who want to set up shop in India.

What’s even more surprising is that all these acts and laws don’t even given an appropriate definition to what online gambling is. As of now, only states like Nagaland, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have chosen to update their anti-gambling policies. On top of that, they have also stated where they stand with online gambling. So far, it’s not good news.

 

Very recently, the state of Andhra Pradesh published its Gaming Ordinance. Initially, casino operators thought this would benefit them, but once again they couldn’t be more wrong. In other words, if you’re an operator, you can rule out the possibility of having online casinos set up in this state for the time being. On top of that, the ordinance has also issued a ban on all online games including games of skill. Of course, casino operators aren’t very happy about this and rightly so. In fact, they plan on appealing this at the Supreme Court.

That said, there is some good news to report here. As of now, the Supreme Court of Andhra Pradesh has stated that games of skill aren’t really linked to gambling and operators who offer these services are allowed to do us under the Indian Constitution.

Still, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for casino operators who want to offer casino games and services in the country. In fact, operators have had to deal with more acts such as the Information Technology Act of 2000. Given that it’s all about gambling one would think that the government is actually thinking about adequate solutions that would make both parties happy.

But alas, we’re back in square one. This act caused more harm than good as the blocking servers restricted operators from offering their services to Indian players. What’s more, we also have yet another example where no appropriate definition is given to online gambling. Let’s face it, the world is living and breathing gambling at this point. After all the industry is worth billions nowadays – so how can one not explain what online gambling is? The mind boggles.

We understand that lawmakers want to curb the rise of unregulated gambling from dodgy casinos, however, sticking to ancient laws will cause more problems in the long run.

 

Players Can Still Enjoy the Online Casino World

 

That said, there is a silver lining. Whilst operators still have to long road ahead of them, players can still enjoy their time online. In fact, you’ll find lots of reputable providers listed on Casinos-india.in. Given that this is an affiliate partner, the games and bonuses are obviously not offered by them. Instead, you are offered trusted offshore casino partners that are legally allowed to offer their services to Indian players.

As you can see, things aren’t so bad for players. That said, there are still some regulations you should keep in mind. Whilst you are required by law to choose an offshore licensed platform, it’s still your safest bet. In this way, you can avoid getting scammed by dodgy providers that still manage to slip through the cracks even though the situation is heavily regulated. Trust us when we say that rogue casinos offer rigged games and you’ll probably never get your winnings. In other words, avoid at all costs.

You can sign up to platforms that clearly state that they are licensed by reputable gaming bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority.

One also has to keep in mind the legal gambling age. In this case, it’s generally 18 and over. However, some online casinos will require to be over 21 years of age. So, make sure you read all the Terms and Conditions carefully when you track down your desired provider. Finally, you can also join an offshore casino if it is Rupee-friendly. You can also avail from alternatives that allow conversions.

The Benefits of Legalizing Online Casinos

 

At this point, it’s fair to say that Indian gambling laws are all over the place. We can only hope that the situation changes over time. At the end of the day, the market and India in general can benefit from the legalizing and regulation of online casinos.

Whilst we acknowledge that there is a problem with unregulated gambling, the right regulations can mark a significant change in the way things are carried out in the country. Strict laws that don’t make sense will not solve anything; on the contrary, these will cause of more uproars by casino operators and in general more confusion. Simply put, the country needs to stick to one legislation that is able to fully regulate and license games of skill. The laws in place can then be supported by further regulations created by gaming bodies.

Given that Indian players are allowed to sign up to offshore platforms, lawmakers should consider making it official in India. In this way, India will get more recognition, whilst players can get a taste of the best online casino games, bonuses and more. Above everything else, they’ll still be signing up to safe and secure platforms that do things by the book.

Of course, a complete reform is needed when it comes to online gambling. That said, some progress has been made. For example, in states like Maharashtra, casino operators and lawmakers are constantly in talks with regard to how they can legalize and regulate online gambling. At this point, nothing is confirmed, but it’s a start.

In the long run, we really think that India can benefit form a regulated market. In fact, some statistics suggest that the country is losing over $140 million per year due to unregulated gambling. This can be solved if both casino operators and lawmakers can come to an agreement on how to offer a licensed and regulated market.

At the time of writing, the growth behind India’s online gambling market is driven by the middle class and the continuous development of the internet and advanced technologies. With a 50% penetration rate, there are 560 million internet users in the country. Needless to say, this is great considering India is in second place after China.

All we’ll say is don’t understatement the Indian market even though it’s one of the smaller ones. Clearly, it’s making it’s mark on the world and it’s very obvious that casino operators and players are keen. Keep in mind that this is something that wasn’t available in the past. Of course, lifestyles became more comfortable over the years. This also meant that people started expressing an interest in different things – online casino is one of them.

Legalizing online casinos will also offer more jobs. Without a doubt, this would be extremely beneficial to India since the country can compete within this competitive market. This can open more doors to more start-up businesses within the e-Commerce and iGaming sectors. On top of that, the Indian economy will also benefit from all this. Other job opportunities can also crop up if this is done properly. Some of these include employment within software development companies and online payments.

