How many online casinos are there is esports betting legal

Dropping into the world of online casinos and esports betting can feel like spawning into a new battle royale without a tutorial. The scene is massive, chaotic, and it’s tough to tell the friendlies from the griefers.

The short version? There are thousands of online casinos you can access from India. But when it comes to esports betting, things get a bit tricky—it’s a legal grey area. That’s why knowing which platforms are legit, safe, and actually worth your time is so critical.

Your Ultimate Guide to Online Casinos and Esports Betting in India

This guide is your complete mission briefing. We’re here to cut through the noise and give you the real intel on just how big the online casino world is and, crucially, what the deal is with esports betting laws in India.

Think of the online casino market like a giant server list for a game. You’ve got countless options, but only a handful are actually worth logging into. Many are just lazy reskins or, worse, outright scams designed to loot your inventory. But mixed in are the top-tier platforms that offer an incredible gaming experience. Our goal is to teach you how to spot them.

Before we dive deep, let’s get some of the big questions out of the way.

Quick Answers to Your Biggest Questions

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Mapping the Legal Landscape

When you ask, “is esports betting legal in India?” you won’t get a simple yes or no. The legal situation is more like a game map with different rules in each zone. There’s no single, nationwide law that bans online betting, which leaves individual states to call the shots. This creates a patchwork of legal ‘grey areas’ across the country.

Some states have welcomed online gaming and set up regulated environments. Others are strict ‘no-play zones’. Knowing your local rules is the first step to playing safely and avoiding a ban.

Consider this guide your map. We’ll help you navigate the specific laws, spot potential risks, and learn how to find sites you can trust. We’re breaking down everything you need to know, from checking a casino’s licence to making secure payments with Indian methods. This is your complete walkthrough to ensure your online gaming adventures are both fun and safe.

Counting the Servers: How Many Online Casinos Target India?

So, how many online casinos are actually out there for an Indian player? It’s a great question, but the answer isn’t a simple number. Think of it like trying to count the active game servers for a massive MMO—the total is huge, it’s always changing, and not all of them will give you a decent connection.

Globally, there are thousands of online casinos. But many are like trying to play on a high-ping EU server from Mumbai; you can connect, but the experience is laggy and frustrating. They won’t accept Indian Rupees (INR), they lack payment methods you actually use like UPI, and they’re filled with games you’ve probably never heard of.

The real quest isn’t just finding any casino—it’s finding one that’s built for players in India.

The Difference Between Offshore and Localised Casinos

For Indian gamers, the online casino world really splits into two camps. First, you have your standard offshore casinos. These are international sites that simply don’t geoblock Indian players. They operate in USD or EUR, their support team is likely AFK when you’re playing, and you’ll probably need an e-wallet just to deal with currency conversion.

Then you have the localised casinos. These are the top-tier, low-ping servers you’re really looking for. These are still offshore platforms, but they’ve gone the extra mile to create a dedicated experience for the Indian market.

• Currency: They let you deposit, play, and withdraw in Indian Rupees (INR), so you aren’t losing money on conversion fees.
• Payments: They’ve plugged in familiar Indian payment gateways like UPI, NetBanking, PhonePe, and Google Pay, which makes moving your money around completely seamless.
• Games: They often feature local favorites like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar right alongside the big international slots and table games.
• Support: Their customer service teams are available during Indian hours and actually understand what you need.

Finding a truly localised casino is the secret to a smooth, enjoyable gaming experience—just like picking a server in your own region for the best performance. You can learn more about what to look for in our guide on comparing online casinos in India.

Why a Precise Count Is So Elusive

Trying to nail down the exact number of online casinos targeting India is next to impossible. The market is incredibly dynamic. New sites pop up every week like newb players, while others get wiped just as fast. This constant churn means any “official” count would be out of date the moment it’s published.

This rapid growth is part of the bigger boom in internet gaming across the country. While exact figures are hard to come by, industry insiders estimate there are over 50 to 100 active platforms specifically catering to India right now. These are the sites offering the games and local payment options needed to attract a loyal following.

