Maharashtra Gambling Laws For Indian Players in 2023
The Internet has brought an enormous revolution to the online gambling industry. In India, gambling has always been a question mark; even the judiciary after long discussions and debates has been unable to make a decision on the status of gambling; is it legal or unregulated?
India is a diverse country with diverse religions, cultures and so are the gambling laws. Each regime is given the power to break/make gambling laws, rules as per their convenience. Unfortunately, Maharashtra is one among the states with the most-strict gambling laws or we can say any quite gambling activity is also an offense here.
As per the internet sources, Maharashtra continues to be among highest states contributing to the Indian gambling industry worth ₹11 lakh Crores. Let’s read and analyze the Indian gambling landscape in Maharashtra!
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How to gamble from Maharashtra?
Though Gambling seems to be almost impossible in Maharashtra you’ll be surprised to know that it’s the most-easier task. India’s gaming laws are about 150 years old that are still in effect throughout India. So without breaking any laws you can still play online casino games.
Thanks to the Internet! Almost everything is available. You can visit any of our recommended online casino sites. At ProIndianCasinos, we make sure that all our lists are safe and secure to play at. All these sites are located outside India and are licensed & operated by top gaming authorities such as Malta and Curacao. No Indian law has the proper right to impose a ban on casinos offshore.
The best part is; no single prosecution of these gambling sites has been registered till today. Enjoy!
Is Gambling Legal in Maharashtra?
Our research and analysis report says; Maharashtra has big loopholes in their gambling laws from a legal perspective that permits so-called gaming houses to organize such events without moving into any litigation.
All the games of chance or casino games like live casino table games (roulette, baccarat, and bingo), video slot games, etc. are banned but you can enjoy playing all these games at online casinos.
Now talking about games of skill, the majority of such games are banned except rummy and horse racing which work best for India’s desi players.
Gambling Laws in Maharashtra
The gambling laws in Maharashtra are almost identical as in other states. Every state must abide by the laws of the Public Gaming Act, 1867. In addition to this Maharashtra gambling legislation is regulated and operated under the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887, also called the Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887 .
To sum up, we can say that gambling or any activity involving money is a serious and punishable crime in Maharashtra. You have to be strategic and smart enough to run a gaming house as to own a gaming house plus visiting it is also illegal. All the games are strictly prohibited except Rummy and horse racing. Maharashtra has its own turf club for organizing horse racing event within their state.
The Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887
‘Gambling is an offense in Maharashtra’ that’s what Maharashtra’s gambling act says. but the laws don’t seem to be that strict if someone is found involved in any form of gambling. This is the biggest loophole in the gaming system that’s one of the foremost reasons that several gaming houses exist in Maharashtra. Let’s read it out!
- If someone is found owning the gaming house or conducting such events including the visitors, he/she is subject to pay the fine of just ₹200 with one month’s imprisonment as a first-time offense.
- If you are found committing the identical crime again, you’ll be jailed for 3 months with a fine of ₹200.
- And again if you repeated the same action thrice, you’ll get a six-month prison with no fine.
Sports Betting in Maharashtra
Sports betting include games such as football, tennis. Soccer, kabaddi, IPL, horse or dog racing, and much more! Unfortunately, all these games are banned in Maharashtra except rummy and horse racing under the public gaming act 1867.
IPL /Cricket is the favorite sport of Indians. People love to bet on matches and even earn lots of money. There are many offline or illegal bookies available in Maharashtra that are running this gambling business with safety and strategy.
Still, worried? Just relax as you have the opportunity to place sports bets on many international betting sites specifically designed for Indian players. Indian law is not allowed to intervene on foreign sites. That’s totally your decision!
Horse Racing in Maharashtra
Horse racing is one of the few legal games in Maharashtra that follows the Bombay Race Courses Licensing Act, 1912. It is considered a game of skill and many players loves to invest in this event.
This event is organized in two locations; Mumbai Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the Pune Racecourse. Many tote service outlets are available in Maharashtra where you can place the bet. All of the tote points are operated by legitimate bookmakers. The one thing you must know is; one has to pay a 30.90% tax from their winning amount as per Section 115B of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Status on Card Games: Rummy, Poker, Flush etc.
According to the Supreme Court, two card games poker and Rummy and poker fall into the category of games of skill. So yay, you can play these games openly within your own small group, friends, at home!
But again it is illegal and crime to play these games in official gaming houses or real money clubs.
Nowadays, advanced technology has made it much easier to play such games at local as well as foreign online game portals without leaving the comfort of your home. You can try many Indian apps also available on play stores or app stores. All you need is an HD internet connection.
Conclusion
Moving to the end we‘ll say the status of gambling is foggy and shows a grey shade. Yet the gambling laws say it’s an offense but have the biggest loopholes. Many of the people are running their casino businesses successfully in Maharashtra.
We at ProIndianCasinos suggest you visit our recommended list of top online casino sites that are not only reputed but also safe to play at. Before selecting any casino make sure to go through the legal terms and conditions.
You may find many land-based casinos in Maharashtra that claim to be legal and authorized but it’s always better to play on the safer side than regretting later.
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