betting on football games illegal

In India, betting on football games is considered illegal under most circumstances. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits running or being in charge of a public gambling house. However, this law is quite old and doesn\“t specifically address online betting platforms.

Some states like Sikkim and Goa have specific regulations that allow certain forms of gambling within their territories. But for football betting specifically, most forms remain prohibited across the country. The only legal betting options for football in India are through state-run lotteries in some states or at physical casinos in designated areas.

Many international betting websites operate in India through offshore licenses, creating a legal gray area. While these platforms are accessible to Indian users, they operate in violation of Indian gambling laws. The government has been taking steps to block such websites, but enforcement remains challenging.

For Indian football enthusiasts looking to engage in legal betting activities, the best option is to participate in fantasy sports platforms that operate under the skill-based gaming exemption. These platforms allow users to create virtual teams and compete based on real player performances, which is considered legal in most Indian states.