How to play online poker from India - Is it legal to play poker in India 💰

For years, online poker has been a popular form of entertainment for players all around the world. However, the legality of online poker in India has been a topic of much debate. While many believe that online poker is completely banned in India, the truth is not that simple.

In this guide, we delve into the murky waters of the Indian legal system to uncover the truth about the status of online poker in the country. We explore the laws, regulations, and court cases that have shaped the current landscape of online poker in India.

Whether you’re a seasoned poker player or just curious about the legalities of online gaming in India, this guide will provide you with the information you need to know. So, let’s get started and discover the truth about online poker in India.

Playing poker from India – legal or not?

The legality of playing online poker in India is a complex issue. His is similar to the poker legal situation in Israel. The Indian Constitution gives individual states the power to legislate on matters related to gambling and betting. As a result, the legal status of online poker varies from state to state.

In some states, such as Goa and Sikkim, gambling is legal and regulated. In these states, online poker is legal as long as it is offered by a licensed operator. However, in other states, such as Maharashtra and Gujarat, all forms of gambling, including online poker, are banned.

Laws related to online poker in India

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the primary law that governs gambling in India. This act prohibits all types of gambling in the country, with the exception of games of skill. Definition of games of skill in the act are those in which the success of the player depends on his or her knowledge, training, attention, experience, and adroitness.

In 1996, there was a ruling in the Supreme Court of India specifying that horse racing is a game of skill, and as a result, betting on horse racing is legal. This ruling was based on the fact that horse racing requires knowledge and skill to predict the outcome of the race.

Since then, several court cases have been filed to determine whether other games, including poker, are also games of skill. In 2015, the Supreme Court of India ruled that rummy is a game of skill, and therefore, playing rummy for stakes is legal. This ruling was based on the fact that rummy requires skill in arranging the cards and making strategic decisions.

The confusion around online poker’s legality in India

Despite the Supreme Court’s rulings on rummy and horse racing, the legality of online poker in India remains unclear. This is because online poker is a relatively new form of gaming, and there have been no specific court cases that have addressed its legality.

As a result, players and operators alike are unsure about the legal status of online poker in India. Some operators have chosen to offer online poker in the country, while others have decided to stay away until the legal situation is clearer.

Which are the banned poker states in India?

As mentioned earlier, the legal status of online poker varies from state to state in India. Some states have legalized gambling and allow online poker, while others have banned all forms of gambling, including online poker.

The states that have banned all forms of gambling include Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. In these states, playing online poker for real money is illegal. So, it is illegal to play online poker in the city of Bangalore for example.

International online poker sites that are legitimate

While the laws on online poker in India are somewhat unclear, there are some legitimate international poker websites that accept players from India. You are unlikely to be hunted down for playing at an international online poker site, but it is very important that you choose a legitimate site with a good reputation.

We have a team of experts that have reviewed several international online poker sites and subjected them to a barrage of tough tests. Only those websites that passed all of the tests are we happy to recommend. Here are the 3 international online poker websites that are legitimate, honest, and safe for you to use:

CoinPoker

CoinPoker is a legitimate online poker website that welcomes players from India. They have a genuine operating license and have been around since 2017. It was a difficult start for CoinPoker but they have made amends and developed a very good reputation in the industry and with their poker players.

You can play poker anonymously at CoinPoker. They accept major cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals like Ethereum, Bitcoin, and USDT. All transactions at CoinPoker take place on the Ethereum blockchain network. Smart contracts are used to take care of all withdrawals and deposits and the transactions are usually very fast.

Does CoinPoker offer fair poker games?

The answer to this is “yes”. They have focused on fair play for some time and use provably fair RNGs (random number generators) for all of the deals at the tables. This can be verified by anyone with the right publicly available software. It is easy to navigate around the “minimalist” CoinPoker website which is an advantage.

CoinPoker does not have an identity verification process so they will not ask you to provide copies of ID documents etc. Other reasons to play at CoinPoker include their regular freerolls, generous rakebacks, their referral program, their loyalty program, and more.

Betonline Poker

If you are looking for a reputable international online poker site that has been around for a long time then look no further than Betonline Poker. Since the site launched several years ago, it has prioritized the care of its players and now has a very good reputation. This is a legitimate online poker site for players from India and across the world.

All of your favorite poker games are available at Betonline Poker which includes Stud, Texas Hold’em, and Omaha. There are many cash games and tournament games for you to play as well. Fair play is guaranteed at Betonline Poker which is one of the reasons that the poker site is so popular with players from India.

Can you play anonymously at Betonline Poker?

Yes, you can play anonymously poker. This poker site operates on a blockchain network and you can make deposits and withdrawals with a number of popular cryptocurrency coins and tokens. There is no verification process for you to complete at Betonline Poker which means that you can just register, make a deposit, and start playing poker immediately.

SwC Poker

The Seals with Clubs (SwC) online poker site became operational in 2015. It was the first Bitcoin online poker site and since its launch it has worked hard to build a solid reputation in the industry and with its players too. This is a totally legitimate poker site that has an operating license from a recognized gaming authority.

If you are a fan of Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, or Omaha then these are just some of the poker games available at SwC Poker. Cash games are available all of the time with different limits as are tournament games. SwC Poker has one of the lowest rakes in the industry.

India is not on the GGPoker restricted countries list so this is another option for Indian players.

Why should you consider SwC Poker?

Firstly, it is a legitimate online poker site with a solid reputation. You can access SwC Poker using almost any device including MacOS and Windows computers, and iOS and Android smart phones and tablets.

The highest rakebacks are available at SwC Poker. These can be as high as 50%. Regular freerolls are available and there is a Bad Beats jackpot. If you are an active player at SwC Poker then you will find their loyalty program to be very generous. SwC Poker is one of the best play-to-earn crypto poker sites.

Factors to consider before signing up with an online poker site from India

If you’re thinking of signing up with an online poker room in India, there are several factors you should consider. First and foremost, you should ensure that the operator is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. This will ensure that your personal and financial information is safe and secure.

You should also consider the range of games and tournaments offered by the operator. Look for an operator that offers a variety of games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud, as well as tournaments with different buy-ins and prize pools.

Finally, you should consider the payment options available. Look for an operator that offers a variety of payment methods, including major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.

Brief history of online poker in India

Poker has been played in India for centuries, but it was only in the early 2000s that online poker started to gain popularity in the country. The first online poker room to launch in India was Delta Corp’s Adda52 in 2011. Since then, many other online poker rooms have joined the market, offering players a range of games and tournaments.

Online poker has become a popular pastime for many Indians, with players from all over the country participating in games and tournaments. The popularity of online poker has also attracted international players, adding to the competition and excitement of the game.

Final words

The legality of online poker in India is a complex issue, with different states having different laws and regulations. While the Supreme Court has ruled that some games of skill, such as rummy and horse racing, are legal, the legal status of online poker remains unclear.

If you’re thinking of playing online poker in India, it’s important to do your research and choose a licensed and regulated operator. Look for an operator that offers a variety of games and tournaments, and uses a blockchain network and secure encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information.

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