How to Gamble Online in India: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Before you sign up for any online operator, you need to understand how gambling laws work in India. It’s not as simple as illegal or legal, and that’s where many beginners get confused.

India doesn’t have a single law that applies to gambling across the country. Instead, each state decides whether it allows gambling, bans it, or says nothing about it. The

Public Gambling Act of 1867

This means there’s no clear federal law that bans or allows online gambling in India.

Here’s the practical reality:

most online gambling

are based outside India

That’s why, as an India-based gamer, you can legally play on many foreign gambling sites, unless your state has banned online gambling specifically. Some states have made it clear that they do not want people to gamble online. Others are more relaxed or silent on the issue.

Permissive or regulated states

• Goa

  and

  Sikkim

  allow land-based casinos.

• Sikkim

  even tried to regulate online gambling within its borders.

• Nagaland

  offers licenses for online skill-based games like poker and rummy.

Neutral or unregulated states

• Most Indian states (like Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Delhi) have

  no specific law banning offshore online casinos

  .
• In these places, playing on a licensed foreign site is not a crime, but also not officially protected.

Strictly banned states

• Telangana

  ,

  Andhra Pradesh

  , and

  Tamil Nadu

  have banned all forms of online gambling, including real-money rummy and poker.

If you live in a banned state, playing online could carry legal risks. While no mass arrests have been reported for individuals placing bets online, these laws give local authorities the power to act.

In practice, most online operators don’t check your location at the state level. As long as you can access the site and complete your KYC, they will let you play. But

using a VPN to bypass state-level bans

Games like poker, rummy, and fantasy sports are often called

games of skill

Therefore, if your state does not explicitly ban a game of skill, and you use an international site with a proper gambling license. The law is not crystal clear, but thousands of Indians play daily without legal trouble by sticking to reputable platforms. Still, it’s your responsibility to stay updated on your state’s stance and to avoid websites that look suspicious or operate without licenses.

Yes, in most states, playing at foreign online lobbies is not banned. But always check your state laws first.

You could face fines or legal trouble, especially if caught playing repeatedly. Avoid playing from banned states.

Some players use a VPN if a site is blocked in their state. However, using a VPN may violate the site’s terms. Your account could be suspended, and withdrawals might be blocked.

Only Nagaland and Sikkim have experimented with licensing certain skill-based or online games. No pan-India license exists.

These are often seen as games of skill, but that doesn’t protect you in states where all online gambling is banned. Always check local updates.

India’s online gambling market is growing at a rapid pace. More people are signing up for gambling websites each year, especially after mobile data became affordable and widespread. But Indian players are not like gamblers in the US or Europe. They have different habits, game preferences, and spending patterns. Understanding these differences helps beginners play smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Most online

gamblers in India fall between the ages of 25 and 40

While urban users dominate, players from tier-2 and tier-3 towns are also joining in. They often get introduced to online gambling through

ads on social media

word of mouth

80% of online gamblers in India are men

India is a mobile-first country when it comes to online gambling. Most users access gaming lobbies from their smartphones rather than laptops. That’s why the best gambling platforms for Indians are those with responsive mobile websites or dedicated apps.

Most Indian players are comfortable in English, but a growing number prefer online operators that offer support or live games in Hindi or regional languages. Some international sites have picked up on this trend and now feature Hindi-speaking live dealers or translated interfaces.

Indian players are not heavy spenders compared to gamblers in Europe or North America. In fact, most users treat gambling like a form of casual entertainment, much like buying movie tickets or streaming subscriptions.

• Typical first-time deposit: ₹500 to ₹2000
• Ongoing monthly spend (for casual players): ₹1000 to ₹3000
• High rollers: Rare, but they do exist in metro cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or Delhi

What matters more than high bets is frequency. Many users play in short sessions a few times per week. They focus on small wins and don’t usually keep money in their casino wallet for long. Oftentimes, there are additional stimuli for gambling behavior. Namely:

• Festive seasons

  : Diwali, Holi, and New Year often bring more players online, especially to play card games like Teen Patti. Casinos sometimes run India-specific offers during these times.