Think of it this way: The total number of casinos is like the total player count in a game—it’s a big, impressive number, but it doesn’t tell you how many are in your matchmaking bracket. The real focus should be on filtering this massive list to find quality platforms.

Ultimately, the question isn’t “how many online casinos are there?” It’s “how many good ones are there for me?” The goal is to cut through the noise and find the reliable, high-quality platforms that offer a genuinely great experience for players in India. That means focusing on localisation, security, and real player reviews, not just a raw count of available sites.

Is Esports Betting Legal in India? The Ultimate Explainer

Alright, let’s get into the main quest: is esports betting actually legal in India? This is the core legal breakdown every gamer needs, but don’t worry, we’re not about to drop a wall of text filled with confusing legal jargon. Think of it like learning the rules of a new game server—some things are allowed, some aren’t, and the rules can change depending on which zone you’re in.

The entire legal situation in India hinges on one critical distinction: game of skill versus game of chance. This concept is the ‘meta’ that defines everything. A ‘game of chance’ is something like a lottery or roulette, where RNG is the main factor. These are generally considered gambling and are heavily restricted.

A ‘game of skill’, on the other hand, is where your knowledge, practice, and strategy directly influence the outcome. Think CS2, Valorant, or Dota 2. Your aim, map awareness, and team coordination matter far more than random luck. This is where esports betting finds its legal footing.

The Federal vs. State Law Showdown

Here’s the plot twist: there is no single, federal law in India that explicitly bans online betting or defines esports betting. The main law, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, was written long before the internet or video games were even imagined. It’s like trying to apply the rules of chess to a fast-paced FPS—it just doesn’t fit.

Because this old law is so out of date, the power to regulate betting and gambling falls to individual states. This creates a patchwork legal map across the country, where each state is like its own server with a unique rule set. What’s perfectly fine in one state could be a bannable offence in another.

To simplify your search for a casino that works for you in India, this decision tree outlines the key features to look for.

This visual guide shows that finding the right platform starts with basic checks, like whether they accept Indian Rupees and offer convenient payment methods like UPI.

PvP-Enabled Zones vs. No-Fly Zones

Some states have fully embraced the ‘game of skill’ argument, becoming progressive, PvP-enabled zones for online gaming.

• Sikkim and Nagaland: These states are the pioneers. They have passed their own laws to license and regulate online gaming and sports betting, creating a clear and legal framework. Playing on a licensed platform here is like being on an official, moderated server.

On the other hand, some states have taken a much stricter stance, effectively creating no-fly zones for real-money gaming.

• Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka: These states have implemented blanket bans on all forms of online gaming that involve real money, regardless of whether it’s skill-based or not. Attempting to bet from these regions is a high-risk move, like trying to rush B solo with no smokes.

Most other Indian states exist in a legal grey area. They haven’t explicitly banned online betting, nor have they regulated it. This is where most players find themselves, operating in a space that isn’t officially legal but isn’t strictly illegal either.

The key takeaway for any gamer is this: your geographic location (your IP address, essentially) determines the rules you play by. It is absolutely crucial to check your local state laws before you decide to place any bets on your favourite esports teams.

For a deeper dive into how these laws are changing, you can read our guide on the evolving legal framework of online gambling in India, which offers more detail on recent updates. This knowledge is your best defence in navigating the system safely.

Spotting Legit Operators: Licensed vs Offshore Casinos

Choosing an online casino can feel a lot like joining a new game server. You can either go with an official, dev-run server or take your chances on some sketchy, private one. One gives you security, fair play, and proper support. The other? It’s a complete gamble where you could lose everything. That’s the real difference between licensed casinos and unregulated offshore casinos.

Getting this distinction right is your single best defence against getting scammed. A licensed operator has a regulatory body holding them accountable, making sure they stick to the rules. An unregulated site, however, doesn’t answer to anyone, which puts your money and personal data in serious jeopardy.

