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The latest gambling news and laws in India

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India is a massive industry that caters to millions of gamblers each year. Here’s the latest news and changes that you need to know.


The Indian gambling market is currently experiencing a lot of shuffling, changes, and adjustments. Here are all of the latest news regarding the gambling industry in the country that you need to know.

Gambling regulations are on their way

As one of the fastest-growing gambling markets in the world, India is in desperate need of an online casino regulator. Up until now, there have been no set plans by the country’s government to regulate iGaming.

In April 2022, it was reported that parliament members were considering new legislation that would regulate online gambling and create a “watchdog” to curb illegal sites.

The Online Gaming Regulation Bill 2022 was introduced in April and would allow the Online Gaming Commission to have full power where it mattered most.

While many flaws have been highlighted since the bill’s appearance, it is a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, there is no word on when or if the bill will be accepted.

A 28% gambling tax is on the cards

In May 2022, it was discussed that a tax of 28% would be added to the face value of each bet at online casinos in India. Currently, casinos and horse racing are taxed at the same rate but this is largely due to costs at land-based establishments being much higher.

Gambling may still be largely unregulated in India but the government looks to add this tax as part of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Those in the know have been anticipating a tax rise for some time now, however, there are fears that higher taxes will push above-board casinos away from the country entirely. This would mean more black-market casinos and those without any regulation at all being the only option for gamblers in the country.

Horse racing is one of the most regulated markets in India right now and they are arguing the same issue. Higher taxes and over-regulation could mean players turning to illegal options in order to save a rupee or two.

Gambling ads are a no-go, says India’s government

On the 13th of June 2022, the Indian government released an advisory statement that was signed by Kshitij Aggarwal, the assistant director of digital media at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The advisory statement connected the fact that online gambling is largely illegal in the country but there are also many ads in media for illegal gambling sites. The main concern is that those at risk, including children, are not protected as the ads do not conform to anything currently in Indian law.

The statement continued: “In light of the above and having regard to the larger public interest involved, the print and electronic media is advised to refrain from publishing advertisements of online betting platforms.”

“The online and social media, including the online advertisement intermediaries and publishers, are advised not to display such advertisements in India or target such advertisements towards the Indian audience.”

Skill-based games, which are legal in India, are not affected by the advisory statement. Industry experts in India have shared that they welcome these restrictions on ads but there is also a call for more clarity. Largely, there needs to be clear about what constitutes a skill-based game and what doesn’t.

Either way, the call to protect those at risk will always be welcomed, especially as the statement also means that people under the age of 18 cannot appear in any ads either. As the largest growing gambling industry in the world, and in order to be aligned with responsible gamblingthe youth and those at risk must be protected at all costs.

Published: July 18, 2022

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Article by Stelly

CasinoWow Contributor

Hey there! I am Stelly, and happily, I'm part of CasinoWow's content team. It excites me to be able to write and share with all gambling enthusiasts unbiased reviews and news that contribute to the gambling community and industry. Thankfully, I also have the chance to help you make an informed choice for casino brands and games, as well as provide interesting guides and news.

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