Being the second-most populous country on the globe, India is also among the territories that have not remained unaffected by the makeover of the online gambling industry.
There are several enablers to the popularity of online gambling, with some of the most prominent being the advancement in technologies and the boom of digital payments. Thanks to all the changes that have come about in the past few years, virtual players are now given almost seamless access to a whole new realm of opportunities.
Although online gambling is already widely accepted and pursued in various other countries, it may safely be said that this form of entertainment is still in its infancy in India. Still, the universal appeal gambling has is undeniable as an ever-growing number of people get down to wagering on casino games, and the revenue figures of the industry come to prove that.
Despite the fact that the situation in the country remains a bit perplexed, numerous gaming operators are facing the flourishing market and give their best to guarantee the continued engagement of gambling aficionados.
The aim of this article is to help you get an insight into the legal landscape in the country and give you the needed knowledge so as not to get overwhelmed while picking up a web-based casino to play at.
Gambling Legislation in India
Before lovers of casino games get down to picking an online casino that is worth their time and money, they should be satisfied that they are fully aware of how matters stand when gambling is concerned.
The legality of some forms of gambling has turned into a subject of heated debates for quite some time due to the fact that many people consider the legislation of the country a bit dated. Interestingly enough, the most paramount pieces of legislation that have to do with gambling are The Public Gambling Act from 1867 and the Prize Competitions Act from 1955. India’s constitution, on the other hand, gives the individual states the leave to come up with laws on gambling and betting on their own, thus further complicating the situation.
The main reason why the legal landscape in the country is so challenging is that while some states adopted the Public Gambling Act, others brought into effect their own legislation, which is the case with Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, among others. The main aim of the act, however, was to outlaw public gambling and to elaborate on the punishments infringers will be imposed.
What impedes the interpretation and applicability of these pieces of legislation is that they were enacted quite some time ago when the online gambling industry was yet to be given rise to. What is more, the Act does not give a description of what gambling is, thus leaving room for different interpretations.
The Prize Competition Act of 1955 was not a game-changer either because its provisions are rather general. In fact, it only stipulates that competitions with prizes that go over 1,000 rupees per month are prohibited.
The legislation of the country differentiates between games of skill and games of chance, which is an important thing to keep in mind. The reason why gambling aficionados should be in the know about this distinction is that the country has put a ban on games of chance. As it seems, certain issues seem to arise while determining which casino games are based on skills rather than on luck. Hence, it is not much of a surprise that the Cable Television Network Rules from 1994 disallows the advertisement of all gambling activities bar games that require skills.
Please do not forget about the Foreign Exchange Act from 1999. While playing at an online casino that does not support payments in rupees, gambling enthusiasts will be prompted to go for another currency, which might be regarded as an exchange of currencies. Needless to say, this might raise some issues, which is an undesirable scenario.
The Information Technology Act of 2011 is yet another piece of legislation that is worth giving some attention to due to the fact that it prohibits Internet and network service providers to make for the transmission of any content that may stir up citizens to gamble. As it seems, that piece of legislation has not turned out to be that effective because the online casinos keep on providing their services untroubled by the government.
Bonuses and Exclusive Deals Players from India Can Benefit from
Most India-facing online casinos show great oomph to keep their players engaged and satisfied for quite some time in an attempt to retain the attention of their existing customers and to attract some fresh blood. Most operators are fully aware that although their portfolio makes up the heart and the soul of the casino, the prominence of the promotional offers should not be underrated as well.
The better part of the operators that are focused on that market have already found their touch when it comes to meeting the demands of their recruits and returning users. Best of all, there are numerous operators that are considerate towards players from India by showcasing exclusive deals in rupees.
In most cases, the sign-up offers are the most intriguing ones due to the fact that they allow newcomers at the casino to add some free cash to their balance from the get-go of their stay. What Indian players should expect to get are deposit matches, bonus spins, or even cashbacks.
If you are an old hand at gambling, perhaps, you are already aware that you should invariably look beyond the sign-up offer while choosing an online casino to play at. Usually, players are offered various other exclusive deals down the line the aim of which is to enhance their long-standing experience by making it more lucrative. Some of the offers that are likely to keep virtual players around include reload, no-deposit, referral, and payment method bonuses. Players can also stumble upon game-specific promotional offers, and different daily or monthly exclusive deals.
Some operators also give players from India the chance to compete in various tournaments, thus allowing them to amass even more and bigger prizes. Loyalty schemes might turn out to be yet another great way to gain momentum while playing over the Internet.
The bulk of the web-based casinos that accept players from the region are prone to give players access to their VIP programs, given that they have played at the casino for quite some time, and they have amassed a specific number of loyalty points. The benefits players should expect in return for their allegiance are varied as they might be offered dedicated customer care, tailor-made promotional offers, gifts, and birthday bonuses.