• Cricket season

  : Many players who start by betting on cricket matches also try casino games out of curiosity. Operators that mix sportsbooks and live casinos do better in India.

• Payment methods

  : If the site supports UPI, Paytm, or NetBanking, it gets more Indian traffic. The easier it is to deposit and withdraw, the more likely players are to stay.

Live games. They feel more personal and trustworthy. Slots are growing, but not the first choice for many new players.

Yes. Many casinos offer Teen Patti, Andar Bahar, and even Diwali-themed slots made just for Indian users.

Start small — ₹500 to ₹1000 is enough to explore and see if you enjoy it. Never deposit more than you can afford to lose.

Mostly for fun. While some chase big wins, most users treat gambling as occasional entertainment.

Bonuses are one of the most exciting parts of online gambling. You sign up, deposit some money, and the casino gives you extra cash or spins. Sounds great — and it can be — but only if you understand how these offers work.

For Indian players, bonuses come with both opportunities and obligations. This section will help you avoid mistakes and get the most out of the offers you see on casino websites.

Most online operators that accept Indian players offer a similar range of promotions. These include:

• Welcome bonuses

  – A reward when you sign up and make your first deposit. Usually it is a cash match up to a certain amount (e.g. deposit ₹2,000, get ₹2,000 extra).

• Casino spins

  – Often given with your first deposit or on specific slot games.

• Reload bonuses

  – Weekly or monthly bonuses when you top up your balance.

• Cashback

  – A percentage of your losses returned to you, often credited as bonus money.

• Live promotions

  – Some sites offer bonuses only usable in live games like roulette or Teen Patti.

• Payment-specific offers

  – A few sites now offer special rewards for using Indian payment methods like UPI or Paytm.

This is where things get tricky. Almost every bonus comes with wagering requirements, also called rollover requirements. This means you must bet the bonus amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw it or any winnings you earn from it. For example:

• You deposit ₹1,000 and get a ₹1,000 bonus.
• The wagering requirement is 30x.
• You now need to wager ₹30,000 (₹1,000 × 30) before you can withdraw the bonus and your winnings.

Some sites apply the requirement to

only the bonus

bonus + deposit

Not all games help you clear wagering at the same rate. Here’s how it might work for a hypothetical bonus that you might be looking into:

• Slots

  : Count 100% towards wagering.

• Live games

  : Often count only 10–20%, and sometimes

  don’t count at all

  .

• Teen Patti / Andar Bahar

  : Often excluded from bonus play entirely.

• Crash games or table games

  : May count 0% or very low.

That means if you’re hoping to use your bonus on live roulette or blackjack, you might be disappointed. Some Indian players accept this and use the bonus only on slots, saving their real cash for live dealer fun. This is not universal, and each time you claim a promotion, check its T&Cs.

If you're new, don't just go for the biggest bonus. Go for the one that matches your play style and payment options. Here are a few tips:

• Look for INR bonuses

  – Avoid offers in USD or EUR unless you want to deal with conversion fees.

• Check minimum deposit requirements

  – Some sites offer bonuses from just ₹500. Others want ₹1,000 or more.

• Read the wagering rules carefully

  – Look for wagering requirements under 40x, with a deadline of at least 7 days.

• Choose bonuses that work with your favorite games

  – If you prefer Teen Patti or blackjack, check if those games count.

Not always. Some players skip the welcome bonus on purpose so they can withdraw winnings freely from their first deposit. Others use the bonus to try out slot games without risking much real money. Think of a bonus as a tool, not a gift. It helps you explore, but it comes with strings attached.

No. You must meet the wagering requirement before you can withdraw the bonus or any winnings from it.

Yes. In fact, some online operators offer extra bonuses for using UPI or Paytm. Always check the payment section of the bonus terms.

Usually not. Most bonuses apply to slots only. Some exceptions exist, but they are rare.

The bonus and any winnings you made from it will disappear. Always check the time limit — usually between 7 and 30 days.

One of the biggest reasons new players hesitate to try online gambling is confusion about payments. How do you put money into your casino wallet? Can you get it back out? Will your bank block it? These are fair questions, and if you’re playing from India, the answers are different from what you might read on international forums.

