India Bans Real-Money Online Poker

[deadbeat100]

In August 2025, india passed a new law banning all real-money online games, including poker, rummy, and fantasy sports, even if they're considered skill-based. The government says it’s to curb addiction, financial harm, and illegal activity.

As a result, major platforms like Pokerbaazi, pokerstars india, Dream11 and MPL have stopped paid games. The gaming industry is pushing back, arguing the ban is too broad and unfair to games of skill. Legal challenges are likely ahead.

For now, real-money online poker is banned nationwide, unless courts overturn the decision

Online Gaming Bill tabled in Lok Sabha: Government cracks down on digital betting, gambling; seeks total ban - Times of India

India Business News: The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, has been introduced in the Lok Sabha, aiming to regulate online gaming by banning real-money

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

 

[Bakersquid]

It was done on 21 August and you can still play on offshore companies

 

[Shells]

In August 2025, India passed a new law banning all real-money online games, including poker, rummy, and fantasy sports, even if they're considered skill-based. The government says it’s to curb addiction, financial harm, and illegal activity.

As a result, major platforms like Pokerbaazi, pokerstars india, Dream11 and MPL have stopped paid games. The gaming industry is pushing back, arguing the ban is too broad and unfair to games of skill. Legal challenges are likely ahead.

For now, real-money online poker is banned nationwide, unless courts overturn the decision

Do you have a link to this news?

 

[deadbeat100]

Do you have a link to this news?

Here it is

Redirect Notice

 

[schtiuky]

As long as it is about a software criteria decision, the idea lucks like a good one. Maybe casinos table are more fare for those who practice "games of skill". Just looking back all the scandals with Full Tilt, PS and others.

 

[Fallenglory]

That's bad news, since India has such a huge potential for the future of poker. I hope it will be regulated, not completely banned.

Totally unrelated, but I'm completely in love with your food. I can devour a nan with some good curry anytime of the day.

 

[bremp555]

The problem with such a broad ban is that it doesn’t really solve the issue. People who want to gamble will always find ways, and pushing poker underground only makes it less safe. Instead of protecting players, it could lead to more risks with unregulated platforms.

Countries that chose regulation over prohibition have built safer environments while still generating tax revenue. Maybe this decision will be challenged and adjusted, but for now it looks like a big setback for the poker scene in India.

 

[chicbulls2]

thats a first!!!

 

[okeedokalee]

Huge gambling in India on sports, is that also banned?

 

[Pavelmiyah]

Its very good for india. Indian most like rummy players not poker

 

[Rahul P Gopal]

Having been involved in gambling for over a decade, I would say a ban is somewhat necessary—at least in India. Personally, I have lost far more than I could ever afford on various online gambling platforms such as sports betting and rummy. It was only in the past year that I discovered poker, and through that, I managed to recover a small portion of my losses. So, from my perspective, such a ban does not directly benefit me.

However, looking at the bigger picture, statistics show that only about 10–15% of players ever make money in the long run. In a country like India, where the majority come from middle-class backgrounds, restricting gambling could actually improve overall well-being and contribute positively to the economy.

 

[ninocabral]

I think the country is regressing on this issue, poker is already considered a sport, there is no reason to ban it.

 

[Poker Orifice]

Having been involved in gambling for over a decade, I would say a ban is somewhat necessary—at least in India. Personally, I have lost far more than I could ever afford on various online gambling platforms such as sports betting and rummy. It was only in the past year that I discovered poker, and through that, I managed to recover a small portion of my losses. So, from my perspective, such a ban does not directly benefit me.

However, looking at the bigger picture, statistics show that only about 10–15% of players ever make money in the long run. In a country like India, where the majority come from middle-class backgrounds, restricting gambling could actually improve overall well-being and contribute positively to the economy.

So because you have a gambling problem, other people in your country shouldn't have the option to play if they choose to? You want your government to tell you what you can and can't do?
I prefer to take responsibility for myself and I am SOOOO GRATEFUL that online poker is available to me where I live.

 

[Rahul P Gopal]

So because you have a gambling problem, other people in your country shouldn't have the option to play if they choose to? You want your government to tell you what you can and can't do?
I prefer to take responsibility for myself and I am SOOOO GRATEFUL that online poker is available to me where I live.

It would be so kind, if you read my message properly. I had clearly mentioned that this ban does not help me at all. And you can’t broadly blame Government for taking actions without knowing the actual economy.