Cricket is also among the most loved sports in the country, with millions of fans watching every match. Digital technology continues to evolve, and many fans place bets on digital platforms on their favorite teams and players. Online cricket betting in India is legal, but the legal landscape is complicated and evolving. This article focuses on the legal risks, legal framework, and compliance that users need to know, especially users of platforms such as 96in, before participating in online betting on cricket.
Basic Betting Laws in India
Laws from the Colonial Era Still in Effect
India’s main legal framework for gambling and betting on cricket is derived from the Public Gambling Act of 1867. India was under British rule then, and the Act as it was created for the entire empire. It makes it illegal to run or enter a gambling house. However, there is no mention of online betting or any digital form of betting. The Act was created before the advent of the internet, and so it is not clear how it relates to online betting.
This ambiguity indicates that while most parts of India prohibit physical gambling, online gambling continues to operate in a legally ambiguous territory. There is no central law that explicitly outlines the legality of gambling through apps and websites, and courts continue to interpret older laws with significantly different outcomes.
Due to the federal structure of India, each state has the power to control gambling within its jurisdictions. Some states, such as Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, permit some forms of licensed gambling, including casinos and games of skill. Other states, like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, impose tougher anti-gambling laws, including laws that govern online gambling.
Because of these differing laws, the legality of online cricket betting can differ by state. Gamblers must understand the laws of their state if they choose to place bets online.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025: New Online Gaming Bill and Its Effects
The Indian Parliament officially implemented the Promotion and Regulation of the Online Gaming Act in August 2025. This Act focuses on establishing and developing the different components of online gaming and betting services in India. Under the Act, Parliament will undertake licensing, regulation, and enforcement activities, and in doing so, will address and attempt to balance the Act’s various objectives.
The objectives include the following:
- Develop and sustain online gaming as a legitimate business.
- Regulate and control the platform to protect users and foster responsible gaming.
- Combat and prevent unlawful betting and gambling.
The government recognizes the need for regulation, as the act has not yet established a date for implementation and other enforcement details. When in full enforcement, the Act will significantly change the online betting industry and influence how users engage with online betting services.
Impacts on Real-Money Betting
There are expectations of broad legal changes, including the online gambling bill, which will likely prohibit real-money online games, including fantasy sports, due to the perceived risk of financial and mental harm. This has resulted in increased legal risk associated with the changes for many fantasy cricket platforms.
It is crucial to acknowledge that legislation of this sort is aimed primarily at operators and advertisers, not at individual bettors. That said, the evolving landscape of regulation may impact payment processing, advertising regulations, and access to platforms.
Differentiating Skill and Chance
Perhaps the most critical legal nuance of Indian gambling laws is the distinction between games of skill and games of chance. Indian courts have, in fantasy sports-related litigation, determined that certain games that can be played online and that do not fall under the prohibitions of gambling are skill-based.
This distinction can lead to different legal outcomes. As an example, in some jurisdictions, fantasy sports apps that include some strategy may be legal, while traditional wagering, where the outcome is determined by an external factor, is illegal.
The environment is subject to change, and jurisdictions may see different interpretations of this within the balance of regulation and the skill-chance paradigm over time.
How 96in Positions Itself
Licensed and Secured Platform
96in is an example of such operators, and they function on international licenses (like Curacao eGaming) that provide a form of regulation that is recognized in most jurisdictions outside of India. Such a license empowers them to offer sports and casino gaming, complemented by the requisite industry-standard security.
96in offers sports betting, including on cricket, alongside a broad range of other gaming options, including 96 casino products, such as live dealer, slots, and table games. These services are offered on a fully regulated, licensed platform, which keeps users safe from unregulated and unsafe providers.
Legal Position in India
96in accepts players from India and is quite popular among cricket betting enthusiasts. However, it operates under the same national and state laws as other online gambling and betting sites. The platform has clearly defined international licensing, which offers a level of security to users; however, in the context of the geography and the jurisdiction, users must be aware of the laws governing online betting in India.
Risks and Considerations for Indian Bettors
Regulatory Enforcement and Crackdowns
The Indian government has executed online gambling laws more recently, showing the intent to arbitrate. For instance, in a bid to enforce policies and keep gambling sites unregulated, authorities recently banned several sites that expose users to betting and gambling services.
The betting authorities in India have taken action to prevent unauthorized platforms from circumventing the betting policies put in place in India, which serves to protect end users.
Consequences of Operating Illegally
Illegal betting service operators may be arrested, prosecuted, and fined. Law enforcement has taken action against one or more illegal betting rings by seizing betting terminals and charging people with violations of federal and state anti-gambling laws.
Responsible Participation
Any gambling with real money, including gambling with licensed operators or not, is always a financial risk. Users of any gambling service should ensure that it is legal in their jurisdictions and should know their responsibilities in gambling to minimize risks related to gambling addiction, financial problems, and other negative consequences. Free online betting lets users explore betting features using demo or bonus-based play.
Legal Gambling Options and Alternatives
In India, other than betting on cricket (which is still legal in some jurisdictions), legal gambling options are available, depending on the state.
Where state laws allow it, legal fantasy sports contests are available, as well as apps with simulated betting or games without monetary stakes. In jurisdictions with legalized online casinos, state-run online casinos are also available.
Conclusion
Due to the conflicts of modern regulations in India regarding the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, and the colonial policies remaining in place, the situation concerning the legality of online cricket betting is difficult to untangle. Bettors may need to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of betting legislation in their country and state, particularly with betting and gaming providers such as 96 that operate under foreign jurisdiction.
Moreover, regulated gaming and betting services are a moving target, with India opening and closing its borders to new gaming services. Therefore, bettors need to monitor the services and regulations available to them and practice responsible gaming.