In this section, we’ll look at

which payment methods work best for Indians

Most international lobbies accepting Indian players now support

India-friendly payment options

• UPI (Unified Payments Interface):

  Works with apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM. Fast, easy, and trusted by most users.

• IMPS / NetBanking:

  Good for those who prefer using online banking instead of mobile apps. Many casinos integrate this through payment gateways like Razorpay or PayU.

• Cryptocurrency (like

  Bitcoin

  , Tether,

  Ethereum

  ):

  Popular among tech-savvy users and players in states with tighter gambling laws. Crypto offers privacy and speed but has price volatility.

• E-wallets (Skrill,

  Neteller

  ):

  Work well, but some Indian banks block direct transfers to gambling wallets. Good for withdrawals, though.

• Prepaid vouchers (

  AstroPay

  ):

  Available on some sites. You buy a prepaid code using INR and enter it to deposit.

For most new Indian players,

UPI is the best choice

Crypto is a strong second, especially if you value privacy. But it’s not beginner-friendly unless you’re already used to crypto wallets and exchanges.

Yes, always pick

INR (Indian Rupees)

• Currency conversion fees
• Confusing exchange rates
• Delays during withdrawals

Sites that truly cater to Indian users usually let you pick INR during registration or at the cashier. If a platform only shows balances in USD or EUR, and you feel cornered and reluctant to proceed with conversion fees, just keep in mind that there are 100s of other sites that are both reputable and ready to offer services that you need. Simply keep looking.

Making a withdrawal is not as instant as a deposit. Most online operators require you to:

1. Complete KYC (Know Your Customer):

   You’ll need to upload a PAN card or Aadhaar card, plus proof of address and banking details.

2. Use the same method for withdrawal:

   If you deposit with UPI, your withdrawal will go to the same UPI ID. If you used crypto, you’ll withdraw in crypto.

3. Wait for approval:

   Platforms usually take between 24 to 72 hours to approve withdrawals. After that, UPI or crypto withdrawals are near-instant. Bank transfers can take 3–5 business days.

4. Watch for withdrawal limits:

   Many sites have daily, weekly, or monthly caps. For example, you might be limited to ₹50,000 per day or ₹2,00,000 per month.

Important tips

• Never deposit more than you can afford to lose.

  
  Sounds basic, but many first-timers ignore this and regret it later.

• Use your own payment method.

  
  Never use someone else’s bank account or UPI ID. It could trigger a security block.

• Check the casino’s T&C before requesting a withdrawal.

  
  Some sites require that you wager your deposit amount at least once before withdrawing — even if you didn’t take a bonus.

• Watch for hidden fees.

  
  Most sites do not charge for UPI withdrawals, but crypto and international bank transfers may have small fees.

Yes, if the site accepts UPI. You’ll just enter your UPI ID during the deposit process. Not all sites support direct wallet payments, but UPI works with those apps.

Yes, as long as you’re playing on a licensed site with secure payment gateways. UPI is one of the safest and fastest options.

Usually no. Most online operators require you to withdraw using the same method as your deposit. Some allow crypto withdrawals after additional KYC checks.

No, gambling lobbies do not report anything. But your bank may flag suspicious payments. That’s why it’s safer to use methods like UPI or crypto, which are smoother and less visible.

Try another method. UPI rarely fails. If your card gets declined, don’t keep trying and instead, use an alternative like NetBanking or crypto.

If you’re new to online gambling, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of games on offer. Slots, card games, live dealers, and even something called “crash” — where do you even start?

This section breaks down the

main types of casino games available to Indian players

Indian culture already has strong roots in card games. From

Teen Patti

Andar Bahar

Most top international online lobbies now offer Indian games, often with

Hindi-speaking dealers

Teen Patti (Indian Poker)

• Simple and social.
• Feels like playing at home with friends.
• Live versions have real dealers and sometimes real-time chat.
• No bluffing involved, unlike Texas Hold’em.

This game’s best for beginners, casual players, and anyone who has played Teen Patti offline.

