Indian bettors have long explored international betting sites, drawn by wider sports coverage, better odds, and seamless payment options like UPI and Paytm. Platforms such as Bet365 and 1xBet once made online betting in India highly accessible.
But with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, the legal landscape for online gambling has changed dramatically, raising urgent questions about safety, penalties, and compliance.
In this post, we break down the new betting law in India, the risks of using offshore platforms, and what alternatives remain for players. If you’re wondering is online betting legal in India today—keep reading to uncover everything you need to know before placing a single wager.
Can I Use International Betting Sites In India: Fast Facts
The Indian online betting market is among the fastest-growing segments for international platforms.
- The 2025 Act imposes a nationwide ban on real-money online games (including offshore betting).
- Offshore licenses (Curaçao, Malta, UKGC) do not protect Indian users anymore.
- Offenders (operators, advertisers, even users making financial transactions) may face jail time and heavy fines.
- Banks/UPI/Paytm are prohibited from processing payments to betting sites.
- Some states already had bans, but now the central law overrides with a uniform nationwide prohibition.
- E-sports and social/educational games are explicitly promoted by the new law.
Legality of Using International Betting Sites from India
The legal status of international betting sites in India has changed with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Real-money betting is now prohibited nationwide, making the landscape much stricter.
India’s gambling laws were earlier rooted in the old Public Gambling Act of 1867, which never addressed online platforms. This created confusion for years.
Many offshore platforms once operated with Curaçao, Malta, or Gibraltar licenses, offering legal backing while staying outside Indian jurisdiction.
However, state restrictions still matter. Regions like Telangana and Tamil Nadu enforce their own bans, while others may vary, so players should always stay updated.
Why Indian Bettors Prefer Using International Betting Sites?
International betting platforms once offered far more variety compared to domestic options, attracting millions of Indian users.
Indian Bettors prefer International Betting sites because:
- Wider Sports Coverage
International sites covered major sports like cricket and football, along with niche markets rarely found on Indian platforms. - Better Odds & Bonuses
International betting sites provided competitive odds, welcome offers, and ongoing promotions. - Live Betting Features
Advanced in-play tools and real-time updates made betting dynamic and engaging. - Support for INR
Most accepted Indian Rupees, removing conversion fees. - Indian Payment Methods
Options like UPI, Paytm, and Net Banking made deposits and withdrawals easy. - Localized Customer Support
Many International betting sites offered Hindi-speaking assistance for better accessibility. - Faster Withdrawals & Higher Limits
Quick payouts and higher limits appealed to serious players. - No-KYC Options
Some platforms allowed play without heavy documentation.
Note: These advantages applied before the 2025 Online Gaming Act. Today, such features are legally inaccessible to Indian players as payment methods (UPI, Paytm, Net Banking) are banned for betting, and sites risk being blocked.
How Do Players Play on International Betting Sites From India?
Prior to 2025, players could easily sign up with Aadhaar, PAN, passports, or driving licenses and use UPI, Paytm, or Net Banking to fund their accounts.
Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, such financial transactions are now prohibited, and banks must block them. Using workarounds like VPNs or crypto can still expose players to serious legal risk.
Consequences of Playing on Illegal or Unverified Betting Sites in India
Using unverified or unlicensed betting platforms can have significant financial and legal risks that can have lasting consequences.
It is essential to know that:
- Illegal sites often lack proper security measures, making personal and financial data vulnerable to theft or misuse.
- Playing on illegal sites can now trigger criminal liability under the 2025 Act.
- Players risk losing deposits and winnings without legal recourse, as these platforms operate without regulatory oversight.
- Unverified sites may engage in fraudulent practices, manipulate odds, or refuse legitimate withdrawal requests.
- Additionally, financial transactions with illegal platforms could trigger scrutiny from banking authorities or tax officials.
- Police may investigate, seize assets, and make arrests without a warrant.
- Some unregulated sites lack responsible gambling tools, potentially contributing to problem gambling behaviors.
Top International Betting Sites That Accept Indian Players
These platforms were once popular with Indian users. However, under the 2025 law, their real-money betting features are no longer legally accessible from India. Some may still allow international users, but Indians using them face legal risk and possible financial transaction blocks.
Popular International Betting Sites:
- Bet365
A UK-based global leader, Bet365 is known for its comprehensive live betting options, excellent cricket coverage, and a robust mobile platform tailored for Indian users.
- 1xBet
Supporting INR and licensed in Curaçao, 1xBet offers a vast selection of sports markets and casino games, along with Indian-focused promotions that appeal to frequent bettors.
- Parimatch
Especially popular among cricket fans, Parimatch offers competitive odds, smooth betting, and India-focused support.
- Stake
Licensed in Curaçao and crypto-friendly, Stake stands out for its innovative features, which allow both traditional and cryptocurrency payments in a secure and user-friendly environment.
- Mostbet
Well-known for cricket and football betting, Mostbet provides a mobile-optimized experience and seamless integration with Indian payment methods, making it a convenient option for local users.
Is It Safe To Play On International Betting Sites in India?
Licensed international betting sites generally provide secure environments for Indian players when proper precautions are followed during platform selection.
Reputable international platforms implement advanced encryption technology, secure payment processing, and regulatory compliance measures that protect user data and funds.
Sites licensed by authorities such as the MGA, Curaçao, or UKGC adhere to strict rules, ensuring fair play, secure payments, and responsible gambling.
However, safety depends heavily on choosing verified, well-reviewed platforms with established reputations and avoiding unlicensed operators that may pose security risks.
Tips for Safer Play On International Betting Sites (After 2025 Law)
The only safe tip post-2025 is simple: do not use offshore betting sites for real-money games. Instead of it, you can do these:
- Explore e-sports platforms and competitive gaming recognised under the new law.
- Play social or educational games that do not involve financial stakes.
- Continue to practice responsible gaming habits.
- Stay updated on official advisories to avoid legal risks.
Online Betting Reads:
Conclusion: Indian Bettors Can No Longer Legally Use Offshore Betting Sites For Money Games
Indian bettors can no longer legally use offshore betting sites for money games. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 has brought a nationwide ban with strict rules and penalties.
The safer choices now are regulated e-sports, social games, and educational platforms that do not involve financial stakes. These are supported under the new law and are risk-free options.
If you’re unsure about what’s allowed, always stay updated on official advisories and consult a legal expert for clarity before playing online.
FAQs
Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, all online money games, including offshore betting platforms, are banned for Indian players.
Players risk blocked transactions, frozen accounts, and even legal action. Offences under the new law are cognisable and may include fines or imprisonment.
Even if the site is overseas, using it from India still falls under the ban. VPNs or crypto payments do not make it legal.
Advertising or promoting offshore betting platforms can attract up to 2 years in jail and a fine of ₹50 lakh under the new law.
