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The Legality Of Online Rummy In India

As online gaming continues to grow worldwide, both free and real money games are attracting more attention from players. Among the various games available online, rummy stands out as one of the most engaging card games, but questions about its legality in India persist. Is rummy legal in India? Let’s explore this issue.

The Popularity Of Rummy In India

Rummy has been a beloved card game in India for generations. It has been a staple at festivals and family gatherings long before the advent of online gaming. Now that this favourite card game is easily accessible online, it’s important to understand the legal landscape surrounding it.

Game Of Skill Vs. Game Of Chance

To address the legality of online rummy in India, it’s crucial to differentiate between games of skill and games of chance. According to the Supreme Court of India, gambling is defined as betting on games of chance, whereas games of skill, even if played for cash, are not considered gambling. The 1996 Supreme Court judgment clarified that:

“The expression ‘gaming’ in the two acts has to be interpreted in light of the law laid down by this Court in the two 1957 cases, wherein it has been authoritatively held that a competition which substantially depends on skill is not gambling. Gaming is the act or practice of gambling on games of chance. It is staking on chance where chance is the controlling factor. ‘Gaming’ in the two acts would, therefore, mean wagering or betting on games of chance. It would not include games of skill like horse racing.”

The Court also described games of skill as those where success depends significantly on skill, including training, superior knowledge, attention, expertise, and experience. Even if a game has an element of chance, it is considered a game of skill if it is predominantly so.

Is Rummy Legal In India?

In 1967, the Supreme Court ruled that: Rummy requires a certain amount of skill because the fall of the cards has to be memorised, and the building up of rummy requires considerable skill in holding and discarding cards. We cannot, therefore, say that the game of rummy is a game of chance. It is mainly and predominantly a game of skill. The chance in rummy is of the same character as the chance in a deal at a game of bridge.

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ALSO READ: 4 Forms Of Indian Rummy

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In essence, rummy is a game of skill involving strategic memorisation and card management. Therefore, playing rummy online for cash is legal. The Constitution of India also supports the organisation and playing of games of skill as a legitimate business under Article 19(1).

State-Specific Regulations

Despite the Supreme Court’s declaration that rummy is a game of skill, some states in India have specific laws that restrict cash games. The states where playing online rummy with real money is considered illegal include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Odisha. In these states, players may face penalties, and reputable rummy platforms do not allow players from these states to participate in any online rummy games.

Conclusion

To answer the question, “Is it legal to play online rummy in India?” – Yes, it is legal to play online rummy in India, as the Supreme Court has recognised it as a game of skill. Playing games of skill for cash is not considered gambling and is protected under Indian law. However, players should be aware of state-specific regulations that may prohibit playing online rummy with real money.

For more news and updates on rummy games, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram.

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