PAYMENT METHODS AND ONLINE CASINOS IN INDIA
Top Casinos and Best Banking Options for Indian Players
Traditionally, India is a country where gambling and games of chance are popular among people. The culture has become accepting of western gambling habits, not only due to the existence and long-lasting popularity of classic Indian games such as Teen Patti or Andar Bahar but also due to the British heritage, another nation that has been fond of gambling for centuries.
The rise of online gambling is also notable in India, which is why CBM wanted to cover the Indian market and investigate which casinos are the best options for Indian players. Going further, we’ve also evaluated the top banking methods for deposits and withdrawals for players from India.
Gambling is one of the world’s most favourite pastimes, and India is no exception. Some may think that gambling is a taboo in a country like India, but those times are long gone. Online gambling among Indian people has been on the rise, especially in the past several years. It is estimated that around 80% of Indians gamble at least once a year, which is no small number, considering the size of the population.
The Indian gambling industry is undoubtedly shaped by European influence; after horse racing events taking off in the 19th century, more and more people became prone to trying their luck through gambling. Even if some gambling activities are still considered off-limits for residents of India, online casinos offer full anonymity, along with many modern banking methods that help players transfer money online without having to reveal any details regarding their identity or their financial status. The Indian gambling landscape is supportive of online casinos, and that’s why we believe our interest, and yours, in the best Indian casinos online and the best Indian casino payment methods is fully justified.
Best Indian Online Casinos
India’s best online casinos are gambling sites with a friendly policy towards Indian players, sites that offer high-quality casino games, convenient banking solutions, accept Indian Rupees and provide helpful and responsive customer support. Knowing that we’ve closely inspected the most popular online casino sites in the Indian market (and beyond) and handpicked the very best ones.
Casumo
18+ | New Customers Only | Opt-in required. 20 Bonus Spins on “Sahara Riches Cash Collect” and 100% Deposit Bonus up to £25 on first deposit. Min deposit £10. 30x wagering requirement for Bonus Spins and 30x wagering requirement for Deposit Bonus (game weighting applies). Max £5/spin or £0.50/line or £10/round (live casino). 30 days expiry. Please Gamble responsibly begambleaware.org
T&C Apply- Free deposits & withdrawals
- Reel Races
- Evolution & Playtech live dealers
18+ | New Customers Only | Opt-in required. 20 Bonus Spins on “Sahara Riches Cash Collect” and 100% Deposit Bonus up to £25 on first deposit. Min deposit £10. 30x wagering requirement for Bonus Spins and 30x wagering requirement for Deposit Bonus (game weighting applies). Max £5/spin or £0.50/line or £10/round (live casino). 30 days expiry. Please Gamble responsibly begambleaware.org
T&C Apply
Casino Days
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply- Amazing live casino
- Over 5,000 games
- Reasonable bonus wagering
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C ApplyTop Casino Banking Methods in India
The list of the most prevalent banking methods in Indian online casinos is reasonably long, yet our aim was to determine which payment options provide the best services to online casino players from India. The fact that people in India are interested in technology and online entertainment allows for excellent virtual banking methods to thrive in the Indian online gambling market. The ones we’ve found work best are presented below.
Review & Best Casinos
- India’s tailored payment option
- Free casino transactions
- Fast deposits & cashouts
Review & Best Casinos
- Several good cards to choose from
- Great offers for loyal customers
- Relatively low fees
Review & Best Casinos
- No banking info revealed
- Improves budget management
- Seconds-long transactions
Review & Best Casinos
- Made-in-India payment service
- Easy mobile set-up
- Numerous extra perks
Review & Best Casinos
- Available around the globe
- Designed with iGaming focus
- Fast deposits & withdrawals
Review & Best Casinos
- Fast deposits & withdrawals
- Accepted at many casinos
- Tailored for India
Review & Best Casinos
- Fast casino transactions
- Available around the globe
- 165 supported currencies
Review & Best Casinos
- A leading payment solution
- Maximum security
- Fast & easy casino transactions
Laws and Regulations on Online Gambling in India?
