Gambling in India is a fascinating mix of tradition, regulation, and modern innovation. Known as a hotspot for global traffic and media buying teams, India stands out with its unique approach to gambling laws—unlike anything seen elsewhere.
From ancient dice games mentioned in epics to the evolving iGaming domain, the country’s gambling culture is deeply rooted yet rapidly adapting to modern trends.
From Dice Games to Digital Platforms: The Journey of Gambling in India
India may not be the birthplace of gambling, but it is undoubtedly one of its earliest hubs. Ancient texts like the Ramayana reference gambling as early as 7300 B.C., showcasing its deep historical roots. Dice games, which originated here, became a global phenomenon over time.
By the 15th century, India’s gambling traditions were flourishing, with prototypes of modern casinos emerging in cities like Delhi and Bombay—long before America was even discovered. Animal fights, particularly rooster battles, were also immensely popular, predating their rise in France.
The arrival of Europeans, especially the British, brought significant changes to India’s legal framework. Gambling laws introduced over 150 years ago remain surprisingly relevant today. Yet, questions linger: why is poker treated differently from roulette? And why hasn’t the latter been fully legalized? Let’s explore these intriguing aspects in detail.
Colonial Roots of India's Gambling Laws: A Lasting Legacy
During the colonial era, gambling gained immense popularity among Indians, with many becoming deeply engrossed in emerging trends. Various games, including cricket—a sport that remains a national obsession—contributed to this surge.
However, the rise in illegal betting brought with it a wave of associated crimes such as drunkenness, loan sharking, debt manipulation, and muggings, all of which plagued the underground gambling scene. Recognizing the growing problem, the British administration was compelled to intervene and take action.
The renowned Public Gambling Act of 1867 was enacted, establishing a unified legal framework to regulate gambling across the state. While it didn’t impose an outright ban on all gambling activities, it placed significant restrictions, effectively removing gambling houses from the realm of legality. What makes this legislation particularly intriguing is the underlying principle on which it was based.
Skill or Luck? The Core Debate in Gambling Regulation
The pragmatic British lawmakers drew a clear distinction between games of luck and games of skill. Games where outcomes were entirely random, such as dice, roulette, and certain basic card games, were prohibited. On the other hand, skill-based games like classic poker and rummy—an Indian adaptation with its own rich history—were allowed.
Similarly, games like dominoes and chess escaped a complete ban, leaving some room for gambling enthusiasts to indulge. It’s fascinating to consider whether the individual who signed this law could have imagined its enduring impact, far outlasting its creator.
Over the decades, India has witnessed monumental changes—giving the world Gandhi, curried rice, an ongoing conflict with Pakistan, and meme-worthy programmers. Yet, through it all, the Public Gambling Act has remained in effect, continuing to shape the country’s gambling regulations even today.
The Patchwork of Indian Gambling Regulations: A State-Level Analysis
India’s gambling regulations remain highly intricate and in need of greater clarity. The Public Gambling Act applies across all Indian states, yet each state has the autonomy to introduce its own amendments, creating a patchwork of localized rules. Additionally, the Information Technology Act of 2000, which governs illegal online transactions nationwide, makes no specific mention of gambling, further complicating the legal framework.
Online gambling is permitted in states like Goa and Sikkim, which also host physical casinos. However, southeastern states such as Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana have imposed outright bans on online gambling. In most other states, the absence of additional amendments leaves online casinos in a legal gray area without clear regulation.
Interestingly, while some regions have banned online gambling, enforcing these laws against individual players is rare due to a lack of precedents. This creates a scenario where outdated laws—crafted over a century ago—fail to address the realities of modern gambling practices.
India’s Favorite Gambling Activities and Games
Despite legislative loopholes, India’s gambling market continues to grow steadily, driven by high player activity and a mix of local and international games. Western classics like roulette and poker coexist with traditional favorites such as rummy, Teen Patti, and Andar Bahar. Lotteries and bingo, much like in Latin America, also enjoy widespread popularity among Indian players.
However, the rise of online casinos presents both opportunities and challenges. Offshore platforms dominate the market, offering popular games like Book of Ra and Crazy Monkey but contributing nothing to India’s economy. These platforms often facilitate money transfers abroad, bypassing local regulations and raising concerns about financial security.
The Indian market also boasts established platforms like Odds and 4rabet alongside global giants such as 1xBet and 1win, creating intense competition. This benefits arbitrageurs with lucrative offers but also highlights the need for effective advertising strategies. Facebook Ads remains the leading channel due to India’s vast user base, while context and teaser networks serve as viable alternatives. However, TikTok is banned in the country, limiting its use for campaigns.
When crafting creatives, advertisers must consider India’s socio-economic realities. Promoting quick income opportunities resonates well with audiences but requires strong retention strategies to ensure sustainable returns. Despite regulatory gaps, the Indian gambling market holds immense potential for growth and innovation.
Market Growth in 2025
With a population of nearly 1.5 billion and a rapidly expanding economy, combined with increasing internet penetration, India offers an ideal audience for earning through affiliate programs. For years, India has been a top geo for traffic arbitrage, providing a cost-effective environment to test campaigns before scaling them to more expensive markets like the Bay Area.
In 2024 alone, the country’s online gambling market is projected to generate $2.9 billion in revenue, with an annual growth rate of 6%. By 2030, this figure is expected to surpass $4 billion. The market’s potential for expansion remains immense, driven by growing infrastructure, the emergence of new platforms, and the steady rise of online gambling culture. This makes India a bankable and promising market for affiliates and advertisers alike.
Wrapping It Up
India is set to remain a highly attractive market for media buying and gambling affiliates, with its iGaming sector poised for rapid growth.
To capitalize on this opportunity and achieve strong results, it’s essential to leverage a robust platform for tracking traffic and managing affiliate programs. Alanbase offers an all-in-one solution, integrating key features like affiliate management, traffic tracking, payouts, and offers into a single interface.
Getting started with Alanbase is simple—just submit a request, and a manager will guide you through the process. The platform provides real-time traffic statistics, enabling you to efficiently manage campaigns in India or any other region.
With 14 days of free access and no need to link a bank card, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore limitless earning potential.
Plus, a dedicated manager will help tailor the program to your specific needs for maximum success.
