India is emerging on the gambling scene as one of the fastest-growing markets. Unfortunately, the country’s legislators are still somehow perplexed by the iGaming industry’s surge throughout the country. Even though online gambling is still falling into the grey area of the law, a growing number of people are playing at online casinos. This led to the Indian authorities mulling over the legalization of the industry.
According to industry insiders, India is losing about $1.5 billion in revenue because of its incapability to adequately react to the growth of the online gambling market. The surge of the online gambling industry in India is propelled by two factors, and namely India’s huge population and the technology advancement. Many operators started to eye the opportunity to set foot on Indian soil and this can be attributed to the great potential of the country’s gambling industry.
Popular Online Casinos in India
India is a country with outdated gambling laws that do not respond to the exponential growth of the online gambling industry. Interestingly enough, no piece of legislation discusses the legality of online gambling. In that sense, online gambling is not illegal in India and casino operators are benefitting from this loophole to offer their services to players from India.
A good-enough number of online casinos accept players from India, offering them even the opportunity to make deposits and withdraw funds in their currency – Indian Rupee. When choosing a gambling site, players from India should take several factors into consideration such as reputability, fairness, trustworthiness, bonuses, available banking solutions, and others. In the lines below, we would like to suggest 10 India-friendly tested and proven online casinos.
LeoVegas is a reputable online casino that was launched as far back as 2012. Over the years, the operator managed to cement its positions on the market. The virtual casino received a stamp of approval by the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Danish and the Swedish Gambling Authorities.
Despite operating for quite some time, LeoVegas offers some of the latest releases that are courtesy of leading software providers such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n Go, Yggdrasil, Betsoft, etc. Casino enthusiasts will find a good-enough number of games that cover various genres.Read More
Being licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, Casumo Casino is recognized as a safe and trustworthy gambling site that accepts players from India. The operator holds licenses issued by several regulatory bodies, and more precisely the Danish Gambling Authority, the Swedish Gambling Authority, and the UK Gambling Commission.
Thanks to its partnership with premier software casino content developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Quickspin, Big Time Gaming, Evolution Gaming, Casumo Casino offers an abundant gaming portfolio. The games included in its catalog work like a charm on touchscreen devices. In case you like the idea of placing a bet while waiting on the line in the shop, you will certainly enjoy this online casino.Read More
If you are looking for a reliable gambling site that offers exciting gaming titles, lucrative bonuses, and convenient banking solutions, you should certainly consider the idea of setting up an account with Casino Joy. This online casino was established in 2018 and it holds licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, and the Swedish Gambling Authority.
The operator joined forces with industry heavyweights such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, etc. that are responsible for the casino’s outstanding gaming portfolio which is comprised of over 700 top-quality games. Casino Joy’s developers created this gambling site with mobile players in mind. Players from India will be greeted with a generous Welcome Bonus that will match their first four consecutive deposits.Read More
Established in 2015, Rizk Casino is a trustworthy online casino that comes with an official stamp of approval from the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. As a reputable gambling site, Rizk Casino features a good-enough number of payment solutions that are hassle-free and prompt. The minimum deposit to start playing for real money is affordable. As a newcomer to this casino, you will be able to claim a Welcome Bonus that will improve your winning chances.
Rizk Casino’s gaming catalog is comprised of top-shelf titles that are developed by some highly-esteemed software suppliers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, IGT, and Microgaming. Slots, table games, progressive jackpot games, and live dealer games are the genres you will come across in case you decide to set up an account at Rizk Casino. The games are designed in a mobile-friendly way, which means that you can play even on the move.
In case you are looking to replicate the enthralling Vegas atmosphere, you should try Vegas Hero Casino. This online casino was founded in 2017 and it quickly turned into a preferred gambling site for players from different jurisdictions, including India. The operator is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission and it adheres to the highest industry standards.
Apart from providing a high level of transparency, the casino operator is dedicated to satisfying the various gaming needs of players. Hence, the casino collaborates with established software companies, including Play’n GO, NetEnt, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, Quickspin, Evolution Gaming, etc. The casino’s platform is available in several languages and it accepts payments in multiple currencies. As far as banking methods are concerned, players are presented with a plethora of deposit and withdrawal solutions.Read More
Casino Cruise took the online gambling world by storm since its inception in 2014. The interactive casino collaborates with top software developers such as NYX Gaming, Play’n GO, NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, and Quickspin. Hence, casino enthusiasts can be sure that they will find some of the hottest games at Casino Cruise. What is more, players can enjoy their favorite games even via their portable devices as the casino is available in an instant-play format.
