Online casinos are illegal in India following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which came into force on October 1, 2025. The legislation prohibits all online money games including casino games, poker, and fantasy sports platforms (1). According to government estimates, 450 million individuals were negatively affected by online money gaming, facing collective losses exceeding Rs. 20,000 crores (1).
The Act establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework by creating a National Online Gaming Commission to oversee digital gaming activities. Between 2022 and June 2025, authorities blocked 1,524 betting and gambling websites and mobile applications under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act (1). The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 prescribes punishment for unauthorized betting and gambling under Section 112, with offenders facing minimum one year imprisonment extendable to seven years plus fines (1).
"The Bill imposes a complete ban on online money games. This applies to games of chance, games of skill, and those that combine both. Advertising and promotion of such games is strictly prohibited."
Penalties for violating the gaming law are severe, with individuals offering online money gaming services facing up to three years imprisonment and fines reaching one crore rupees. Those advertising such platforms may receive two year jail terms and fines up to fifty lakh rupees (1). Repeat offenders face harsher consequences including imprisonment up to five years and fines of two crore rupees, with certain offences classified as cognizable and non-bailable (2).
Source:
https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2025/aug/doc2025821618101.pdf
https://www.meity.gov.in/documents/act-and-policies/promotion-and-regulation-of-online-gaming-act-2025-and-its-corrigenda-kTMxQjMtQWa
Last updated: 13-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