Apparently, many gambling enthusiasts get easily overwhelmed by the boons the exclusive deals offer, thus failing to check out if the promotional offer is worthwhile at all. Despite the fact that operators tend to compete in offering more eye-catching bonuses and promotional offers, there is no such thing as free lunch, which is the reason why acquainting yourself with the bonus terms and conditions is all-important.
Most Widely-used Payment Methods by Players from India
Despite the fact that online gaming is all about entertainment, the variety of the games on offer is not the only thing virtual players from India need to focus their attention on. Having the peace of mind that you will be able to get your money on and off the virtual casino you have registered with without much hassle is no less important as well.
Even though gambling aficionados from the region might run into some issues while they endeavor to fill up their account with cash or to retrieve their winnings using their credit or debit card, payment tools like cryptocurrencies and e-wallets might work best for them.
Skrill
Neteller
ecoPayz
Cryptocurrencies
Card Payments
Skrill
It may safely be said that Skrill has developed into a number-one choice for gambling enthusiasts from India because of its reliability and the unparalleled safety levels it guarantees. The advantages of using Skrill when gambling over the Internet are numerous, but one of its strongest points remains that it is on tap for deposits and cashouts. The promptness of withdrawals is not to be overlooked as in most cases, players may need to wait no more than 24 hours to obtain their winnings.
Neteller
Neteller is also among the payment processors that have gained momentum among gambling enthusiasts who are based in India because it makes for deposits on the nail. Cashouts do not take ages as well, which is often the case with some of the other payment processors that are featured in most casinos.
It ranks among some of the most widely accepted banking solutions as the bulk of the oversea casinos have incorporated the digital wallet into their cashiers, thus giving players from the region a vast range of options.
ecoPayz
Virtual players are unlikely to have a hard time figuring out what ecoPayz is all about due to the fact that it functions in the same manner as Neteller and Skrill. One of the biggest benefits users of ecoPayz will enjoy is that depositing via this banking solution will rarely exclude them from bonus redemption. The affordability of the payment method is yet another reason why casino mavens turn their eyes to it as the fees that are associated with it are minuscule.
Cryptocurrencies
So as to overcome the obstacles they might encounter when handling their gambling-related transactions, players should consider using cryptocurrencies. This banking solution has several strong points as payments through it take almost no time and will not cost you a dime. Moreover, digital currencies are likely to be well-suited to gambling enthusiasts who insist on retaining their anonymity as well.
Card Payments
Despite the fact that nearly all India-friendly virtual casinos accept payments via Maestro, Mastercard, and Visa-branded debit and credit cards, players from that region might run out of the road with their payments. It is on the cards that your deposit will not go through due to the fact that banks are instructed to reject any gambling-related transactions.
Playing Casino Games on the Go
Gambling enthusiasts who are on the move at the moment but who are unable to wait to go home in order to play are unlikely to be disappointed as well. The bulk of the casinos that cater to the needs of players from India go out of their way to respond to the wildly growing popularity of mobile gambling either through dedicated apps for touchscreen devices or via the so-called browser-based apps.
What makes many gambling enthusiasts turn their eyes to this kind of entertainment is that in most cases, mobile casinos are feature-rich and they have broad-enough selections of games. Moreover, some operators tend to offer exclusive deals that are tailor-made for players who prefer gambling through their handheld devices, thus making their websites something to write home about.
A primary reason why mobile gambling is growing in popularity in that region is that virtual players are given the opportunity to enjoy themselves while reveling in the games they relish, and potentially, to bag big payouts in an improved way. Playing at most of the virtual casinos targeting that market does not even take downloading and installing extra software on your portable device since the only thing you need to do in order to get down to gambling is to point the website of the casino to your web browser.
Another reason why gambling aficionados might like the gaming websites that offer in-browser apps better is that they will not have any of their storage space used, which is great news to hear, especially if you do not feel like playing at a single mobile casino.
One of the distinctive traits of the decent mobile casinos is that the gaming operators behind them recognize the significance of a well-functioning user interface. A good number of mobile casinos have all the unnecessary frills stripped down, which is essential for the smooth and stress-free navigation and user experience.
Top 10 Online Casinos for Players from India
We are fully aware that picking an online casino can turn out to be exceptionally overwhelming, especially if you are about to make your first steps in gambling. We have saved you the hassle and the time to examine and assess the gaming websites that accept players from India by doing this in your stead.
All these casinos have something to shout about, which is the reason why they are likely to live up to the expectations of many casino buffs. All these virtual casinos score exceptionally high when it comes to bonuses and promotional offers, game variety, and dependability, which renders them worth stopping by.
