Launching an online casino in India
India has banned every online game played for money, casino and skill games alike, and made payments for them a crime. What the law prohibits, how it reaches offshore operators and what is still before the courts. Checked on 27 September 2026.
Can you launch an online casino for India?
No. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits offering, advertising and facilitating payments for any online money game — whether it is a game of chance or of skill. The Act and its Rules have been in force since 1 May 2026.
According to a Legal 500 analysis, offering an online money game or facilitating payments for one carries up to three years in prison and a fine of up to ₹1 crore; advertising, up to two years and ₹50 lakh. Banks and payment processors must block transactions on the direction of the new Online Gaming Authority of India, and their executives face personal liability.
The ban is not limited to Indian companies. The Rules treat an operator's country of origin as a factor for scrutiny, and the payment-blocking duty applies to whoever serves Indian players — an offshore licence changes nothing.
| India | |
|---|---|
| Status | Online money games banned by the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025; Act and Rules in force since 1 May 2026 (source) |
| Regulator | Online Gaming Authority of India, constituted 22 April 2026 |
| Penalties | Up to 3 years and ₹1 crore for offering or facilitating payments; up to 2 years and ₹50 lakh for advertising |
| Currency | Indian rupee (INR) |
| Languages | Hindi, English and regional languages |
| Popular payments | UPI above all; cards and net banking |
Is the ban being challenged?
Yes. Gaming companies have challenged the Act in the Supreme Court, arguing it violates the rights to equality and to carry on a trade and intrudes on the states' powers. The case was pending at the last public update, with no stay of the Act.
The proceedings are tracked by Supreme Court Observer. In a separate case the Court has already upheld Tamil Nadu's state ban on online real-money games, holding that betting on games of skill is not a protected trade — which does not bode well for the challengers. Until the Court rules otherwise, the ban stands.
What does this mean for a launch on WW Games?
An online casino for Indian players is not an option. Which markets a brand may serve is set by its licence and the law of each market — licensing is the operator's responsibility. WW Games does not hold or sublicense a gambling licence, and can put you in touch with licensing providers.
Brands that serve several countries should exclude India from targeting, payments and advertising. Markets that license online casino are compared on markets; the Philippines is the main licensed market in Asia.
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India questions
Is online casino legal in India in 2026?
No. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 bans all online money games, including skill games, and has been in force with its Rules since 1 May 2026.
Does the Indian ban apply to offshore casinos?
Yes. It prohibits offering and facilitating payments for online money games to users in India regardless of where the operator is based, and banks must block such transactions.
What are the penalties under India's online gaming law?
Up to three years in prison and a ₹1 crore fine for offering an online money game or facilitating payments for one; up to two years and ₹50 lakh for advertising.
Has the Supreme Court struck the law down?
No. A challenge to the Act was pending at the last public update, and the Act was not stayed.
Pick the markets that are open
Tell us where your audience is; we will map the launch to the markets you can serve and introduce you to licensing providers if you need one.