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Is Poker Legal In India?

Poker is fast gaining popularity all over the world, and many locations in the Asian sub-continent are becoming venues for some of the hottest poker tournaments. While countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, and South Korea are coming up with some of the biggest venues, India is one country that is yet to gain popularity as a poker venue. The main reason why that hasn’t happened as yet is because poker’s legality in the country is a bit sketchy. In this article, we try to gauge the answer to the question: Is Poker Legal in India?

India is comprised of several states and union territories, and state governments have the authority to mandate specific laws in their territory. For example, Gujarat is a dry state, which means it has banned the production, storage, sale, and consumption of alcohol—but even that is not a blanket rule.

Individuals in Gujarat can get temporary and permanent health permits, which permit them to consume alcohol. Alcohol consumption is also permissible in the GIFT city of Gujarat. However, the same law doesn’t apply to Mumbai, which still requires a drinking permit. However, there is no ban on production, storage, sale, or consumption in Mumbai. 

In the same way, some states have differing rules about live poker. Interestingly, Gujarat also bans poker, considering it a game of chance. Most states in India have legalized the online version of the game and deemed it a game of skill. This means fans can download and play poker online in almost all states. However, only a handful of states and union territories allow live games in India. 

#1 Goa

Goa is renowned for its picturesque backwaters and stunning beaches but is also a prominent hub for poker and casino gaming. Under the Goa, Daman, and Diu Public Gambling Act of 1976, poker is the only form of live gaming legally allowed in licensed casinos. Currently, six offshore casinos operate on the Mandovi River, complemented by numerous land-based casinos. However, land casinos are restricted to 5-star hotels and are not permitted to offer live dealer games.

#2 Daman and Diu

Though separate regions, Daman and Diu share a historical connection with Goa, as they were initially governed under the same administration. As a result, this Union Territory falls under the purview of the Goa Act and its regulations. Despite being geographically distant from Goa’s borders, Daman and Diu have emerged as preferred destinations for poker players seeking legal live poker playing options. The region’s standout attraction is The Deltin in Daman, a popular casino operated by Delta Corp, a publicly listed company.

#3 Sikkim

Sikkim, situated in Northeast India, has adopted progressive gambling regulations under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules, 2009 and the Sikkim Casinos (Control and Tax) Act, 2002. These laws permit casinos as well as online and live poker, positioning Sikkim as a growing gaming hub in the region. However, the regulations specify that licenses are valid only within the state’s jurisdiction. Currently, notable establishments such as Casino Golden, Deltin Denzong, Casino Mahjong, Big Bull Casino, and others operate within Sikkim.

While these states allow live gaming, two other states, Nagaland and West Bengal, allow online poker under strict and specific laws, namely the ‘Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling & Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act 2016.’  and ‘West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competitions Act, 1957′, respectively. 

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While this is the current state of poker in India, the scenario might change. Poker is gaining in popularity in India, and several companies are now planning some of the biggest poker tournaments, with PokerBaazi‘s National Poker Series (NPS) tournament looking to set up a ₹100 Crore guaranteed cash prize. 

Globally, the game has achieved a good standing, with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) accepting it as a mind sport. In Asia, Dubai has announced a long-term gaming visa, and the UAE inked a long-term deal with Wynn Resorts to allow gaming. With these developments, the game’s future in India seems bright.

Gutshot Magazine provides news and updates about poker and the real-money gaming industry. From tournament itineraries to winners lists and interviews with winners, we have it all. We also provide information about any changes in the federal and corporate world that might impact the industry.

For more updates from the poker world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram

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