Online Gambling Laws in Maharashtra 2024
Maharashtra is one of India’s largest and second most-populous states and is the home to Mumbai, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Despite having over 112 million residents with varied habits and expectations, Maharashtra still has not regulated gambling, which is governed by the outdated PGA 1867 and subsequent laws.
Thus, gambling is somewhat illegal, as it is an unregulated market, and the only way for a Maharashtrian to play casino games is to join an online casino platform hosted outside of India.
Best Online Casinos in Maharashtra
Is It Legal to Gamble in Maharashtra?
It is illegal to gamble at a land-based casino in Maharashtra, and it is illegal to play games of chance anywhere in the state. However, no matter how outdated, the laws clearly state that games of skill like rummy, poker, and horse race betting are legal in this Indian state.
Here I must outline that you can freely join an online casino platform from Maharashtra without breaking any laws, as the governing laws have no provisions regarding access to online casinos or sports betting platforms. You can join 10Cric or Betway and see what they have to offer without fear of legal action.
Gambling Laws in Maharashtra
Maharashtra regulates gambling with the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887, which you may know as the Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887. Also, the state respects the Public Gaming Act, 1867. The Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887 has very light penalties for anyone caught running a land-based gaming house: the first offense penalty is one month in prison and a fine of ₹200, which is why there are plenty of gaming houses in big Maharashtrian cities like Mumbai.
Both governing laws are severely outdated. While they prevent playing games of chance, these laws don’t mention (allow or forbid) or regulate access to foreign online casino platforms. Thus, any Maharashtra resident will not be breaking any pertinent law by joining a foreign online casino platform, like 1xBet or 22Bet.
Legal Online Casino Games to Play in Maharashtra
Maharashtrians can play rummy in land-based entities in the state. Still, if anyone wishes to experience the real thrill of online casino games, they must join an online casino. Here I’ve prepared a list of the top online casino games that anyone from Maharashtra can play at an online casino:
- Andar Bahar – formerly found on Indian streets only, Andar Bahar has become a regular game found at top online casinos that accept players from India, like 10Cric.
- Baccarat – online baccarat is very straightforward and is a novice-friendly casino game. You can find plenty of online baccarat games at Jackpot City.
- Blackjack – online blackjack is a fun game as it uses luck and skill to determine the outcome, and you must join an online casino platform to play blackjack, such as 20Bet.
- Jhandi Munda – this famous Indian dice game is now present at online casinos, so you don’t have to risk playing it in the Mumbai streets, but you can play Jhandi Munda online at 1xBet.
- Poker – poker is considered legal in Maharashtra as a game of skill. Still, for more variety and significant challenges, you should play this exciting casino game online, and I suggest you try this game at Betway.
- Roulette – online roulette is an exciting game that depends on luck; you can place various bets and wait for the ball to land on a number. Try your luck in roulette at 888Casino.
- Slots – online slots are a game of pure chance, as these RNG-based games are fun and exciting and may come with massive jackpots. You can play slots from Maharashtra by joining an online casino like Spin Casino.
- Teen Patti – most online casinos today carry Teen Patti, so you can find this game in an RNG and live version at top online casinos like 22Bet.
Live Casino in Maharashtra
Maharashtra residents can only legally play rummy at land-based places, but they don’t have a chance to play any other live casino game due to the strict laws governing this state. However, since people can join online casinos without breaking the current laws, they have access to a tremendous number of exciting live casino games.
I mean, you can find so many live games to try at online casinos like Spin Casino or 1xBet. These include live poker, live Andar Bahar, live roulette, live blackjack, live game show games, and much more. You only need to join and look for the live casino game selection, pick the game you want, and play.
Sports Betting in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is home to the Pune Racecourse and the Mumbai Mahalaxmi Racecourse, two of India’s most famous horse racing tracks holding regular horse races. Also, per the local law from 1887, horse race betting is legal in the state, and people can place horse race bets at the racecourses and licensed horse race bookmakers throughout the state.
Anyone who wishes to place bets on other events or various sports can only do this by joining an international sports betting platform. Cricket is another top sport in Maharashtra, but you can only place bets on cricket at online sportsbooks like Betway or 20Bet and bet on kabaddi, tennis, football, and other sports.
Lottery in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a land-based lottery scheme with six weekly draws and several mini draws where the main jackpot goes up to ₹11 Lakh. But to participate in this lottery, you must purchase the physical tickets and can’t buy these online. Still, the Lotteries Regulation Act, 1998 does not prevent access to a foreign lottery agent service, and Maharashtrians can join such a website, like Lotto Agent, and get the chance to play any international lottery of their choice and get the chance to win up to ₹300 Crore.
FAQs
Can I legally gamble in Maharashtra?
You can legally play rummy in Maharashtra, but not any other casino game. However, you can join a foreign online casino that accepts players from India and freely gamble there.
What games can I play at an online casino in Maharashtra?
You can play games of chance and games of skills at any online casino, like roulette, poker, slots, baccarat Andar Bahar, Teen Patti, blackjack, game shows, etc.
What is the best online casino in Maharashtra?
Here is a list of online casinos I’ve tested and found that provide an excellent online casino experience for Maharashtra residents: 1xBet, Jackpot City, 20Bet, 888Casino, 10Cric, Betway, 22Bet, and Spin Casino.
Can I place sports bets in Maharashtra?
The only sport you can legally bet on in Maharashtra is horse racing. All other types of sports betting are illegal in land-based entities. Thus, you must go online and find a trusted online sportsbook like Betway, 1xBet, 22Bet, and 20Bet and place bets on various sports.
Do I risk legal action for playing at online casinos in Maharashtra?
Ideally, you are not risking playing at an online casino in Maharashtra, as the local police can’t prosecute foreign casinos or sports betting sites.
What are the most popular sports to bet on in Maharashtra?
Horse race betting takes the lead, and cricket is in a close second place, but tennis, football, and kabaddi are among the most popular sports that people like to bet on in Maharashtra.
How can I transfer money online while gambling in Maharashtra?
You should be aware of FEMA, a federal law that demands any Indian only use INR to pay for goods and services online. To respect the law but still get the most out of your online casino in Maharashtra, you must use one of the best online payment options for Indians, like UPI, PhonePe, Paytm, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, or use bank transfer, or credit/debit cards like Visa or MasterCard.