LeoVegas
Casumo Casino
Casino Joy
Yeti Casino
Rizk Casino
Vegas Hero Casino
Casino Cruise
Royal Panda Casino
Genesis Casino
Betway Casino
LeoVegas
LeoVegas ranks among the most attractive destinations for gambling enthusiasts from India. It is an award-winning online casino that penetrated the iGaming industry back in 2012.
The operator poses as a majestic performer also when the exclusive deals on offer are concerned as the company runs several short-term and continuing promotions. The banking system of the casino is exceptionally intuitive as it incorporates prepaid vouchers, credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. What is more, players can set up their accounts in rupees.
While being at LeoVegas, casino mavens can have the time of their life while playing classic or video slots, card and table classics, or to endeavor to bag an enormous prize while playing any of the jackpot games. What is more, the live-dealer lobby features an above-average selection of games as users of the casino can pick and choose from over 100 options.
This multilingual platform is powered by esteemed software developers like Evolution Gaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n Go, Yggdrasil, Betsoft, IGT, iSoftBet, and more.
LeoVegas claims to be the king of mobile casinos as it has raised the bar by offering dedicated apps Android and iOS-based devices that feature some of the latest releases from the above-mentioned providers.
Casumo Casino
Casumo Casino is a web-based casino that eagerly accepts players from various corners of the globe, including India. Since 2012, the operator has been giving its utmost to guarantee an exceptional experience to players who relish live games, casino classics, progressive slots, video poker varieties, and video slots that are numbering in the hundreds.
What is more, the casino showcases titles that are unavailable at the other virtual casinos, which makes it a great destination for those who want to try something out of the common run. Sports betting is supported as well, and the gaming platform is likely to draw lovers of this kind of entertainment with its varied betting markets.
Casumo Casino provides gambling aficionados with plenty of exclusive deals, thus ensuring that something is going on at the casino at all times. Players can also attempt to get their teeth into the cash prizes the casino-hosted tournaments award.
While the gaming website radiates fun and excitement, its payment system guarantees the convenience of players through various tried-and-tested payment solutions, transactions that are handled in a blink, and best of all, for nothing.
Casino Joy
Casino Joy is a gambling hub that has quite a lot to offer, no matter whether you are fired with enthusiasm by table games, jackpot games, slots, or live-dealer card and table classics. The line-up of games is amazing as patrons of the casino can pick and choose from over 1,300 high-end games that are courtesy of software developers like Microgaming, Play’n GO, Quickspin, Yggdrasil, Thunderkick, Playson, iSoftBet, and more. The live-dealer games are likely to put you in the heart of the fun as well as they are supplied by the leaders NetEnt and Evolution Gaming.
The gaming operator started making waves immediately after the online casino was launched, thanks to the exclusive deals it runs. Aside from the lucrative sign-up offer and VIP program, players might also be interested in the Rainbow bonuses, daily bonuses, as well as the freebies that are available on weekends.
Casino Joy has opened its virtual doors for gambling enthusiasts from a profusion of countries, including India. The operator maintains the satisfaction of its users also through its dedicated help desk that provides support via email, phone, and the live chat functionality.
Yeti Casino
Yeti Casino is a fun-themed virtual casino that is unlikely to leave you listless. The portfolio of the casino may capture players’ imagination because of the sheer profusion of games it hosts. Aside from everybody’s favorite classic and video slots, patrons of Yeti Casino can challenge the croupiers that host the live games or demonstrate their knowledge while playing roulette, blackjack, poker, or baccarat. The presence of the jackpot games will not go unnoticed as players can bag staggering prizes if they try out Mega Moolah, Mega Moolah Isis, Arabian Nights, Hall of the Gods, or Mega Fortune, among others.
Best of all, gambling aficionados can have the better part of these games in the palm of their hand, thanks to the in-browser app owners of iOS and Android-powered devices can capitalize on.
Yeti Casino is rated high by players from India because of the promotional offers it runs and also because of the promptness of deposits and cashouts. The accepted banking solutions are varied-enough, which guarantees that players will find a payment method that works best for them without any setbacks.
Rizk Casino
The launch of Rizk Casino was much anticipated, and it eventually came about in 2016. Ever since the casino was founded, the operator has worked tirelessly to ensure a fun and rewarding gambling experience to all its patrons. Not long ago, the company decided to expand the scope of its operations by adding a sportsbook to the gaming platform. The gaming solutions are exceptionally broad-ranging as the operator has met the demands of lovers of jackpot games, video poker variations, live games, and casino classics.