Since the online gambling universe is expanding and developing at a rapid pace, not many countries can catch up with the speed of its advances, especially in the sense of adapting current laws and regulations to match the situation in practice. Indian laws aren’t extremely archaic, but they certainly need updating on a federal level. At this point, it is safe to say that gambling in India is regulated on a local level – every state brings forth its own laws and regulations in this matter. The only exceptions to this rule are horse racing and lottery, which are legal in all the states. Rummy is also a game widely played in this Asian country, fully legally, because in the eyes of Indian lawmakers it is considered a game of skill.
The central government isn’t allowed to intervene in any of the state proceedings and most states have enacted laws that are against gambling. Goa has made two amendments to the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976 to legalize certain forms of gambling. There are several land-based casinos and offshore casinos that operate legally in the Indian state of Goa. Land-based gambling venues are limited to five-star hotels and floating vessels.
Sikkim is a second Indian state that has legalized specific forms of gambling, including land-based and internet gambling. The sites must keep their servers located within the states though, as foreign operators aren’t permitted to invest in gambling sites in India. There were rumours in 2010 that Sikkim would provide online gambling licenses to major operators by the likes of William Hill and 888, but these negotiations, if there are were any, apparently failed.
Should a casino operator or a casino customer get caught in illegal gambling activities, they can face fines. Operators may pay a fine of ₹200 or be imprisoned for up to 3 months, while customers will have to pay a ₹100 fine or spend a month in prison.
As was explained, gambling in India largely takes place under the supervision of union territory governments. The activity is outlawed by all states, except these: Goa, Sikkim, Daman, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Online betting apps are illegal only in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The most recent region to legalize gaming with stakes is Meghalaya. The Meghalaya government will oversee the implementation of the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Ordinance from 2021 and set up a Meghalaya Gaming Commission. By having a regulatory mechanism for online gaming, the state expects increasing tax revenues.
All in all, there isn’t currently any federal law in India that prohibits residents to engage in online casino gambling. If you want to gamble online, you are expected to choose a legal online casino, one with a valid license and a trusted reputation. Gambling is very much present in the lives of many Indian citizens and an increasing number of web casinos licensed by reputable jurisdictions service Indian players with barely any hassle.
In January 2023, the Indian government published new regulations and amendments to the Information Technology Rules to address online gambling. The amendments define the establishment of self-regulatory bodies comprising iGaming operators. These operators will be in charge of creating online gambling rules.
The new framework of norms needs to protect players from harmful behaviors like gambling addiction and prevent fraudulent activities. Members of these bodies must conduct KYC checks to verify players’ identities, enable a complaint process and have a contact address in India. However, if a self-regulatory body doesn’t establish standards aligned with the requirements, the government can prevent its registration.
India Market Updates
- January 2023: The government in India publishes new rules to regulate online gambling, including self-regulatory bodies to control the iGaming sector.
Are You Required to Pay Taxes on Winnings?
In India, your profits from playing at online casinos are part of your annual earnings. It means that the income is fully taxable. The Indian tax legislation requires all gamers playing at casino sites to report profits over the non-taxable annual limit of ₹10,000. You must declare these earnings in your yearly tax report in the section “Income from other sources.”
The Central Income Tax Act, 1961 – 2012, explains the details about tax incomes from gambling in section no. 115BB. The winnings from any kind of gambling, including horse racing, betting, card games, or lottery, exceeding ₹10,000 per year are subject to a 30% flat income tax rate.
However, an additional 4% health and education cess increases the net tax rate to 31.2%. The funds collected from the cess fund national healthcare and education services and projects. Finally, the winnings over ₹50 lakh or ₹1 crore incur surcharges of 10% and 15%, respectively. It means that if you win more than ₹50 lakh, the tax you’ll pay is 34.32%, including the cess. If your gambling income exceeds ₹1 crore, the total tax rate for you is 35.92%, including cess.