Think of a gaming licence as the server’s anti-cheat software. It’s proof that an independent authority is watching over the platform, ensuring fair odds, secure payments, and responsible gaming practices. Without that licence, you’re basically playing where the admins can rig the outcome, change the rules on a whim, or just ban you and keep your loot.

What a Real Licence Guarantees

When you see a casino displaying a licence from a well-known authority, it’s not just some fancy logo slapped on the homepage. It’s a genuine seal of approval, confirming the operator has passed strict tests for player protection.

Here are the top-tier licensing bodies you should always look for:

• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): Widely seen as one of the best in the business, the MGA is famous for its tough compliance checks and its strong focus on protecting players’ rights.
• Curacao eGaming: This is a very common licence you’ll find in the online casino world. While its rules aren’t quite as strict as the MGA’s, it still provides a solid baseline of legitimacy and oversight.

A licence from one of these authorities tells you the casino is committed to fair play, gets its games audited for randomness, and keeps player funds in separate accounts for safety. If something goes wrong, you have a real organisation you can turn to for help.

Red Flags of a Scam Server

Just like a dodgy private game server, an unregulated casino often gives off some pretty obvious warning signs. Learning to spot these is key to keeping your money and information safe. The market is growing incredibly fast, and with that growth comes a flood of untrustworthy operators.

The online casino scene in India is exploding, with revenues projected to hit USD 43.3 million by 2026. As more platforms try to attract Indian players, only the ones with proper licensing can offer real consumer protection in our country’s complex legal landscape. You can learn more about the growth of the Indian iGaming market at iGaming Today.

Keep an eye out for these common red flags:

• No Visible Licence: If you can’t easily find licensing info—usually in the website’s footer—it’s a massive red flag. Legit sites are proud to show off their credentials.
• Vague Ownership Details: Scam sites love to hide who owns or operates them. A trustworthy casino will be transparent about its parent company.
• Unrealistic Bonuses: If a bonus looks way too good to be true (like a 500% match with zero wagering requirements), it almost certainly is. This is a classic bait-and-switch to lure you in before hitting you with impossible terms.
• Poor Website Quality: Broken links, terrible grammar, and a clunky interface are all signs of a low-effort, and likely fraudulent, operation.

Think of it like this: A legitimate platform invests in its infrastructure, security, and user experience. A scam site is often thrown together quickly with the sole purpose of taking your money.

To highlight just how different these two types of sites are, here’s a quick breakdown:

Licensed vs Unregulated Sites: What Gamers Need to Know

Ultimately, the choice comes down to risk. A licensed casino offers a safe, fair, and accountable gaming environment. An unregulated one is a gamble from the moment you sign up.

To protect yourself, always do your homework. Before you even think about depositing money, scroll down to the bottom of the casino’s homepage and look for the licence number. Most regulators have a public database where you can check if a licence is active and valid. It’s a simple two-minute check that can save you from a massive headache later on.

Your First Mission: Safe Payments and Account Setup

Alright, you’ve scouted the servers and understand the legal map. Now it’s time for the ‘new player tutorial’—getting your account set up for safe and smooth gameplay. This mission is all about managing your funds and verifying your identity without getting ambushed by slow transactions or sketchy processes.

Jumping into an online casino shouldn’t feel like wandering into a high-risk PvP zone. With the right approach, setting up your account is straightforward and secure, letting you get right to the fun part.

Gearing Up With the Right Payment Methods

For Indian players, your choice of payment method is like picking your starting gear—it needs to be fast, reliable, and something you trust. Forget about fumbling with international credit cards or waiting on slow bank wires. The best platforms are localised with payment options you already use every single day.

These are your top-tier choices:

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI): This is the undisputed champion for Indian players. It’s incredibly fast, connects directly to your bank account, and works seamlessly with apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. The best part? You never have to share your bank details directly with the casino, which makes it a super secure option.
• NetBanking: A classic and reliable choice, NetBanking lets you transfer funds directly from your bank’s online portal. It’s a solid backup if UPI isn’t an option for some reason.
• E-wallets: Services like Skrill and Neteller have been popular in the gaming world for years. They act as a middleman between your bank and the casino, adding an extra layer of privacy. Just be sure to keep an eye on any potential fees they might charge.

