Game of Chance and Game of Skill

In India, the distinction between games of chance and games of skill is crucial from a legal perspective. Games of chance, such as lotteries and roulette, rely primarily on luck and are heavily regulated under Indian law. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 generally prohibits games of chance, with few exceptions like state-run lotteries.

On the other hand, games of skill like rummy, poker, and fantasy sports are considered legal in most Indian states. The Supreme Court of India has consistently ruled that games where success depends predominantly on the player\“s knowledge, training, and expertise qualify as games of skill. This legal distinction has enabled the growth of platforms like Dream11 and MPL, which offer skill-based gaming products to Indian consumers.

Several Indian states have specific regulations governing these games. For instance, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have banned all forms of online gaming, while states like Nagaland and Sikkim have established licensing frameworks for skill-based gaming operators. The growing digital infrastructure in India has made these gaming products increasingly accessible across both urban and rural markets.