2026 Sports Betting Laws in India – Full Legal Guide

The legal framework around betting has always been a complex subject in India, but the environment has evolved significantly in recent years. With rapid growth in online gaming, the government felt increased pressure to regulate emerging digital platforms. As a result, major reforms were implemented in 2025, shaping what we now refer to as the 2026 sports betting laws in India. 

These laws aim to clarify the rules around online betting, sports wagering, and gaming platforms, establishing a unified national approach for a previously fragmented industry. Because India’s gaming market is large and growing fast, understanding the latest regulations is crucial for players, operators, and businesses planning to enter the sector.

Historical Background and Previous Laws

Before the recent reforms, India’s betting structure relied on the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867. This law prohibited gambling houses but did not address modern online systems. States such as Goa, Sikkim, and Nagaland followed their own frameworks, leading to inconsistent interpretations across the country. 

Some states regulated casinos and lotteries, while others banned all forms of betting entirely. This inconsistent approach created loopholes for offshore betting companies, allowing them to offer sports wagering to Indian players without local regulation. With the emergence of online betting platforms, authorities realized the urgent need for clarity, prompting the modernization efforts reflected in the 2026 sports betting laws in India.

The 2025 Online Gaming Act and Its Significance

A major shift occurred in mid-2025 when the central government introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act. This reform created national guidelines for online gaming platforms. Real-money betting, including sports betting, was placed under strict federal control. 

The Act clarified the distinction between permitted non-monetary skill-based games and prohibited real-money games. Additionally, a National Online Gaming Commission (NOGC) was established to monitor compliance, regulate operators, enforce penalties, and provide clarity for digital gaming companies. This Act forms the backbone of the 2026 sports betting laws in India, shaping how operators must behave in the following years.

Structure and Coverage of the 2026 Betting Laws

The 2026 sports betting laws in India provide a detailed framework outlining what is allowed, restricted, or completely prohibited. The law clearly states that real-money sports betting, whether offered by domestic or offshore companies, is not permitted unless licensed under special provisions. 

It covers online games, esports, sports contests, and betting platforms. One of the goals of this law is to reduce the risks associated with unregulated platforms, including payment fraud, addiction, and money laundering. By creating a structured approach, the government hopes to encourage responsible gaming while minimizing the harms that arise from unregulated betting markets.

Table: Overview of the 2026 Sports Betting Laws in India

Real-Money Betting and Its Prohibition

A key feature of the 2026 sports betting laws in India is the categorical ban on real-money online betting across the country. This applies to cricket, football, tennis, horse racing, and other sports. The aim is to eliminate ambiguity: if a platform accepts monetary stakes for predicting sports outcomes, it falls under the prohibited category. 

Earlier, fantasy sports companies argued they offered skill-based games and therefore should not be treated as gambling. However, the updated law focuses on the presence of monetary stakes rather than the skill-versus-chance argument. Operators offering prohibited activities now face direct enforcement, including domain blocks and payment restrictions.

Effects on Fantasy Sports and Skill Games

Fantasy sports platforms once operated in a legal grey zone. Several High Courts had previously ruled that fantasy contests involved predominant skill and therefore could be considered legal. However, under the updated framework, any platform that uses real money to allow users to build teams or predict sports results is considered part of the betting ecosystem. 

As a result, many popular platforms have shifted to free-to-play models. The 2026 sports betting laws in India clarify that only non-monetary skill games remain permissible without heavy restrictions. This marks a major transition for the fantasy sports industry, which has seen exponential growth since 2018.

Penalties and Enforcement Structure

The government has strengthened enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. Under the new law, operators offering prohibited online betting can face penalties ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment. Digital advertising companies promoting illegal betting platforms may also face action. 

Payment gateways and banks are required to block deposits and withdrawals related to online betting sites. The law also grants power to block websites or apps that violate regulations. These enforcement tools reinforce the seriousness of the 2026 sports betting laws in India, ensuring that unregulated offshore companies cannot operate freely in the country anymore.

State vs. Central Authority After the Reforms

Traditionally, gambling was regulated at the state level. However, with the rise of online platforms, the need for a central framework became unavoidable. States continue to regulate physical casinos, lotteries, and horse racing. 

But when it comes to online real-money betting, the central government now holds primary authority. The new law overrides state permissions for online money games. This means a state cannot independently legalize online sports betting unless the central government modifies national policy. The 2026 sports betting laws in India therefore create a unified rulebook applicable across all states, reducing conflicts and loopholes.

Business and Consumer Impact

The updated betting laws have created significant changes for both users and companies. Bettors now find fewer platforms offering real-money wagering, as many previously accessible offshore sites face payment blocks. Operators have either exited the Indian market or switched to non-monetary engagement models. 

The strict approach of the 2026 sports betting laws in India aims to protect users from financial loss, addictive behaviors, and unregulated environments. For businesses, compliance has become more important than ever. While some companies are awaiting further legal clarity or court rulings, most have already begun restructuring their models for safer and compliant operations.

Read More: How Online Betting Works — Explained for Beginners

Future Outlook and Possible Amendments

As the industry evolves, there is ongoing debate about whether India should regulate sports betting rather than prohibit it. Some argue regulation could increase revenue and reduce illegal market activity. Others believe prohibition is necessary for social and ethical reasons. 

Over the next few years, court cases and policy reviews may shape amendments to the 2026 sports betting laws in India. For now, the rules remain strict, with a clear national stance against real-money online betting. Stakeholders should stay updated on legal changes, as the environment may continue evolving with increasing digital adoption.

FAQs

Q1. Is there any law for online betting in India? 

Yes, central law prohibits real-money online betting across the country.

Q2. What are the rules for online gaming in India 2025? 

In 2025, real-money online gaming was banned while non-monetary skill games remained allowed.

Q3. Is sports betting legal in India? 

No, sports betting involving real money is not legal under national regulations.

Q4. Is 1xBet going to be banned in India? 

Yes, offshore betting sites offering real-money betting are blocked and considered illegal.