Remember that you must disclose the profits from online casino gambling when filing your annual tax report. This is crucial for gamblers who play at online casinos not registered in India. International online casinos don’t pay taxes in the country and pay the winning in a lump sum. Therefore players must report these incomes to avoid fines from the tax department.
Can Casinos That Accept Indian Players Be Trusted?
The push for legalising and regulating online gambling in India is noticeable but still needs to deliver official and palpable effects. In the meantime, casinos that cater to Indian players have other existing regulating bodies to turn to. Some people don’t mind placing their bets in unlicensed casinos, but that is definitely something we do not recommend. We believe that the grand majority of online gamblers want to play legally. If you reside in India and want to engage in gambling on the internet, you can do it legally by joining casinos approved by authorities like the UKGC, MGA or Curacao, for example.
Reputable online casinos will have their licensing information readily available. In case you want to reassure yourself that your chosen casino is legitimate, go to the casino website and take a look at the bottom of the homepage. You will see the logo of the regulatory body and the license number. Other proofs of legitimacy include compliance certifications for fair gaming, a strong security outline, trusted banking options and a customer support team attuned to the needs of the customers.
Best Casino Bonuses for Indian Players
Perhaps the greatest advantage offered to online casino users is the casino incentive program. The most common bonus type is a match despot bonus, where the casino matches the funds you upload to your gaming balance to some extent and gives you something extra to play with. Can Indian players claim such bonuses? Absolutely! There is no reason why you couldn’t claim active bonuses, as long as you are a registered player that wagers real money. Not all bonuses are made equal, though – check out the most favourable options below.
Winz.io
Free Spins
SLOTS
None
Ongoing
€20
No
PlayUZU
No Wagering
Not needed
None
Ongoing
€10
No maximum
PlayOJO
Free Spins
No Wagering
Welcome Package
None
Ongoing
€10
No maximum
5% Live Casino Cashback
Cashback
No Wagering
Not required
None
Ongoing
€2
No maximum
35% Instant Cashback
Cashback
Not required
10x
Ongoing
$10
No maximum
Neon 54
Cashback
Not Needed
1x
Ongoing
€10
Cadabrus
Cashback
Not needed
1x
Ongoing
€50
No maximum
Nomini
Cashback
Not needed
1x
Ongoing
€50
No maximum
Local Payment Methods to Consider
There is no shortage of real money casino sites and one could easily land at an online casino that accepts Indian players through a simple market search, but does the site meet the necessary requirements? That is the right question. For an online casino to be on our list of the top casinos for Indian players it also has to offer suitable payment options. International banking methods are acceptable, but local methods and regionally popular deposit and withdrawal solutions indicate that the site is looking to personalise its offer and make its customers feel at home.
It is totally worth it to look for online casino sites that provide easy deposits and fast withdrawals with methods like PayTM, UPI (United Payments Interface) and GPay, while also using INR as currency. PayTM is used by millions of Indians today and is a common choice at casino sites, as well. Google Pay and PayTM are available through NetBanking, the widely used electronic banking system in India. The platform also supports IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) or NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer). Indian bettors are also manifesting great interest in cryptocurrencies, so online casinos with the options of paying with Bitcoins are also quite attractive. CBM keeps all this in mind when rating Indian casino sites and their cashiers.
Depositing with INR Currency
If you think that you can’t find an online casino that accepts Indian Rupees, you are in the wrong. It is a misconception that online casinos will not take INR currency; it is just that these casinos are not as common as sites supporting payments in major tenders such as Euros or US Dollars. Casino brands targeting your local market will include INR, making your life easier doing so!
As you already probably know, when using other currencies, we have to exchange the currency before we make the transaction. Not only is this an additional hassle, but also comes with fees. For some currencies, exchange fees may be quite expensive. Playing at casinos that support INR allows you to directly avoid these additional charges and save time by eliminating this extra step.
