The Indian online poker market is expected to develop at a consistent CAGR of around 8.50% from 2024 to 2032. It is the world’s second most populous nation, with over 1.4 billion people. Naturally, it represents a thriving market for platforms like casino online Pin-Up and poker operators. Its large population and increasing internet penetration make it the perfect place for growth. Such a big country has various states with different laws about gambling, Primarily, not all Indian players are sure if it’s legal to play poker online. Let’s find out is online poker legal in India.
India & Poker
The history of poker and gambling generally goes back to ancient times in India. It dates back to when it was played as a traditional card game. The population of India has been playing poker in different regions of the country for a long time.
However, the way and meaning of the game are changing dramatically these days. Poker was once a recreational activity. Now, it has turned into a legitimate career. Here, people can use their mental abilities.
About two centuries ago, it was a popular pastime. Often, Indians even played for rewards to their players. With technological advancement, poker turned into a computer game. Now, it has single-player and arcade modes.
The late 1990s was a turning point. It is about smartphones and access to the Internet. This made poker games more accessible to the public. Between 2003 and 2007, the online gaming industry developed rapidly.
The Legal Background
The 1867 Public Gambling Act forms the basis for rules about real-money gaming. It is the main legislation governing gambling in India. This regulation only addresses games of chance and forbids anybody from running or attending public gambling establishments. However, Indian law distinguishes poker from conventional gambling activities – they classify it as a game of skill.
Another critical factor clearing is poker legal in India is the Information Technology Act of 2000. This law defines poker more clearly, as it distinguishes it from card games and other types of gambling. Some Indian courts view poker differently despite these legal distinctions. They frequently contest its designation as a skill-based game.
Moreover, states have different laws regarding the legality of online poker. Only a few states have clear laws, like:
- Nagaland;
- Sikkim;
- Andhra Pradesh;
- Telangana;
- Odisha;
- Arunachal Pradesh;
- Assam.
There’s a legal limbo because most other states have not yet addressed the matter.
Indian courts, including the Supreme Court, have repeatedly maintained that a skill-based game is one in which a player’s knowledge, experience, concentration, and skill decide the outcome.
Poker meets this description because it requires psychological savvy, a grasp of probability, and strategic strategy. Unlike games of chance, poker involves skill rather than sheer luck to win. The International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) recognizes poker as a valid “mind sport” even internationally.
Therefore, there is no clear answer to whether poker is legal in India. The legal environment is complicated. Although regulations target operators, they usually have little effect on individual players, particularly those who use poker sites with offshore licenses, such as Pin-Up.
Can You Play Poker at Pin-Up Legally?
By 2050, India will likely have over 1.6 billion internet users. Websites like Pin-Up, a prominent online casino among Indian users, have become increasingly popular due to this rising online audience.
Players are drawn to Pin-Up by its promotions. For example, the bonus includes 250 bonus spins and a welcome bonus of up to €5 000. The site is supported by a Curaçao gaming license (OGL/2024/580/0570). It offers an extensive catalog of casino games. So, there’s a question not only whether online poker legal in India, but also whether it is okay to play at Pin-Up. The answer is simple: you can play online poker in India via Pin-Up.
Because of the regulatory loophole, online platforms like Pin-Up can operate lawfully under licenses like the Curaçao Gaming Commission’s. Only individuals that reach at least 18 years old can register and play on the site.
Traditional casinos are also prohibited in India; however, online casinos like Pin-Up allow you to use online gambling platforms to play casino games legally, deposit and withdraw funds, and more.
Safety Measures of Pin-Up App
Even though playing poker online is legal, Indian users are sometimes exposed to various frauds. So, Pin-Up prioritizes user security. They provide strong safeguards to preserve private information and give you the best pastime. Let’s take a look at a few measures in place:
| Account protection | Players can use two-factor authentication to safeguard their accounts, keep their information safe, and stop unwanted access. |
| Data security | All financial transactions are carried out over secure networks, and the application uses SSL encryption to protect user information. |
| Fair play assurance | The Random Number Generator (RNG) technology in casino games ensures each game is secure and fair. |
Users may also read the platform’s data usage guidelines to see how their data is used to provide the best possible gaming experience. Indian players should see the terms and conditions before enrolling to learn more about how their data is handled.
To cap it all, the online poker business in India is one of the sectors with the quickest growth rate. Frequent technological advances jump-started this advance. According to several industry statistics, the online poker market in India is now expanding between 35 and 40 percent annually. And not without reason: the COVID-19 epidemic is another vital element driving the rise of online poker in India.
Due to the rise of the digital age, online poker has become increasingly popular. Now, it’s time to find out whether playing online in India is legal and the best places to do so. Pin-Up is a good example for Indians. Various security measures allow gamers to confidently play casino games.