Betwinner is a well-known betting platform that many Indian players have heard about. who enjoy betting on cricket, football, and other games. With its wide sports coverage and online casino features, many people are curious about using it. But the most common question is: Is Betwinner legal in India?
So, the answer to this question is mixed, as the law is not implemented on a national level. And different states have different take on this. In this blog you will get full detailed information related to this.
What Makes Betwinner Popular?
Betwinner is an international betting site that operates under a license outside India. It is not officially registered under Indian gambling laws, but Indian users can still access it online.
Some reasons why players use Betwinner include:
- Big variety of sports, especially cricket and football
- Casino games like poker, slots, and roulette
- Live betting options with real-time odds
- Different payment methods, including crypto and e-wallets
For players, it feels like a complete betting platform. But being international also makes its legal position in India less clear.
Is Online Betting Legal in India?
India does not have one single national law that says online betting is legal or illegal. Instead, the central government gives states the freedom to make their own decisions.
- In some states, all online betting is banned.
- In some states, only licensed local platforms or skill-based games are allowed.
- In many other states, there is no direct ban on using international platforms like Betwinner.
This uneven system is why players often get confused about whether using Betwinner is legal.
States Where Betwinner Is Restricted
Being Betwinner legal depends on the states that players live in. Some states allow access, while others have banned all forms of online gambling which are:
| State | Legal Status |
| Andhra Pradesh | Banned |
| Telangana | Banned |
| Tamil Nadu | Banned |
| Karnataka | Banned |
| Sikkim | Restricted (only licensed local operators) |
| Nagaland | Restricted (skill-based games only) |
| Meghalaya | Restricted (local licenses required) |
| Others (Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, etc.) | Accessible |
Risks of Using Betwinner in India
Even though the Betwinner is still legal in some states, but before playing on these platforms the players should be aware of the risks:
- Legal consequences : The use of platforms like Betwinner is banned in many states and the playing on these platforms can lead to fines or legal actions.
- No legal protection : Since Betwinner is an international platform, Indian authorities will not help in any kind of consequences like if players lose their money or their account gets frozen.
- Payment issues : Indian banks, UPI, and wallets like Paytm and Google Pay usually block gambling-related payments. Many players turn to cryptocurrency, but this comes with its own risks.
- Tax obligations : All winnings from Betwinner are taxable in India. You must report them as income and pay the required tax.
Real Money Gaming Ban in India
The 2025 gaming bill introduced stricter rules for online gaming in India. Its main focus is to control chance-based games while allowing some skill-based games under a regulated system.
This bill gave several states more power to enforce bans on betting sites like Betwinner. So while it is still accessible in many places, the restrictions are growing stronger with time.
Future of Betting Sites in India
The future of betting sites legal in India is still uncertain. What is clear is that the government wants to separate skill-based games (like rummy and fantasy cricket) from pure gambling (like slots and roulette).
In the coming years, India may bring in a licensing system. If that will happen then the international platforms like Betwinner need to get permission. After that these platforms can run illegally in India. Until then, they remain in a grey area,legal in some states,but banned in others.
FAQs
1. Is Betwinner banned in India?
Not everywhere. Some states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have banned online gambling completely. But in most other states, Betwinner is still accessible.
2. Can I use Indian payment apps with Betwinner?
No. Apps like UPI, PhonePe, and Paytm do not work with betting sites. Most users rely on international wallets or cryptocurrency.
3. Do I have to pay taxes on Betwinner winnings?
Yes. Any winnings are taxable under Indian law, and you are required to declare them.
4. What is the future of sites like Betwinner in India?
The government is moving toward stricter rules. In the future, licensing may be introduced, but for now, offshore sites remain in a legally uncertain position.
Final Word
So, is Betwinner legal in India? As already explained in the blog. It will depend on the states the players live in. Some states have strictly banned the betting and gambling platforms, while others put restrictions. For players in other states, Betwinner is still accessible but comes with risks. Players need to be mindful while playing so they don’t get stuck in any kind of trap.
If you decide to continue to play on these platforms, then make sure to play it for only the entertainment purpose only and not as a source of income. Always check your state laws first, because the Indian government is moving toward tighter control of betting platforms.
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