The rapid rise of the iGaming industry has taken the global market by surprise in recent years. Not only are online betting and casino platforms generating record-breaking revenue, but they are also projected to dominate the entire gambling industry by 2025. In 2019 and 2020 alone, global iGaming revenue surpassed $60 billion — nearly one-fifth of the total earnings from all gambling sectors.
This figure is expected to exceed $100 billion by 2025, and India is poised to play a major role in that growth. The country has become one of the most attractive and rapidly expanding markets for online betting and gaming platforms. In this article, we explore how Indian players access such sites, what the law actually says, and why this industry continues to grow despite regulatory gaps.
How Do Indian Players Access Online Sportsbooks and Casinos?
The primary law governing gambling in India is the Public Gambling Act of 1867. While this law prohibits operating gambling facilities within the country, it does not apply to offshore companies. As a result, foreign online sportsbooks and casinos can offer their services to Indian users without legal restrictions.
Online sports betting is extremely popular in India, with millions of players placing wagers on cricket, football, kabaddi, and other sports daily. Since no Indian authority issues licenses for online gambling, players must rely on international regulatory bodies. Before registering on a platform, users should verify:
- Whether the sportsbook or casino holds a legitimate license
- Licensing information (usually displayed in the footer of the website)
If a site does not show a license, it is likely unsafe and should be avoided. Reputable betting and casino platforms catering to Indian players are commonly licensed by:
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Curacao eGaming
These regulatory bodies ensure security, fairness, and compliance.
In some regions, players may need a VPN to access gambling websites. However, since online gambling is not actively regulated or policed in India, users face no penalties for accessing or playing on offshore betting or casino platforms.
Understanding the Public Gambling Act of 1867
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the primary legislation governing gambling in India. According to this law, most forms of gambling are illegal. Only three states — Goa, Sikkim, and Daman — have legalized land-based casinos. Among these, Sikkim is the only state with limited regulation for online gambling.
Despite this, millions of Indians participate in online gambling daily. Why? Because the law is outdated and was written long before the concept of online gaming existed. It contains no specific provisions addressing digital or internet-based gambling activities.
This creates a legal grey area:
- The Indian government can restrict or shut down gambling operators located within India.
- But the law does not apply to foreign operators hosting their services outside the country.
- As a result, these international platforms continue to operate freely and accept Indian players.
Due to the lack of clear regulation, authorities rarely pursue players or take action against offshore sites. The online gambling sector has grown so rapidly in India that the government is increasingly under pressure to modernize legislation, legalize the market, and introduce structured regulation.