Top Land-Based Casinos in India
Gambling in India is currently legal in three states. Consequently, you will find land-based casinos only in Goa, Daman, and Sikkim regions. However, most casinos in India are located in Goa and Sikkim.
Although India is one of the largest countries in the world, it only has around 20 physical casinos. Interestingly, there are two types of physical casinos in the country – land-based and river casinos. Ten casinos are in Goa, of which four are floating casinos and six are land-based establishments. Most casinos in Goa are part of five-star hotels and luxury resorts since Goa is a popular beach destination for tourists across the globe.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best river and land-based casinos in India we have selected for you.
Strike by Big Daddy
Strike by Big Daddy is one of India’s most exclusive and opulent land-based casinos located in the North Wing at Grand Hyatt, Goa (Bambolim). This is also one of the largest casinos in the country, offering top-notch entertainment with more than 20 gaming tables on the massive gaming floor. You can play Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Andar Bahar, Indian Flush (popularly known as Teen Patti), and various slot machines. The vast selection of games will keep you playing for hours.
Strike Casino also offers excellent in-house entertainment, including Bollywood-style shows and international acts by world-renowned artists. You will also enjoy superb cuisine at Cilantro restaurant and lift your spirits in a few bars and the vast party area. Finally, Strike by Big Daddy has a VIP lounge, a built-in stage, DJs playing music through the night, and it organizes many events and parties all year round.
Big Daddy Casino
Another luxurious establishment set off the coast of Mandovi river is Big Daddy Casino, housing over 100 table games across a vast gaming floor on three decks. Big Daddy Casino is in Panaji, Goa, and is considered one of the best casinos in India. This exclusive offshore casino provides a unique blend of extraordinary gambling experiences and various live events.
The range of games at Big Daddy is impressive. You can play Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Andar Bahar, Teen Patti, Sic Bo, Dragon Tiger, Poker, and more. One of the main attractions is Aura Stadium, an electronic gaming station. Here you place bets on the gaming screen while enjoying drinks. The casino has a large entertainment zone hosting live dance performances, concerts, and DJ nights. Moreover, there is a restaurant, a barbecue area, a sundeck, and a cigar lounge.
La Calypso Casino
Located in Calangute, Goa, La Calypso Casino is one of the top gambling destinations in the country. This gambling site, also known as Casino Palms, is situated in an extraordinary La Calypso Hotel. Casino Palms is one of the most spacious casinos in India, visited by many players looking for fun.
This beautifully decorated land-based casino boasts over 250 gaming tables and electronic slot machines. You can play different versions of Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Casino War, Teen Patti, and Andar Bahar and participate in high-stake tournaments. If you prefer a more intimate and private atmosphere, visit the VIP gaming lounge to play high-stake games. La Calypso provides one of the most relaxing gambling experiences in India. Moreover, it has several world-class restaurants and bars and organizes various live performances and engaging events.
Chances Casino
A beautiful 5-star boutique Chances Resort in Goa is home to Chances Casino. The hotel and casino are near a cozy beach, ensuring you’ll have a pleasant and relaxed stay. Chances Casino offers various games, including Andar Bahar, Baccarat, Blackjack, Mini Flush, Roulette, Casino War, and popular versions of Poker. If you prefer playing slots, you’ll find a wide range of electronic casino games where you can enjoy your favorite video slot games. Chances Casino works every day from 11:00 am to 04:00 am.
Chances Resort doesn’t just provide excellent gambling entertainment. It also features 50+ hotel rooms, a VIP gaming room, international restaurants, and Chances Café. Moreover, if you’d like to relax after experiencing an adrenalin rush, visit Ayurvedic spa ‘Tantraah’ to recharge. Finally, Chances Resort organizes various live events, concerts, and international dance shows. You can look forward to concerts every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Casino Carnival
Casino Carnival was founded in 2001 and is located at the picturesque Goa Marriott Resort and Spa in Goa. This casino is considered one of the most family-oriented gambling establishments in Goa, providing two different casino venues. The first is within the resort, at Marriot beach, and the second is a river casino on the Mandovi River. Both of them provide exclusive gambling facilities spread across four decks.
