Current Legal Status in 2026
As of September 2026, the legal landscape for online cricket betting in India has undergone significant changes following the enactment of the Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2025. The law creates a federal framework that supersedes most state-level gaming acts, while still permitting states to impose additional restrictions.
Important disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in this area are evolving rapidly. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified lawyer before engaging in real-money online gaming. For our statutory disclosures and policies, review our official Legal Compliance & Responsible Gaming Policy.
The Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2025
The Online Gaming Act 2025, passed in the monsoon session of Parliament, establishes the following framework:
- Real-money online games of skill are permissible under central law subject to registration
- Games of chance (pure luck, no skill element) remain prohibited
- Cricket betting occupies a legally ambiguous zone — courts have not yet issued a definitive ruling on whether it qualifies as a "game of skill"
- Platforms must display registration certificates and responsible gaming notices
- KYC verification is mandatory for withdrawals above ₹10,000
The law explicitly states that it does not override state gaming legislation where states have enacted more restrictive frameworks under their concurrent list powers.
States Where Online Cricket Betting Is Restricted
The following states have enacted legislation that restricts or prohibits real-money online gaming, including cricket betting. Residents of these states face legal risk:
- Andhra Pradesh — The AP Gaming Act prohibits all forms of online gambling
- Telangana — Telangana Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2017 bans online games for money
- Assam — The Assam Game and Betting Act prohibits betting
- Nagaland — Only games of pure skill with a Nagaland licence are permitted
- Odisha — The Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act restricts most real-money games
- Sikkim — Operates a closed intra-state online gaming regime
If you reside in any of the above states, we strongly advise against using real-money cricket betting platforms. Non-compliance could result in penalties under state law.
States With Permissive or Unclear Frameworks
States that have not enacted specific online gaming bans, or have frameworks that permit skill-based gaming, include:
- Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, West Bengal, and most Union Territories
Note that Tamil Nadu attempted to pass a gaming ban in 2021 which was struck down by the Madras High Court. Karnataka's ban was similarly struck down. The legal situation in these states is thus permissive by default but remains subject to future legislation.
Your Responsibility as a User
Regardless of the platform you use, you bear personal responsibility for:
- Verifying the laws applicable to your state of residence before participating
- Using real-money platforms only if you are 18 years of age or older
- Setting personal deposit limits and not gambling beyond your means
- Declaring any winnings accurately under applicable income tax laws (winnings from online games are taxable under Section 115BBJ at 30%)
If you feel you may have a gambling problem, or wish to request immediate account self-exclusion, contact our verified 24/7 Support Desk or consult our Responsible Gaming Self-Exclusion Guidelines.