Furthermore, newcomers, as well as already existing customers can take advantage of the lucrative bonuses that are up for grabs at Casino Cruise. To claim the Welcome Bonus, you will need to make a minimum first deposit via one of the multiple available banking solutions. If you have some questions, you can rely on the responsive customer support department. If you are wondering whether this interactive casino is reliable, you should be informed that the operator is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
Royal Panda is an interactive casino that certainly deserves the players’ attention. The interactive casino was established in 2014 and it quickly turned into a loadstone for enthusiasts from all over the world. The casino’s mascot is a cheerful panda and it certainly sticks in players’ minds. The regulator that authorized this online casino to offer its services is the Malta Gaming Authority.
Royal Panda is established with the main idea to provide casino aficionados with a fair and rewarding gaming environment. For this reason, the operator teamed up with software developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, 1X2 Gaming, Play’n GO, Thunderkick, Evolution Gaming, etc. that are known for their innovative and detail-oriented approach.Read More
Savvy players know that the gaming portfolio is what gives life to a certain casino, but there are other important things that should be taken into consideration when choosing a casino. Genesis Casino certainly whets the appetite of a good-enough number of casino buffs. Genesis Casino’s gaming catalog is comprised of some of the most sought-after titles that are courtesy of Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Nyx Interactive, Play’n GO, and Quickspin. The operator offers great flexibility in terms of payment methods.
Genesis Casino is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. Following that stream of thoughts, casino fans should not worry about the fairness of the web-based casino and the games it offers.Read More
Betway Casino provides ultimate gaming experience to casino enthusiasts from all skill levels. The interactive casino offers high-quality games that fit any bankroll size. What is more, the available titles are developed by one of the most reputable software companies, and more precisely Microgaming. Hence, you should not be surprised when you come across some of the most beloved titles such as Mega Moolah.
This interactive casino has been operating ever since 2006. The mere fact that Betway Casino is in the business for that long shows that it is worth the players’ trust. In addition to that, the online casino operates under the regulations of the Malta Gaming Authority and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.Read More
Yeti Casino
Since its inception in 2017, Yeti Casino is riding the waves of success mainly due to its customer-oriented approach. The casino is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission that are recognized to be two of the most reputable regulators. The casino’s product roster is courtesy of leading software companies such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Red Tiger, etc.
the games perfectly scale to your screen size, so you can play via your smartphone or tablet.Read More
Legislation
The question that intrigues casino enthusiasts is whether online gambling is legal in the country they reside in. When it comes to India, it is hard to give a straightforward answer. As we hinted above, the gambling industry in India is in its infancy, but it is expected to grow at an exponential level in the near future. However, the country’s legislative framework is not mature enough to address this surge. The gambling industry in India is regulated at the national and state levels and the market is governed by three acts which we will discuss in the lines below.
Overview of India’s Gambling Laws
Having in mind the year this piece of legislation was enacted, we can claim that it, most probably, does not refer to Internet gambling. In a nutshell, the Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibited individuals from running or opening a gambling establishment. The law was amended two times, but it barely can be interpreted with regard to the online gambling industry.
The Prize Competition Act that came into place in 1955 refers to the so-called “prize competitions” which offer prizes that are higher than INR10,000 on a monthly basis. The Information Technology Act of 2000 also does not mention anywhere online gambling, even though it may refer to it as it discusses the transmission of information through electronic means.
Is Online Gambling Legal in India?
Under India’s legislative framework, casino games are considered to be gambling activities and thus, these are prohibited throughout the country. In 2008, the State of Sikkim voted the so-called Sikkim Online Gaming Act allowing its licensees to offer online games within the state’s borders. The authority that oversees the market in Sikkim is the Finance Revenue and Expenditure Department. Under this act, the provision of games such as roulette, casino brag, and blackjack does not violate the law. In addition to that, it is only the State of Sikkim that allows online sports betting.
FAQ
- Is it safe for casino enthusiasts from India to play online?It is safe for casino aficionados from India to play at online casinos in case they check their reputability and license. It is important to mention that casino enthusiasts should also carefully read the Terms & Conditions of the casino they are considering to play at as not every operator accepts players from India. In case you do not see the casino’s license, it is better to avoid it. What is more, it is highly recommendable to read other players’ opinions and some expert reviews prior to setting up an account at a certain interactive casino.
