Sports betting, or gambling money on a sports game, gets more and more popular in all countries. In 2019, the entire market was valued at USD $12.5 Billion with a forecast growth of USD 17.5 Billion by 2025.
In 2017, land-based sports betting field accounted for the highest share in the worldwide sports betting market. However, it is predicted by economists that online gambling platforms will exceed mortar establishments. If this becomes true, the Indian sports betting industry, existing solely online, is big and popular business in spite of legality issues.
The Legality of Sports Betting in India
Although in general, online betting isn’t illegal in India, sports betting only exists in a grey area. India views sports betting as unlawful, and as a result, some street bookies have been arrested and charged. But in terms of online sports betting, there are no arrests in India associated with it. You can bet online legally in India as long as the website’s main office is located outside of the country.
The only federal gambling law in India is The Public Gambling Act of 1867. However, this law only speaks on behalf of brick and mortar establishments. With a few exceptions, it makes gambling illegal across the country. For example, horse racing is allowed in India. Many gambling aficionados said that in general, all other sports betting, takes similar skills with horse racing betting. Therefore, betting on other games should be legalized, too.
Grey Areas
Even if sports betting is illegal under Central government ruling, the country’s constitution allows states to set their own laws around gambling. The state of Goa allows slots machines in Five Star Hotels while Sikkim has legalized real money betting on sports such as cricket and grants gambling licenses to newly formed brick and mortar establishments.
Therefore, make sure to check with your government state laws before making a bet in any Indian state. Any online gambling website in Europe is entirely legal under European or International law. Check out the location of the online gambling establishment before using.
