The Legal Labyrinth: Understanding the Current Status of Cricket Betting Apps in India (Dec 2025)

In December 2025, the situation with cricket betting apps in India resembles a complex puzzle that each state puts together in its own way. For the average Indian cricket fan who wants to bet on his favorite team, the legal field can seem like a real maze. Many Indians face a paradoxical situation on a daily basis: on the one hand, cricket remains a national passion, and on the other, the ability to legally bet on a match depends on a person’s geographical location. This legal disagreement creates constant confusion. People are asking questions: is it possible to place bets on international platforms?

Indian Federal Law

The main document used to regulate gambling is the Public Gambling Act, 1867. Yes, it was in 1867. It prohibits the organization and participation in gambling, but makes an exception for skill-based games. This gap became the basis for the legalization of some forms of betting.

Judicial practice in recent years has confirmed: Poker and fantasy sports are games that depend on skill, not chance. On this basis, several states have allowed such platforms. However, betting on the outcome of a match, especially in cricket, is still considered gambling if it does not fall under the category of “skill”.

However, the central government does not adopt new laws, leaving the decision to the states. This creates an imbalance: in some places betting is almost legal, while in others it is strictly prohibited.

Regional Regulation in India

India is a federation, and each state has the right to set its own rules. That is why the situation varies greatly depending on the location.

States with relative freedom:

• Goa is one of the most liberal regions. Land-based casinos are allowed here, and although online betting is not officially approved, it is not actively pursued;
• Sikkim has implemented its own licensing system for online casinos and bookmakers. Companies can obtain work permits in the state, making it one of the few regions with clear regulations;
• Manipur and Meghalaya passed laws in 2023 allowing online sports betting and skill games. They established taxes, licensing requirements and control over the activities of operators. This is the first step towards creating a regulated market.

States with severe restrictions:

• Tamil Nadu is one of the strictest. The Tamil Nadu Gaming Act completely prohibits betting on cricket and other sports. Any application offering such services is subject to blocking;
• Gujarat has recently strengthened controls, including criminal liability for the use of international platforms;
• Karnataka and Telangana partially allow skill games, but betting on the outcome of the match remains illegal.

How The Authorities Deal with Illegal Applications

Since direct regulation is difficult, the main tool is website blocking. The central authorities send requests to Internet service providers to restrict access to the domains of international bookmakers. This applies to both large platforms and small sites offering online cricket betting. However, these measures are superficial:

• Only the main domains are blocked;
• Users easily bypass restrictions through mirrors, apps, and VPNs;
• Apps on Google Play and the App Store continue to work unless they receive an official ban.

In addition, the platforms themselves are adapting: they release separate versions for India, use local payments, and support Hindi and English. 

Tax Issues in India

Since 2025, the tax authorities have significantly strengthened control over betting operations:

• A single tax rate of 28% applies to all types of bets, from pre-match to live betting;
• When withdrawing large amounts, bookmakers are required to request documents about the origin of the money;
• Platforms should keep detailed financial statements for each transaction;
• All transactions are automatically logged into the monitoring system of the tax service.

Residents of different states face additional difficulties with tax deductions.

What’s Going On with Indian Users?

Despite the blockages and bans, ordinary players are almost never held accountable. Criminal cases are initiated against the organizers, website owners, and major intermediaries, but not against those who place bets on the amount within their personal budget.

This creates a paradox: platforms are blocked, legislation is being tightened, but millions continue to play without fear of trial. The main risk for the user is to lose money, not to go to jail.

Conclusions 

The situation requires Indian bettors to be constantly vigilant and ready for change. What was allowed yesterday may be banned tomorrow. Nevertheless, the development of technology is constantly outpacing legislation and new ways are emerging to circumvent the restrictions that the authorities are trying to control.

The future of the cricket betting industry in India will depend on whether the government can find a balance between protecting citizens and satisfying their natural desire to bet on their favorite sport. In the meantime, every cricket fan has to decide for himself how to participate in the game, being aware of all possible risks and consequences.