Using familiar, local payment options is the easiest way to dodge frustrating delays and keep your financial data locked down. For a full breakdown of what’s out there, you can learn more about the various online casino payment methods available to players in India.

Decoding the KYC Quest

When a legitimate casino asks you to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, don’t sweat it. This isn’t some shady attempt to grab your data. Think of it like the same kind of account verification you’ve done on platforms like Steam or Battle.net to unlock all their features. It’s actually a green flag that proves the site is a serious, regulated operator.

The KYC process is just a standard anti-fraud measure required by licensing authorities. It simply confirms you are who you say you are, which helps prevent things like money laundering and stops underage gambling. It’s the platform’s way of keeping the environment fair and secure for everyone.

Completing KYC is a one-time quest that permanently secures your account. It’s a sign of a trustworthy platform, not a hassle. A site that doesn’t ask for verification is a massive red flag.

Typically, you’ll need to submit copies of standard documents, like your Aadhaar card or a recent utility bill. Once you’re verified, you unlock faster withdrawals and higher transaction limits—basically, you’ve just levelled up your account’s security.

Playing Responsibly: Don’t Tilt Your Bankroll

Finally, let’s talk about the most important part of your setup: responsible gaming. This isn’t a boring lecture; it’s about giving you the tools to stay in control so the fun never has to stop. Just like managing your in-game economy is a skill, so is managing your bankroll.

All reputable casinos provide tools to help you set your own rules. Make sure you use them.

• Set Deposit Limits: Decide on a weekly or monthly budget and lock it in. This is your best defence against making impulsive “rage deposits” after a tough loss.
• Use Time-Outs: Feeling tilted or frustrated? Take a break. You can set a cool-down period that locks your account for a day or a week, giving you time to clear your head.
• Self-Exclusion: If you ever feel like your gaming is getting out of hand, this tool lets you block yourself from the platform entirely for a longer, more serious period.

Gaming should always be a source of entertainment, not stress. By using these tools and treating your bankroll with respect, you ensure that you’re always playing the game—and the game isn’t playing you.

Frequently Asked Questions From Indian Gamers

We’ve covered a lot of ground, but you probably still have a few questions buzzing around. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones we hear from Indian players about online casinos and esports betting.

Can I Get Banned for Betting on Esports in India?

This really comes down to your local laws. In states like Sikkim, where the rules are clearly defined, you’re on solid ground as long as you stick to licensed platforms. On the flip side, in states with outright bans like Telangana, you’re taking a big risk.

For most of the country, it’s still a bit of a legal grey area. The good news is that law enforcement rarely goes after individual players. Your best move is to always check your local state laws before you place a bet, so you know exactly where you stand.

Are My Winnings from Online Casinos Taxable?

Yes, absolutely. Any money you win and cash out from online gaming is subject to a flat 30% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). This tax applies to your net winnings over a financial year, not on every single successful bet.

It’s a bit like a tax on your total loot for the year. The best platforms usually handle the deduction for you, but it’s still your responsibility to declare this income. Don’t get caught out when it’s time to file your taxes.

What Is the Safest Way to Deposit Money?

For most Indian players, UPI is the way to go. It’s quick, super secure, and connects to your bank account without you needing to share any sensitive card details directly with the betting site.

Other great options include NetBanking and trusted e-wallets like PhonePe or Google Pay, whenever they’re offered. These methods are designed for India’s financial system, making your transactions smooth and safe.

How Can I Spot a Scam Casino?

Keep an eye out for some classic red flags. A major warning sign is a site with no licensing information displayed anywhere, especially in the footer. Vague details about who owns the site or poorly written English are also big giveaways.

And if a bonus looks too good to be true—like a 500% match with impossible wagering requirements—it probably is. If a site feels off, trust your instincts and find a properly licensed and well-reviewed operator instead.