Gambling is popular in India, and there is a strong online betting market. The fact that around 40% of people in India have gambled online at least once is a good indication of this. Despite the high number of people who enjoy gambling in the country, there are still several myths concerning the legality of gambling in India and the level of safety around it. We’re going to look at some of these myths and reveal the truth about them.
All gambling is illegal in India
This is the most common myth that circulates about gambling in India, and it’s only partially correct. The introduction of the Public Gambling Act of 1867 outlawed gambling in the country. However, that is only part of the story. The constitution of India means that Individual states can make their own decisions about the legality of gambling, and three states, Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, allow land-based and online casinos.
Online gambling is expressly forbidden in India
Following on from the first myth, there is even less truth to this one. As we’ve already mentioned, Goa, Daman, and Sikkim allow gambling at online casinos. In contrast, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra forbid online gambling. There are also online gambling regulations in place in Nagaland, although they are less straightforward. The Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling Act outlaws gambling on games that do not involve any skill. However, it permits gambling on skill-based games such as rummy and poker.
In all other states across India, there are no specific laws that forbid people from gambling online, although Indian-based online casinos are not permitted to operate. This situation means that people choose to gamble at offshore casinos according to this site, which we were in contact with in doing research for this article.
Online gambling sites are not genuine
The third in our list of myths comes about because people believe in the first two. Individuals simply do not believe that gambling sites can be genuine because they believe they are not legal. In fact, reputable offshore online casinos are fully licensed. This licensing ensures that they operate fairly and securely so people can feel safe playing at them.
Online casinos are used for money laundering
Again, this myth comes from a perception that online casinos are illegal and home to criminal activity. Some individuals use this myth to discourage people from gambling online. The truth is that licensing authorities conduct background checks to ensure that casinos are not being used for criminal activities or as offshore tax havens. Any operator that does not pass these checks will not receive a license.
There is a security risk from online casinos
Finally, the myth that online casinos cannot possibly be secure is false. Legitimately licensed casinos ensure the safety of players by using SSL encryption. Players should always check for the padlock that shows this security is in place. It’s also worth noting that a casino has to prove it’s secure in order to get a valid license.
