Guides – Legal Information (India)
Plain-English guidance for Indian users on legality, taxation, payments, KYC/AML, and responsible-gaming standards, with references to current Indian rules and public sources. We do not offer real-money play in India. This page is informational only.
Current legal landscape in India
- Nationwide ban on real-money online games. In August 2025, the Union government approved an Online Gaming law that bans money-based online games and distinguishes e-sports from gambling-style products. Industry and media reports describe suspensions across RMG apps and the first legal challenges (e.g., A23/Head Digital Works in Karnataka HC).
-
Policy still evolving. The government has held follow-ups with companies and indicated willingness to refine or clarify the framework; but the core prohibition on money games currently stands.
What this means for you:
-
-
We do not provide real-money casino games to users in India. Access to any money game content is geoblocked or informational only until the law changes.
-
If courts or Parliament modify the law, we’ll update this page.
-
Who can use our content
-
Age: Content is for 18+ audiences. Some Indian states set 21+ for land-based gambling; we apply a conservative 18+ content standard online and block money play in India.
-
Location: Indian residents can read guides, rules explanations, and safer-play resources. No deposits, bets, or cashouts are available to India.
Tax basics (informational)
Note: The paragraphs below describe how India has been taxing online gaming. The RMG ban supersedes practical use for now, but these references matter for historic context and any future law changes.
-
TDS on net winnings (platform-level withholding): Section 194BA requires platforms to deduct 30% TDS on net winnings at withdrawal or year-end; Section 115BBJ taxes such winnings at a special rate.
-
GST on face value: Since Oct 1, 2023, 28% GST on the full face value of online gaming/casinos/horse racing; this remains the working position in 2025 updates.
Payments & KYC (for general literacy)
We don’t process player funds in India. For general understanding:
-
Wallets/PPIs & UPI: RBI’s Master Directions for PPIs require full-KYC for certain wallet tiers, set load/transfer caps, and restrict how PPIs link to UPI (issuer-only onboarding; interoperability specifics).
-
Bank diligence: Banks and payment providers apply AML/CFT screening and may block merchant categories prohibited by law. Expect enhanced checks when laws tighten.
Safer-play principles (always applicable)
-
Set limits before you play. Time and spend caps reduce risk.
-
Avoid chasing losses. Take breaks; use cool-offs.
-
Get help early. If gambling harms you or your family, seek local counseling services and helplines; consider device-level blocks and self-exclusion where available.
Data protection & privacy
-
We minimize data collection for India-based visitors. No payment/KYC flow is offered in India. Analytics and cookies follow our Privacy & Cookie Policies. You can request data access or deletion via our contact channel below.
Complaints & redress (India)
-
Service scope: Since we do not offer RMG in India, complaints generally relate to content accuracy or access.
-
How to contact us: Use the email on our Contact page. We log every complaint and aim to respond within 72 hours. If legislation changes and we re-enable services, a formal grievance-officer contact and turnaround will be added here consistent with applicable IT rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is online casino play legal in India right now?
Money-based online casino games are currently banned nationwide under the 2025 framework; litigation is ongoing. We therefore do not offer RMG to Indian users.
Why do I see e-sports news but no casino options?
The law separates e-sports (permitted and promoted) from money games (banned). Our site only provides informational content for India at this time.
Will taxes (TDS/GST) matter again if rules change?
If RMG is re-allowed, platforms would again apply 30% TDS on net winnings and 28% GST on face value unless Parliament/Council revises the regime.
Can I fund a wallet and play from India if I travel abroad?
Respect both jurisdictions. RBI’s PPI/UPI rules govern Indian wallets; foreign gambling laws and KYC will apply where you are physically located. We do not facilitate circumvention (VPNs, mis-KYC, etc.).
Are you an “official casino” in India?
No. Given the 2025 ban, we do not operate real-money games in India and do not claim to be an “official casino” for Indian users. We are an informational resource until the law changes.