At the end of the day, a regulated market will not only put lawmakers’ minds at rest, but it also creates a safe space for players and operators who just want to do things by the book. This can be achieved if one carries out regular audits of casino operators that have been approved and regulated by the government.

This is the only way that the situation can be monitored and one is able to distinguish a good casino from a bad one.

Without a doubt, the interest in the online gambling world won’t be dying away any time soon. So let’s hope Indian lawmakers can get on board with more adequate regulations that make sense in this day and age.

 

Affiliate Announcements

Statutory levy affiliate reaction

Published

on

Statutory levy affiliate reaction

 

Below the latest reaction from QiH Group CEO Jamie Walters on the UK government’s statutory levy announcement:
Jamie Walters, CEO of QiH Group, comments: “While levies and taxes can sometimes be viewed as a burden, the truth is that most responsible gambling companies have already been making this contribution to research and harm-prevention as they see it as sensible and worthwhile. All that is happening now is a switch from voluntary to mandatory, and the rate is not punitively high.

“I personally think the industry should view this as a positive chance to work hand-in-hand with the NHS, charities and government as all stakeholders pull together to minimise gambling harm. Gambling is meant to be fun and entertaining and the industry must ensure that it is responsible, so that those in need can gain access to properly funded support as and when they need it.”

Continue Reading

Affiliate Compliance

Rightlander and RavenTrack Partner to Boost Affiliate Marketing Compliance and Advertising Opportunities

Published

on

Rightlander and RavenTrack Partner to Boost Affiliate Marketing Compliance and Advertising Opportunities

 

Leading iGaming compliance and tracking platforms unite to bolster affiliate marketing integrity.

Rightlander, a leading provider of marketing compliance and intelligence solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with RavenTrack, a prominent affiliate tracking platform. This collaboration aims to enhance marketing compliance and risk management for Raven Track clients and help identify untapped advertising opportunities with affiliates across global markets.

The partnership will offer access to Rightlander’s comprehensive suite of innovative marketing compliance solutions, including web, search, and social media monitoring to track affiliate promotional activities, content compliance scanning to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and monitoring services.

RavenTrack’s diverse client base spans established and emerging markets, and this partnership addresses the growing need for robust compliance measures in regions with evolving regulatory landscapes.

Sarafina Wolde Gabriel, CEO of Rightlander, commented on the partnership: “We’re excited to partner with RavenTrack to offer our cutting-edge compliance and marketing solutions to their global client base. As marketing regulations tighten in established  and emerging markets, our tools will help brands and affiliates navigate the complex landscape of marketing compliance and capitalise on advertising opportunities.”

RavenTrack is a leading affiliate tracking platform specialising in providing advanced tracking and analytics solutions to help brands optimise their affiliate marketing programs.  Its client base includes prominent brands such as Jumpman Gaming, Betfred, Bet9ja, and Mr. Q, to name a few.

Adam Rowley, RavenTrack’s Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “At RavenTrack, we understand the critical importance of marketing compliance. Our collaboration with Rightlander represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide our clients with robust, innovative and effective tools for managing their affiliate programs.”

“By integrating Rightlander’s advanced compliance solutions with our cutting-edge tracking platform, we’re empowering our clients to navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence while maximising their marketing potential.”

This partnership represents a significant step forward in promoting responsible and compliant marketing practices in the rapidly evolving affiliate marketing industry. By combining RavenTrack’s expertise in affiliate tracking with Rightlander’s advanced compliance tools, the collaboration aims to set new standards for transparency and regulatory adherence in the sector.

Continue Reading

Affiliate Announcements

Raise your Game with BoostBox by MyAffiliates: a new AI-Driven must-have iGaming Affiliate ace, for instant wins and real results

Published

on

Raise your Game with BoostBox by MyAffiliates: a new AI-Driven must-have iGaming Affiliate ace, for instant wins and real results

 

Jackpots just got closer for iGaming affiliate marketers with the launch of BoostBox by MyAffiliates — a new AI-driven tool designed to unlock new levels of affiliate potential. With a simple touch of a button iGaming affiliate partners can now access:

  • Instant Updates: up-to-date product and promotional information
  • Increased Productivity: easy access to brand resources, whilst reducing support queries by up to 40%
  • Streamlined Research: brand and product information in an instant
  • Quality Content: resources to produce consistent, on-brand promotional content

Boostbox by MyAffiliates is not just a game-changing upgrade — it’s a leap forward in affiliate marketing, setting a new standard in the industry for speed, relevance, impact and results.

iGaming affiliate marketing has long faced recurring obstacles that impact performance potential – delays in accessing information, time-consuming research, content inconsistencies, and resource limitations. BoostBox by MyAffiliates is an innovative AI-driven solution to these challenges, enabling affiliates to stay competitive and focused, taking results to a new level.

Clemence Dujardin, Group CEO at MyAffiliates, “BoostBox is redefining iGaming affiliate support and is the ultimate affiliate marketing solution. By maximising the capabilities of AI to bring real-time information to affiliate partners, programmes and content are guaranteed to be as impactful and as engaging as possible. MyAffiliates is at the forefront of affiliate marketing, and using the latest technology to launch BoostBox today, our users can enjoy the very best available affiliate marketing experience and strengthen their potential overnight.”

