Is Using Bet365 Legal in India?

India's online sports betting and casino industry is valued at an estimated $1.6 billion and is expected to reach $7 billion by 2025. Finding a straight answer regarding the legality of online gambling in India is challenging. To conclude whether Bet365 is legal in India, we first need to have a closer look at the gambling and betting laws in the country.

Gambling Legislation in India

In India, certain states have complete autonomy in enacting legislation. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana have introduced specific laws that ban online gambling. All forms of gambling have been made legal in Daman and Diu, Goa, Nagaland, and Sikkim. Sikkim is the only state that has specifically legalized online gambling. 

However, it must be mentioned that the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which bans gambling and the running of gambling houses (that applies to all states), doesn't consider betting on a game of skill as gambling. In addition, the IT Act of 2000, which regulates cyber activities, doesn't have any references to online gambling or betting. 

Skills Versus Luck

Betting in India is divided into two categories: 

• Skills (Permitted) 

The law in India states that where a skill is required to predict the outcome, it's not considered to be a gambling activity. For example, placing a bet on a cricket match takes skills and knowledge. It's, therefore, not gambling. 

• Luck or Chance (Prohibited) 

Gambling is when you place a bet on a game where the outcome is exclusively determined by luck. For instance, rolling a dice and predicting the outcome is based on chance. 

Why Bet365 Is Legal in India - The Legal Loopholes 

One of the reasons Bet365 can't be banned in India is that Bet365 is owned and operated in the United Kingdom. Indian gambling laws only impose gambling restrictions in India. However, you'll be breaking anti-gambling laws if you place a bet with an online gambling site owned and operated in India. 

Additionally, with the introduction of cryptocurrency and E-wallet transactions on the Bet365 website, Indian customers can bypass the Indian banking system. Neteller, Entropay, and Skrill casino payments are the most widely used. 

The Future Of Bet365 

The future of online gambling and sports betting is in the hands of Indian legislators and policymakers. Should the government decide to impose an all-encompassing Act, it could stop online sports betting and gambling activities. 

However, should they make it completely legal, the country could benefit immensely from taxation laws. In addition, players would be better protected against dishonest online startups that seem to pop up everywhere these days. 

Thankfully, Bet365 is a well-established, highly regulated online gambling website that constantly maintains the highest levels of integrity. The site has been operating since 2000 and has a superb track record for honoring wagers. 

The Bottom Line 

To date, nobody in India has been prosecuted for placing online bets with online sports betting websites or casinos. The reason for this is apparent. The laws in India need to be more explicit when it comes to the subject matter. Placing bets with an international gambling site like Bet365 is neither illegal nor legal at this moment in time. 

A recent update from the Law Commission of India proposed that sports betting sites and online casinos should be legalized in India. The commission also recommended that these activities need to be controlled and monitored. In the meantime, all our experts at Casinotopsonline agree that you can sign up and gamble at Bet365 without fear of being prosecuted or fined.