- Is there a legal punishment for individuals residing in India who play at online casinos?Online gambling laws in India are archaic or even non-existent. As the laws do not mention online gambling at all, there is no straightforward answer whether playing at an online casino is legal or not. Even though a growing number of Indian casino fans play at online casinos, up to date, no one has been penalized for this. It is important to mention that the Information Technology Act of 2000 that settles cyber activities prescribes fines of INR100,000 or 5 years imprisonment for individuals violating the law. However, we cannot be sure if this law addresses online gambling as it is not explicitly stated.
- What is the legal gambling age in India?As we already mentioned, the laws in India regarding the gambling industry are quite vague. However, we must note that most casinos do not accept players that are under 18 years old. This is the legal gambling age in most countries, except for a few jurisdictions such as the USA where the legal gambling age is 21 years old.
Deposit Methods
When you are looking for a trustworthy casino, do not forget to check the available payment options as some banking methods are geared towards a particular market. What is more, some payment options support only deposits and you will not be able to withdraw funds via that particular banking solution.
Players from India should also keep in mind that some web-based casinos do not offer bonuses to players who decided to top up their gaming account via a digital wallet. Needless to say, not all banking methods are created in the same way, meaning that they feature different fees, processing times, transaction limits, etc. In the lines below we will discuss some of the most popular and preferred payment solutions among Indian casino enthusiasts.
Credit and Debit Cards
Online casino enthusiasts that reside in India will not have a hard time making a deposit or pulling out their earnings in case they would like to use Visa or Mastercard. In fact, almost all gambling sites accept payments via these two bank cards. Deposits are processed on the spot, while withdrawals might take between 2 and 5 (in some cases even 7) business days. What is more, players should keep in mind that the payment service provider might impose a small fee for the transaction.
Digital Wallets
Digital wallets exploded in popularity in recent years and a growing number of casino enthusiasts started embracing the idea of using this payment solution as it is quick, safe, easy-to-use, and the charges are insignificant. Players from India can make deposits and withdraw funds via some of the most reliable digital wallets, and namely Skrill, Neteller, Webmoney, and MuchBetter.
The most widespread digital wallets are Skrill and Neteller, but there is also a good-enough number of gambling sites that adopted Webmoney and MuchBetter. In case you would like to upload funds to your gaming account, you should know that the transaction will be finalized in a blink. What is laudable here is that withdrawals are cleared within 24 hours.
Bank Transfers
Bank transfers are another popular payment method among Indian players. This old-school banking solution still attracts the attention of casino enthusiasts who prefer to avoid online banking. Bank transfers are usually associated with higher deposit and withdrawal limits, longer processing times, and bigger fees. In case you request a cashout via wire transfer, you should know that it might take up to 7 business days for the payment to go through. However, we must note that the wire transfers also come with a range of advantages, including wide acceptance, safety, ability to make large transfers, etc.
Prepaid Cards
Casino enthusiasts who prefer not to transmit their bank details over the Internet are provided with the opportunity to make use of several prepaid cards. Before we continue discussing this payment method, it is important to explain that it supports only deposits, meaning that you are not able to withdraw funds through it.
Undoubtedly, AstroPay and Paysafecard are two of the most well-known prepaid cards that can be bought with Indian rupees. Assuming that you decide to make a deposit via a prepaid card, you should know that your anonymity will remain intact. Furthermore, prepaid cards will help you manage your bankroll easier as the deposit in the card is limited.
Popular Games and Live Dealers
When choosing an online casino, players should be informed that the software providers that power the gambling site’s content are also of crucial importance. We recommend our readers from India to choose web-based casinos that teamed up with reputable casino content developers such as Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Betsoft, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, etc.
Apart from great convenience, most online casinos offer an abundant selection of games. Indian casino enthusiasts are provided with the opportunity to add yet another notch to their belts by playing various casino game genres. Technology advancements made it possible for software developers to introduce exciting games that feature crisp graphics and sound effects.
Indian players who enthuse over playing slot games, will certainly not be disappointed with their online gambling experience as most of the web-based casinos focus on this game genre. From 3-reel slot games to more complex slots with 5 reels, more paylines, and symbols, reel spinners will enjoy a fruitful and rewarding gaming experience. Talking about slots, we cannot help but mention that many operators included games with jackpots that climb up over time.
Casino enthusiasts who are craving for authentic casino experience without leaving the comfort of their homes need to try their luck on the games listed under the Live Casino section. Long story in short, live dealer games are designed around the idea to bridge the gap between online and land-based casinos. Thanks to high-resolution web cameras, Indian players can observe every movement of the dealer who is running the game. Some of the most sought-after live dealer games include blackjack, roulette, and poker.
