As real-money gaming platforms like PokerBaazi continue to grow in popularity, many players in India find themselves asking a critical question: Is PokerBaazi legal? With legal ambiguity around online gambling, it’s important to understand where PokerBaazi stands in the eyes of the law.

This guide will help clarify the legal framework surrounding real-money poker platforms in India and whether using PokerBaazi is considered safe and legitimate for Indian players.

Understanding India’s Online Gaming Laws

India does not have a single nationwide law regulating online gaming. Instead, gaming laws fall under state jurisdiction, meaning each state can decide what’s allowed and what’s not.

  • The Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits operating a public gambling house but does not explicitly mention online games.

  • Several states like Goa, Sikkim, and Nagaland have legalized certain forms of real-money gaming.

  • Most importantly, Indian courts have ruled that games of skill are not considered gambling.

Is Poker a Game of Skill or Chance?

One of the key arguments in favor of PokerBaazi’s legality lies in the classification of poker as a game of skill.

  • In multiple court rulings, including those by the Karnataka and Calcutta High Courts, poker has been legally recognized as a game that requires strategic thinking, probability, and decision-making.

  • Games of skill are protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution, which allows citizens to practice any profession or carry out any occupation, trade, or business.

Since Pokerbaazi offers poker games (not games of pure chance), it operates under the belief that its offerings are legally compliant in most Indian states.

Where Is PokerBaazi Legal in India?

✅ States Where It’s Allowed

PokerBaazi operates legally in most Indian states where games of skill are permitted. These include:

  • Maharashtra

  • Karnataka

  • Delhi

  • West Bengal

  • Haryana

  • Tamil Nadu (subject to the latest legal updates)

❌ States With Restrictions

Some states have restrictions or bans on real-money gaming platforms:

  • Telangana

  • Andhra Pradesh

  • Assam

  • Odisha

  • Nagaland (requires a separate license)

PokerBaazi does not accept players from these states to remain in compliance with local laws.

Is It Safe to Play on PokerBaazi?

Yes. PokerBaazi is considered one of the most secure and reputable platforms in India for online poker. The app follows standard compliance measures such as:

  • KYC verification

  • RNG certification to ensure fair play

  • Encrypted payment gateways

  • Withdrawal and deposit transparency

It also promotes responsible gaming and offers tools for deposit limits and self-exclusion.

FAQ

1. Can I legally play PokerBaazi from anywhere in India?

No, PokerBaazi is not available in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam where real-money gaming is banned. Always check local laws before playing.

2. Do I need to pay tax on PokerBaazi winnings?

Yes. As per Indian tax regulations, winnings above ₹10,000 are subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) at 30%. PokerBaazi automatically deducts TDS before processing the withdrawal.

3. Is PokerBaazi licensed by any authority?

PokerBaazi operates under Indian corporate and IT laws and complies with court-recognized standards for skill-based games. While India lacks a central gaming regulator, the platform ensures legal compliance in all permissible states.