Andar Bahar

• Extremely popular.
• Based on chance, guess which side the matching card appears on.
• Fast-paced and addictive.
• Commonly featured in Indian-themed promotions.

This game’s best for first-timers, low-budget players, and festival-season gamblers.

Slot Machines

• Easy to play — no skill needed.
• You click “spin” and hope for winning combinations.
• Hundreds of themes available: Bollywood, ancient India, temples, and even cricket.
• Offers bonus features like free spins, multipliers, and jackpots.

These games are best for players looking for casual fun, welcome bonuses, and fast play.

Watch out

Live Dealer Games

• Games with real dealers streamed in HD from casino studios.
• Includes classics like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, plus Indian-themed tables.
• Often available in Hindi and English.
• Many Indian players find these games more trustworthy than automated ones.

These games are best for players who enjoy interaction and want the casino feel without leaving home.

Watch out

Crash and Instant Games

• Simple format: watch a line grow, then cash out before it crashes.
• Popular examples: Aviator, JetX, Crash.
• Very popular with Indian youth due to its video game-like speed.
• Small bets, fast rounds, and a “multiplier” system that can grow your winnings.

These games are best for players who are risk-takers, fast thinkers, and players on mobile.

Watch out

Game Shows

• These are casino-style versions of TV shows — big wheels, hosts, colorful graphics.
• Popular titles include Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live, Crazy Time, and Mega Ball.
• Mix of luck and entertainment, with simple rules and flashy visuals.
• Some feature live hosts who keep things fun.

These games are best for players who want something different or feel nervous about serious gambling.

Watch out

If you're just starting out and want a taste of everything:

• Try Teen Patti or Andar Bahar for something familiar.
• Use your welcome bonus on slots to stretch your budget.
• Join a low-stakes live table to see how live dealer games work.
• Test a crash game if you want action and simplicity.

Most online operators allow you to try many games in

demo mode

• Start with low bets.

  Some live tables let you start with ₹10–₹50.

• Stick to games that accept INR.

  It helps you track your bankroll better.

• Avoid chasing losses.

  If you’re down, switch games or take a break.

• Don’t rely on “systems” or “tricks.”

  Gambling outcomes are random, and there are no magic patterns or secret winning strategies.

Every game of chance has something called

RTP

Games also have

volatility

While Indian gambling laws remain unclear in many areas,

taxation is one thing the government does not leave to guesswork

Under Section 115BB of the Income Tax Act, gambling winnings are taxed at a flat rate of 30 percent, and once cess and surcharge are added, the total tax comes to around 31.2 percent. Importantly, this tax applies regardless of the amount you spent to win that money. You cannot claim losses, transaction fees, or prior deposits to lower your taxable winnings. For example, if you won ₹10,000 on a game but had previously lost ₹5,000, your tax is still calculated on the full ₹10,000. There is no deduction for what you lost along the way.

Many beginners wrongly assume that if a site doesn’t mention taxes, they don’t owe any. This is a risky mistake.

Indian authorities track large or repeated foreign payments

There’s also

a common question about crypto gambling

If you happen to win a significant amount, such as ₹50,000 or more, it’s worth speaking to a chartered accountant who understands gambling income and foreign remittances. They can guide you on how to report your winnings properly and what forms you should use. Small wins, such as a one-time ₹500 or ₹1,000 prize, are unlikely to attract attention, especially if you don’t win regularly. Still, the law applies regardless of the amount, so it’s smart to keep track of everything. 

Getting started with online gambling in India can be exciting, but it’s important to keep your head clear from the start. If you approach online gambling with curiosity and caution, you can enjoy the experience without unnecessary stress. The best mindset is to treat this activity as entertainment, not a way to make money. There are chances to win, yes — but they come with risk, and every win involves a lot of luck. When you play for fun and within your budget, the experience stays enjoyable.

As a beginner, your smartest move is to

start small, use trusted platforms, and take time to learn how games and bonuses work

If you find yourself chasing losses or spending more than planned, it’s time to pause. Most reputable casinos offer tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion — use them if you need a break. With the right approach, online gaming can be safe, social, and even rewarding. The more informed you are, the better your experience will be.