A Comprehensive Guide to Gambling Laws and Regulations in India, by Altenar

Altenar's comprehensive guide provides insights into legal gaming practices and state licensing processes. It offers essential information for establishing a successful iGaming business and making a mark in this emerging industry.

Brief History of Gambling in India

Gambling in India has deep roots, with its first recorded evidence traced to the ancient texts of the Rigveda and Mahabharata. The Rigveda, one of India’s oldest scriptures, alludes to a form of dice play, reflecting gambling’s early integration into Indian culture. 

Over the centuries, gambling in India evolved with each era, experiencing varying levels of societal acceptance.

British administrators sought to control gambling by introducing the Public Gambling Act of 1867. This law criminalised the operation of public gambling houses while remaining ambiguous about skill-based games, leaving space for traditional Indian games to thrive.

As Indian society transitioned into the 20th and 21st centuries, attitudes towards gambling continued to shift. Increasing economic liberalisation and digital penetration set the stage for online gaming. However, the legal landscape remained complex. The Constitution of India 1949 handed over gambling regulation to individual states.

The growing popularity of online gambling and fantasy sports has sparked fresh debates about regulation. The Information Technology Act of 2000, along with later court decisions, paved the way for skill-based gaming in the online space. However, questions surrounding legalities remain, urging operators to proceed cautiously to ensure compliance.

In this report, Altenar presents the full timeline of events, the current situation for iGaming, and brings a snapshot of the regions with some form of legal gambling activity out of India's 28 individual states and eight union territories, as well as a framework for Legal Online Gambling and Sports Betting.

Read the full report here.