Roo Wright, Founder of BoostBox added, “Having built a number of affiliate businesses over my 18 years in the industry, I know firsthand the challenges affiliates face. BoostBox was born from that experience, and our partnership with MyAffiliates will help take affiliate marketing to the next level.”

MyAffiliates has long been a powerhouse in affiliate marketing software, empowering iGaming operators to bring all their brands and products together under one seamless affiliate system. Since its launch in 2007, MyAffiliates has set the standard in the industry, becoming the go-to platform for iGaming operators. In fact, StatsDrone recognised MyAffiliates in April 2024 as the most-used affiliate marketing software in the gaming industry—solidifying its role as a trusted leader and innovator in the space.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Latest News

Statutory levy affiliate reaction Statutory levy affiliate reaction
Affiliate Announcements1 week ago

Statutory levy affiliate reaction

  Below the latest reaction from QiH Group CEO Jamie Walters on the UK government’s statutory levy announcement: Jamie Walters,...

Rightlander and RavenTrack Partner to Boost Affiliate Marketing Compliance and Advertising Opportunities Rightlander and RavenTrack Partner to Boost Affiliate Marketing Compliance and Advertising Opportunities
Affiliate Compliance3 weeks ago

Rightlander and RavenTrack Partner to Boost Affiliate Marketing Compliance and Advertising Opportunities

  Leading iGaming compliance and tracking platforms unite to bolster affiliate marketing integrity. Rightlander, a leading provider of marketing compliance...

Raise your Game with BoostBox by MyAffiliates: a new AI-Driven must-have iGaming Affiliate ace, for instant wins and real results Raise your Game with BoostBox by MyAffiliates: a new AI-Driven must-have iGaming Affiliate ace, for instant wins and real results
Affiliate Announcements3 weeks ago

Raise your Game with BoostBox by MyAffiliates: a new AI-Driven must-have iGaming Affiliate ace, for instant wins and real results

  Jackpots just got closer for iGaming affiliate marketers with the launch of BoostBox by MyAffiliates — a new AI-driven...

Game Lounge Acquires Two Kings Consultants B.V., Owner of Leading Dutch iGaming Affiliate Meneer Casino Game Lounge Acquires Two Kings Consultants B.V., Owner of Leading Dutch iGaming Affiliate Meneer Casino
Affiliate Announcements4 weeks ago

Game Lounge Acquires Two Kings Consultants B.V., Owner of Leading Dutch iGaming Affiliate Meneer Casino

  Game Lounge, a leading iGaming affiliate company, announced the acquisition of Two Kings Consultants B.V., the owner and operator...

ReferOn Partners With Italy’s MicroGame to Boost Affiliate Marketing in the Region ReferOn Partners With Italy’s MicroGame to Boost Affiliate Marketing in the Region
Affiliate Announcements4 weeks ago

ReferOn Partners With Italy’s MicroGame to Boost Affiliate Marketing in the Region

  ReferOn, the state-of-the-art affiliate management system, announces its strategic partnership with MicroGame, Italy’s leading iGaming provider. MicroGame is Italy’s...

NetRefer to Showcase CoPilot AI at SiGMA Malta 2024 NetRefer to Showcase CoPilot AI at SiGMA Malta 2024
News1 month ago

NetRefer to Showcase CoPilot AI at SiGMA Malta 2024

  Earlier this year at iGB London, NetRefer, a leading provider in affiliate marketing platforms, introduced its groundbreaking AI solution,...

Omni Casino Launches Convert Stars Affiliate Program, Targeting Streamers and Influencers in the iGaming Space Omni Casino Launches Convert Stars Affiliate Program, Targeting Streamers and Influencers in the iGaming Space
Affiliate Program News1 month ago

Omni Casino Launches Convert Stars Affiliate Program, Targeting Streamers and Influencers in the iGaming Space

  Omni Casino (omnicasino.com), a legendary iGaming brand operating globally since 1997, proudly announces the launch of its new affiliate...

News1 month ago

Online Slots beyond 2024: What does the future bring?

As we move beyond 2024, the online gambling world is set to evolve rapidly, and slots online are no exception....

News1 month ago

How live streaming impacts sports betting

The rise of live streaming has significantly impacted the world of Sports betting, offering bettors new ways to engage with...

ClickOut Media prepare for ‘monstrous’ edition of iGB Affiliate Barcelona as registrations show 86.7% uplift ClickOut Media prepare for ‘monstrous’ edition of iGB Affiliate Barcelona as registrations show 86.7% uplift
News1 month ago

ClickOut Media prepare for ‘monstrous’ edition of iGB Affiliate Barcelona as registrations show 86.7% uplift

  With the volume of registrations for iGB Affiliate tracking nearly 87% ahead of the same stage last year Neil...

Trending

Offering comprehensive coverage on all aspects of the gaming sector, our daily posts include online and land-based gaming, betting, esports, regulatory and compliance updates, and technological advancements. Regular features encompass daily news articles, press releases, exclusive interviews, and insightful event reports.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - GAV is part of HIPTHER. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania