Online gambling is when you use the internet to stake real money in a game of skill, or chance, on web-based platforms with hopes of winning real money. The activities are inclusive, but not limited to casino, sports betting, and lottery.

There are two main types of gambling:

Chance-based
Games such as Lottery, Bingo, Keno, Slots, and Andar Bahar, where randomness defines the results and winning or losing depends entirely on luck are all conducive to chance-based gambling.

Skill-based
Activities such as cricket betting and horse race betting, or games such as Poker, Blackjack and Teen Patti, where your playing skills define whether you would lose or win (even if the house always has the edge), contribute to skill-based gambling.

By law, the minimum age for gambling in India is 18 – be it online or offline. However, there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, if you visit a casino in Goa, you wouldn’t be allowed on the gambling floor unless you are 21 years or above.

Such a rule exists because the minimum age of consuming alcohol in most parts of India is 21. Keeping in mind that alcoholic drinks are served to players on gambling floors, the casinos in Goa, too, allow only those players who are 21 years and above to enter the gaming zone.

This law came into effect after the Home Department of India drafted a new set of laws on 15th December 2015 to raise the legal age of gambling in the State to 21. However, it is yet to be implemented nationwide.

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 says all forms of gambling are illegal in India. However, this Act was formed at a time when the world, let alone India, didn’t have the Internet. There is no specific mention of the term ‘online’ in any of the clauses.

This is a loophole in the Indian gambling law that makes online gambling legal and illegal at the same time.

Certain states have taken up measures to specifically ban online gambling. However, this law isn’t applicable nationwide. Players in other States participating in any form of gambling using the Internet at foreign-based casinos, sports betting sites, and lottery sites are technically playing outside the country, which keeps them safe from the law.

But, understanding the legal nuances for gambling in India is easier said than done. For more information, refer to our detailed article on the legality of gambling in India and the regulations formulated by the country’s Government.

It’s easy.

– Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
– Set spending limits.
– Don’t chase losses.
– Don’t gamble if you’re underage.
– Don’t gamble if you’re depressed.
– Don’t gamble at sites that are not legit and could possibly contribute to financial crime and fraud.
– Remember to block yourself from a gambling website if you feel problem gambling has kicked in.
– If you’re already suffering from gambling addiction, seek help. 
– Never ever leave a gambling site open and accessible to children.
– Think of gambling as a source of entertainment, not income.

There! If you follow these rules, you’re pretty much sorted!

Advantages
– Convenience of playing from anywhere
– 24/7 availability and access
– Fit for budget players as well as high rollers
– Wide range of gaming and betting options
– High security and privacy standards
– Bonuses and offers galore

Disadvantages
– Rouge casinos in plenty
– Long cashout times depending on the site you choose
– Issues concerning legality and regulation

Firstly, accept the truth, but don’t overthink and overwhelm yourself with it. The problem could be bigger in your head. What’s done is done and there’s no way you can undo it. Remember to share the story with a close friend or family member. Do not indulge in more gambling in a bid to chase losses. Instead, work on options to earn money so you can recover the amount you just lost.

Satta matka is considered illegal gambling in India nationwide. Any form of matka gambling in the country – be it online or offline – where real money is staked, is strictly prohibited and a punishable offense under the Indian law. Know more about the legality of matka gambling in India in our detailed article.

Yes, all income generated for gambling winnings, including those from casinos, sports betting sites and lotteries in India are taxed at a flat 30% without cess. The same doesn’t qualify for the basic exemption limit as well. A 4% cess is further added, which eventually increases the total tax on gambling winnings to 31.2%.

The following Indian banks allow transactions related to online gambling:

– Axis Bank
– ICICI Bank
– HDFC Bank
– IDBI Bank
– Standard Chartered Bank
– Kotak Mahindra Bank
– Bank of America

Online gambling is only as safe as you want it to be. Although there are plenty of rogue gambling websites online, the vast majority of sites are legal, regulated and safe to play at. However, it is important to never let down your guards, especially if you access such sites over public WiFi.