Rizk Casino provides an experience like no other also when its promotional offers are concerned as players can take part in the races hosted by the casino or make the most out of the prizes the Wheel of Rizk hands out. One of the greatest things about the company is that it has directed all its efforts to get rid of the fine print that typically arises issues for players.
The web-based casino operates flawlessly also when it comes to customer care as players who are in need of assistance can be serviced via live chat or email. The operator has seen to it that payments will go swimmingly and will not be time-consuming. The overwhelming extra charges are also done away with.
Vegas Hero Casino
Vegas Hero Casino is an online casino that is all about taking virtual players on a gambling experience that is in a class by itself. This is attainable, thanks to the lightning-fast cashouts and the robust bonus boost the operator promises. The exclusive deals come in spades, thus promising to make players’ stay a lot more lucrative. The loyalty club of the casino will be instrumental in this as it grants staggering prizes.
The gaming suite of the casino also comes to show why its launch caused a stir among gambling aficionados as it comprises over 1,300 titles that are styled by esteemed software developers like NYX Gaming, Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, iSoftBet, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, and Play’n GO. The epic selection of games can keep busy reel spinners, lovers of video poker, as well as players who are keen on classic casino entertainment.
The profusion of accepted payment methods is amazing, so is the number of currencies players can make use of. Last but not least, Vegas Hero Casino maintains high security and transparency levels, which is essential for a top-level experience.
Casino Cruise
Casino Cruise is a web-based casino that does particularly well when it comes to legitimacy and dependability. The web-based casino greeted its first users back in 2014, and it possesses seals of approval from the Gaming Authority of Malta and the Gambling Commission of the UK.
The virtual casino puts nothing out of players’ reach as gambling enthusiasts can try their hand in an abundance of enthralling titles that are brought to users of the casino by leading providers like Red Tiger, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Microgaming, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming.
The operator shows exceptional generosity to its patrons and recruits for which we can infer from the sizable selection of promotional offers Casino Cruise has in store. The gaming website has a mobile version that does not disappoint as it offers an unbeatable experience through a gaming suite of over 500 titles.
Virtual players are likely to feel comfortable on board also thanks to the broad selection of supported payment solutions users of the casino can resort to when depositing or withdrawing their funds.
Royal Panda Casino
Royal Panda Casino has grown massively since 2014 when the virtual casino saw the light of the day. Despite the fact that this gambling venue targets lovers of casino games in the main, it poses as a great place to stop by also if sports betting piques your interest.
The promotional deals on offer are likely to give patrons and recruits of the casino the needed impetus to keep on playing at Royal Panda. Moreover, all pandas are allowed to take part in the exclusive club of the casino, which may turn out to be an instant like for them, thanks to the top-notch perks it awards.
Royal Panda’s portfolio is beyond impressive as it puts together classic and video slots, blackjack, roulette, jackpot games, video poker variations, as well as live games. The fact that the gaming operator caters to the needs of mobile users is yet another proof that Royal Panda is a premium gambling hub.
The casino has all main contact venues on offer, and its patrons can have their problems solved if they seek assistance via live chat, phone, or email.
Genesis Casino
Genesis Casino also ranks among the casinos that keep on attracting an ever-increasing player community since its launch in 2018. The banking system of the casino has contributed greatly to its increasing popularity as its patrons can rely on over 20 payment processors.
So as to make for an endless supply of entertainment, the operator has collaborated with industry-leading software developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Yggdrasil, and Quickspin, while the live lobby is powered by Evolution Gaming. Thanks to the efforts of all these software developers, players can explore a vast galaxy of games that are numbering in the hundreds.
The safety levels at the casino are air-tight as players’ sensitive data will be safeguarded through an SSL encryption technology. Genesis Casino offers a glitch-free experience across devices running on iOS and Android, thanks to a fully-functional browser-based app.
Contacting the ground control is made easy, no matter whether you go for getting assistance through live chat, email, or over the phone.
Betway Casino
Speaking of the India-friendly online casinos that have a long-standing reputation, we should mention Betway as well. The gaming platform attracts sports bettors and casino goers alike with its reliability and the sheer profusion of options it reveals. Not to mention that Betway is approved by eCOGRA, which comes to show that the operator maintains a fair and safe gambling environment.
The web-based casino houses games that are tailored exclusively for that gaming platform, as well as a wealth of slots, blackjack games, roulette, and live-dealer games. Users of Betway are also given the chance to pursue huge payouts, thanks to the vast selection of jackpot slots it has on display.
Another reason why virtual players might decide to get down to playing at Betway is that the casino guarantees unmatched levels of flexibility to mobile users, thanks to lightning-quick dedicated apps for tablets and smartphones. The promotional offers players can benefit from are worthwhile as well, but players should not overlook the strict terms and conditions such offers are accompanied by.
