India Legal Online Poker Guide For 2024

India Accepted FlagLegal India online gambling includes several categories. Online poker is different than online casino and Indian online sports betting options for several reasons. Players can enjoy online poker action through one of several licensed offshore destinations.

These offshore operators feature in-house playing software complete with multiple game types, bonus structures, tournaments, VIP systems, mobile capabilities and more. Per Indian gambling laws, residents may legally gamble with these gambling sites without fear of prosecution (more on that later).

Interested players can find pertinent information on their online poker options on this page—created specifically for Indian residents. You will learn about how Indian online poker works, the best sources for gameplay, poker bonuses and more.

Is It Legal To Play Online Poker For Real Money In India In 2024?

Law Gavel

Yes. Online poker is not included in any of the gambling laws in India. In fact, the 3 standing federal laws loosely apply to gambling as it is, leaving online gambling free and clear for residents.

The 3 laws—Public Gambling Act of 1867, Prize Competition Act (1955) and the Information Technology Act of 2000—never mention online gambling at any point. The government has introduced the possibility of reforming the gambling laws, but nothing significant has occurred yet.

States have the ability to authorize gambling, but only 2 have done so. Sikkim and Goa both feature land based casinos, and only Sikkim has launched an online platform with casino gaming. For now, players may participate in legal India online poker through one of the offshore gambling sites listed on this page.

Top Online Poker Sites Accepting Indian Players

All Sites Offer Real Money Poker Games In 2024

Out of all the online poker operators present, there are only a few worth mentioning regarding the Indian market. Our team of India gambling experts put together a list of brands we see as the best available for players from India.

Each one of these operators possess legal licensing and regulation. They employ a strong security profile and strong customer support options. Feel free to browse the online poker sites for yourself by clicking on the link provided in the table. There is no obligation to register or make a deposit upon browsing the site.

Site NameBonus OfferIndian AcceptedVisit Site
Betonline Sportsbook And Casino100% Max $2,500Indian Players AcceptedPlay Now
Sportsbetting.ag100% Max $2,500Indian Players AcceptedPlay Now

How Does Real Money Online Poker Work?

Most offshore poker sites offer the option for players to download an in-house software patch, though instant play options are also often available. These poker suites are designed for the sole intent of online poker. The programs do not take up much space on your hard drive and feature a simple gameplay layout. Players can toggle between game types and settings.

Most of the action is split between No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. Other changeable game settings include adjusting the betting limits, number of players at a table, etc. Regarding actual gameplay, players are directed to a window featuring a 3D rendering of a poker table.

There are several buttons for player actions, and you can see other players’ activity through a tracking setting.  Other features include hand history, notes, player tracking to manage the competition and more.

Is There Free Play With Indian Online Poker?

Yes. Our recommended operators allow players to engage in free play poker if they are registered for an account and have downloaded the necessary software. Free play grants players access to poker games without risking any of their own money.

Players can accommodate themselves with how the online poker suite works before committing to a real game. You can participate in as many free play games as you want and can easily navigate between real money and free play games.

Are India Online Poker Games Fair?

Yes. Reputable online Indian poker websites use Random Number Generator (RNG) technology to ensure fair poker games. This technology works by using mathematical algorithms to randomize card drawings. RNG is similar to automated shufflers in brick-and-mortar casinos.

What Types Of Online Poker Bonuses Are Available?

Online poker bonuses operate differently than casino and sportsbook bonuses. Poker bonuses are released incrementally, meaning that the total bonus amount is administered in installments as you continue playing with the site. This method serves to keep players engaged with the site and guarantees they will be playing longer in order to earn their total bonus award. The more you play, the more bonus money is released to your account.

The bonuses are structured as a match deposit bonus or special promo, reload bonuses, bad beat rebate or any of the countless creative ways they’ve come up with to provide free bonus money.

Many online poker brands incorporate a VIP-tier structure into their system as well. These systems generally involve comp points, which are points assigned to each game/hand you play. The more you play, the more points you accumulate.

As you move up the VIP ladder, more perks and bonuses become available to you. For example, you may be able to claim faster payouts, play in higher-limit games, etc.

Do India Online Poker Sites Support Tournaments?

Yes. Not all online poker sites feature tournament-play, but you can find tournaments for all types of poker with buy-ins suited to all players. In some instances, there are many tournaments conducted daily (updated hourly). Sit n’ Go tournaments are popular amongst players and come with their own variations.

Players can easily navigate to the tournament page through the downloaded poker software for a streamlined experience. Some India online poker sites will issue tournament seats as part of a comp point rewards/accumulation. Be sure to constantly check the tournament page, as there are new ones added constantly.

Is There Indian Online Mobile Poker?

Yes. Players from India can access mobile poker through a downloadable poker app. The app functions similarly to the web software. Players have the option of accessing mobile poker through the site’s website (accessed via their mobile browser), but a downloadable app is more convenient to some players. The mobile version features all the same game types and adjustable settings.

Some mobile poker rooms offer exclusive bonuses. India mobile gambling apps are designed to be compatible across multiple smartphone and tablet devices. Players can also access legal India online casinos and sports betting via their mobile devices.