The legality of poker in India remains one of the most debated topics in the gaming industry. Some states recognize poker as a game of skill, while others classify it under gambling laws. With no centralized regulation, players and poker platforms must navigate different legal frameworks across states.
As of 2025, new regulations in Tamil Nadu have introduced strict rules on online gaming but do not impose a complete ban on poker. Meanwhile, courts in Karnataka, West Bengal, and Delhi have ruled in favor of poker as a game of skill, but a lack of state-level licensing frameworks still creates uncertainty.
This guide provides a state-wise breakdown of poker’s legal status in India, discusses key court rulings, and analyzes how government policies will shape the future of poker.
For an in-depth look at the growth and future of poker in India, refer to Poker in India: Legal Status, Growth & Future.
Is Poker Legal in India?
India does not have a single national law regulating poker. Instead, states decide whether poker is classified as a game of skill or chance.
- Games of skill are protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution, allowing individuals to practice any profession or trade.
- Games of chance fall under gambling laws, which are banned or restricted in several states.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867, which governs gambling laws in most Indian states, does not explicitly mention poker. As a result, different states have taken different approaches.
State-Wise Legal Status of Poker in India (2025 Update)
States Where Poker is Fully Legal and Regulated
These states have clear legal recognition for poker as a game of skill, allowing licensed operators to run poker platforms.
- Goa – Poker is fully legal in licensed casinos such as Deltin Royale, Big Daddy, and Casino Pride.
- Sikkim – The Sikkim Online Gaming Regulation Act permits licensed online and live poker operations.
- Nagaland – The Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016, issues licenses for online poker platforms.
States Where Poker is Recognized as a Skill Game (But Unregulated)
These states have court rulings recognizing poker as a game of skill, but there is no official regulatory body for licensing.
- Karnataka – The Karnataka High Court (2021) ruled that poker is skill-based, striking down the state’s ban on online gaming.
- West Bengal – The West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competitions Act exempts poker from gambling laws.
- Delhi – While poker clubs operate freely, there is no clear licensing process for online poker.
States Where Poker is Heavily Regulated (But Not Banned)
These states do not ban poker outright, but strict regulations apply to ensure responsible gaming.
1. Tamil Nadu: Strict Regulations, But No Poker Ban
Reference: Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Rules 2025 – Extension & Impact
Tamil Nadu has not banned poker, but it has implemented stringent regulations under the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) Regulations, 2025. These rules are aimed at controlling online real-money gaming platforms while ensuring consumer protection.
Key Provisions of the 2025 Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Regulations:
- Mandatory KYC Verification: Players must complete Aadhaar-based KYC verification with two-factor authentication.
- Gaming Curfew: Real-money online poker cannot be played between 12 AM – 5 AM IST.
- Deposit Limits: The government has imposed daily, weekly, and monthly spending caps on real-money poker.
- Age Restriction: Minors (below 18 years) are prohibited from playing real-money poker.
Legal Context:
- Tamil Nadu originally attempted to ban poker and rummy, but the Madras High Court overturned the ban.
- The state government continues to challenge poker’s legal status, advocating for stricter regulations.
These regulations mean that while players in Tamil Nadu can legally play online poker, they must comply with strict restrictions.
For a detailed breakdown of Tamil Nadu’s online gaming laws, refer to the full analysis on PokerBol:
🔗 Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Rules 2025 – Extension & Impact.
2. Maharashtra
- No official poker ban, but the state does not classify poker as a skill game.
- Private poker clubs operate in a legal gray area.
3. Uttar Pradesh
- No law explicitly banning poker, but the state does not regulate or recognize it as skill-based.
4. Bihar
- No official stance on poker. Some clubs and online platforms operate, but without state licensing.
States Where Poker is Banned or Restricted
These states have explicitly banned real-money poker, either through legislative amendments or court rulings.
- Andhra Pradesh – Amended its gambling laws in 2020, banning all real-money gaming, including poker.
- Telangana – Passed an amendment in 2017 banning online poker and real-money gaming.
- Gujarat – The Gujarat High Court (2017) ruled that poker is a game of chance, making it illegal in the state.
Conclusion: The Need for a National Poker Law
Poker in India remains stuck in a legal maze, with some states fully supporting it, others heavily regulating it, and a few outright banning it.
For players, this means:
✔ If you’re in Goa, Sikkim, or Nagaland, you can play legally.
⚠ If you’re in Karnataka, Delhi, or West Bengal, poker is recognized as a skill game but remains unregulated.
❌ If you’re in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, or Gujarat, real-money poker is banned.
With rising player participation and industry growth, India needs a centralized poker law that offers legal clarity, fair taxation, and consumer protection.
For more details on poker’s legal and industry growth in India, visit Poker in India: Legal Status, Growth & Future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Poker Legality in India
1. Is poker legal in Bangalore (Karnataka)?
Yes, poker is legal in Bangalore, as the Karnataka High Court (2021) ruled poker is a game of skill. However, there is no state-level licensing authority for online poker.
2. Can I play poker legally in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, poker is not banned in Tamil Nadu, but the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) Regulations, 2025 impose strict regulations on online poker, including mandatory KYC verification, gaming curfews, and spending limits.
3. Is poker legal in Mumbai (Maharashtra)?
Mumbai does not have a clear legal stance on poker, but poker clubs operate under a legal gray area. The state does not officially classify poker as a skill game.
4. Can I play online poker in Delhi?
Yes, online poker is not banned in Delhi, and the courts have ruled poker as a game of skill. However, there is no official licensing framework for online platforms.
5. What happens if I play poker in a banned state like Gujarat or Telangana?
If you play real-money poker in Gujarat, Telangana, or Andhra Pradesh, you could face legal action, as these states explicitly ban real-money gaming.
