Betway is one of the famous platforms in India. It is liked by the players for sports betting and casino games. But its cricket sponsorships made it more popular in India. This platform provides everything from cricket and football to blackjack and slots. But since the government has passed the 2025 new gambling law, people are getting confused and debating on Is Betway Legal in India?
The answer is not simple. As there is no uniform law implemented across the country. To give you a clear understanding this blog will give you the full detailed information.
Understanding Betway as a Platform
Betway was launched as an online betting company outside India and now serves users worldwide. It is licensed internationally, not under Indian regulations.
For Indian players, Betway looks attractive because:
- You can place bets on cricket, tennis, football, and several other sports.
- The platform also offers casino games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker.
- Deposits in Indian rupees are supported, which makes it convenient.
The design of the site and app is also simple, which appeals to new users. However, because Betway is not an Indian company, it is not covered under Indian gambling law. This creates uncertainty about its legal status.
How Indian Law Looks at Online Betting
India’s betting laws are not uniform. There are three layers to keep in mind:
- National law: The Public Gambling Act of 1867 bans physical gambling houses but says nothing directly about online platforms.
- Technology law: The IT Act of 2000 gives the government the authority to block sites that violate Indian law, which includes some betting sites.
- State laws: Each state decides for itself whether online gambling is allowed or banned.
On top of this, India makes a distinction between games of chance and games of skill. Games based on chance, like slots, are usually considered gambling. Games that involve skill, like fantasy cricket or rummy, sometimes get exemptions. Betway mostly offers chance-based games and sports betting, which puts it closer to the gambling side of the law.
State-Wise Status of Betway
Because the states set their own rules, Betway is not legal everywhere. Here’s a breakdown:
| State | Legal Status |
| Andhra Pradesh | Banned |
| Telangana | Banned |
| Tamil Nadu | Banned |
| Karnataka | Banned |
| Sikkim | Restricted (only locally licensed platforms) |
| Nagaland | Restricted (skill-based games only) |
| Meghalaya | Restricted (license needed) |
| Other states (Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, etc.) | Accessible |
So, Betway is not banned at the national level, but it is banned in several states.
Risks of Using Betway
If you are still planning to continue on these platform these are the risk that players can face:
- Legal trouble: In states where these kinds of platforms get strictly banned, using Betway-like platforms can lead to fines or legal penalties.
- No safety net: Since Betway is used by the players internationally, as it is a global platform, if something happens to players’ money or account the Indian authority will not help the player.
- Payment difficulties: Banks and wallets in India, including UPI and Paytm, usually block transactions related to betting. Many players switch to cryptocurrency, which carries its own risks.
Tax duties: If you win on Betway, you are required to declare your winnings as income and pay taxes on them in India.
The Real Money Gaming Ban in India
Some people believe India has a national “real money gaming ban,” but that is not accurate. What India actually has is a patchwork of state bans. States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have totally banned betting and gambling platforms.
At the same time, the central government has powers under the IT Act to block websites it sees as illegal. This means Betway and other international betting sites may face restrictions in the future.
Where Betting in India Is Heading
Looking ahead, the future of betting sites in India is expected to be stricter. The government is already focusing on separating games of skill from games of chance.
- Platforms offering skill-based games may be regulated.
- Casinos and betting platforms offering chance-based games may face more bans.
- A licensing system could be introduced where only government-approved platforms are allowed to operate.
Until then, Betway sits in a grey area-available in some states but blocked in others.
Tips for Players
If you are planning to use Betway, here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Check your state’s laws before using the platform.
- Treat Betway as a form of entertainment, not a source of income.
- Be cautious with payments, especially if you use cryptocurrency or international wallets.
- Keep track of any winnings and report them for taxes.
Final Word
So, is Betway legal in India? The answer is not fixed. As at the national level, it is not banned. But at the state level, it is banned in some states but not in others.For players in states without bans, Betway is still accessible. This change in the laws for the betting sites shows that the government is getting more strict. If you still continue to play on these platforms , always make sure to check your state laws first, and play from the entertainment perspective not a way of making money.
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