---

Poker In India: Indian States With Poker-friendly Laws

At most times, poker is considered a game of skill that demands logical reasoning, decision making and emotional stability. Although the choice is limited at the start with random cards being given to the players, the main success determinant is the ability to counter opponents with whatever cards have been dealt to their hands.

Indian states that allow the practice of poker

The status of poker with regard to legal gambling in India is still confusing since there remain provincial legal systems. However, it’s safe to say that most states have allowed online poker by categorising it under games of skill. Legal live poker in India takes place in many casinos and live poker rooms, which you can read about here. On the other hand, only a few states have allowed LIVE poker, which we’ll discuss in detail about below:

1. Goa

Goa is famous for its heavy concentration of backwater and beautiful beaches but is also popular in poker and casino. The only form of live gaming permitted in Goa is poker in licenced casinos under the Goa, Daman, and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976. Currently, as many as 6 offshore casinos function in the Mandovi River, while many more are permitted on land. The land casinos are only allowed within 5-star hotels, and they’re not permitted to have live dealer game options.

2. Daman & Diu

Daman & Diu (two separate regions) share similar historical significance with Goa as initially, it was administered under the same governance. Hence, this Union Territory falls under Goa Act with the regulation of Goa. Although the two Islands are physically located away from the borders of the state, it has become a place of choice for poker players who want to gamble legally. The Deltin, Daman is a popular casino being operated in the region, run by listed company, Delta Corp.

3. Sikkim

Sikkim, located in the North-Eastern region of India has formed liberal gambling regulations following the ‘Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules, 2009’ and the ‘Sikkim Casinos (Control and Tax) Act, 2002.’ Along with casinos, it also allows online and live poker -therefore is rapidly becoming one of the gaming hotspots for Northeast India. However, the regulation also states that the licence is only plausible and to be regulated under the vicinity of Sikkim itself. Currently, Casino Golden, Deltin Denzong, Casino Mahong, Big Bull Casino, and others are operating within the state.

---

ALSO READ: Black Friday 2024 Poker Deals: Boost Your Skills and Bankroll

---

4. Nagaland

Nagaland is another NE state of India where Poker has been categorised as a game of skill under the ‘Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling & Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act 2016.’ The act states that any person or institution that adheres to the terms and conditions of the regulation is eligible for the licence and will face repercussions if any violations or breaches of its terms and conditions occur. Those who possess the licence are eligible to conduct online games, and tournaments or collaborate with other parties unless they violate the provision by promoting a game of chance.

5. West Bengal

West Bengal is another state that allows playing poker – both online and offline (limited to specific formats such as Texas Hold‘em) – under the ‘West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competitions Act, 1957.’ The act excludes the sport from the category of gambling under the pretext of poker being a game that requires skill and strategy rather than a leap of faith.

So far, Nagaland and Sikkim are the two states that have legalised poker but require a licence with strict regulation of the respective state administration that is to be followed by all parties involved. Uttar Pradesh is another state that might be (hopefully) joining the team of ‘poker legalised states’ in the distant future – as the Allahabad High Court recently made a statement that the games – poker and rummy are skill-based games requisite of mental, strategic and physical work rather than blind fate on chances.

Other states have undefined and state-specific regulations that permit skill-based online gaming with limited restrictions. However, states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, and Telangana straight-up consider poker as a game of chance akin to gambling; imposing a ban on overall fantasy sports, online betting, card games, and the likes.

The Future of Poker: International Policy

Poker is legal in some nations and prohibited in others. Countries such as the United States of America (in some of its states) and United Kingdom, have placed legislation to support poker as a mind sport. However, there are still questions about whether poker is a skill-based game or a game of chance, as some countries such as – Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Afghanistan, etc consider poker as gambling and have imposed bans across their respective nations.

The World Poker Federation (WPF), an organisation of 49 countries (so far) lobbied incessantly to change the status of Poker as a game based on mere skills and not luck. Fortunately, poker was officially recognised as a ‘Mind Sport’ by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) on 16 November 2024, which marks a historic moment for all those who associate with Poker. After a long-standing battle for its official status, this recognition will forever capture the mental stimulation and strategic planning characteristics of the game putting it into the same category as other mentally and tactically recognized games such as Bridge, Chess, Mahjong etc among others.

This revelation only adds more spices to the mix which may make poker thrive in the coming years with bigger and hotter pots – the appetite is appetising! for the poker enthusiasts as well as for the up-and-coming players who wish to enter the professional scene. Explore and learn about the latest on big events, facts, who’s-who and much more, at GutshotMagazine.com, your one-stop for everything poker.

---

---

More News

---

Comments