You can enjoy playing a large selection of slot machines and table games, including Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, and other popular casino games. Casino Carnival works 24/7, all year round. If you like to explore Goa, book a room at the resort and visit Dudhsagar Falls or Sahakari Spice Farm nearby.
Most Famous Gamblers
Vivek Rajkumar is a professional poker player born in India who grew up in Seattle, USA, where he lives now. He studied in the States, where he graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Vivek enjoys playing poker and betting on sports. However, he became famous after winning several renowned poker tournaments.
In 2008, Vivek Rajkumar won the World Poker Tour Borgata Poker Open Main Event, which propelled him onto the world stage. He then collected two more trophies at the LA Poker Classic No Limit Hold ’em events in 2008 and 2009. Vivek earned more than $8 million playing live poker.
Nipun Java is another successful professional poker player from India. He was born in New Delhi but moved to the US, where he currently lives. He mainly participates in the popular US live poker circuits. Nipun Java first caught the attention of the community during the LA Poker Open Championship Event in Los Angles when he earned 5th place.
In July 2013, Java won the Larry Flynt Grand Slam of Poker $170 No Limit Holdem (NLH) Event. The same year, he took home $63,545 when he placed 4th in the Legends of Poker, Los Angeles $160 NLH Mega Million VII Event. However, he made history in 2017 when he played alongside Aditya Sushant at the 48th WSOP $1,000 Tag Team event. The duo won the most prestigious trophy – the WSOP Bracelet. Nipun Java earned almost $3 playing poker. Nice.
Fun Facts
Online fantasy sports is deemed a form of skill-based online sports gaming and legal business activity in India, unlike sports betting.
Reports put it that about 80% of Indians gamble at least once a year on slots, table games or sports. The rate at which the popularity of online gambling has grown in India in the past few years is very high.
Currently, most forms of gambling in India is illegal. However, horse racing, lottery, and Rummy (Paplu) fall under the category of legal gambling. It is highly likely that fully legal gambling will come to India soon.
Some believe that India will become a superpower in online gambling. The reasons to this are big population (India is the second-largest population in the world, standing at nearly 1.4 billion people), a tech-savvy nation (India is one of the leaders in smartphone usage worldwide), sponsorship opportunities (online gambling sites might sponsor some of the country’s biggest cricket teams) and the presence of Indian traditional games of chance such as Teen Patti, Andar Bahar and Rummy.
The Indian online gaming industry is growing at an exponential rate year upon year and is expected to be worth $1.1 billion by 2021, according to Google-KMPG.
FAQ
Which is the best casino online in India?
Which casino site that is the best depends on what you are looking for. There are many high-quality casino sites, yet some focus on live casino, while others on slots, for example. Bonuses also differ, so you need to consider the details when picking the best option for you.
Do online casinos pay their bonuses in Indian Rupees?
Some casinos do. If they target Indian players and accept INR currency, they will show everything in Indian Rupees, including welcome bonuses and promotional prizes.
How do I know if a casino accepts Indian players?
If you are not sure, this information can be usually seen on the General Terms and Conditions pages. Eligible countries are listed there. If you don’t find this information, feel free to contact the customer support of the casino and ask. Indian casinos online recommended by CBM surely accept players from India, no doubt about it.
Do I have to pay taxes on my online casino winnings in India?
Taxes are applied to casino winnings in India, although these charges are more characteristic for casino operators than players themselves. Tax laws levy a tax rate of 30% on any winnings from any form of gambling or betting. Offshore casino operators are supposed to withhold tax of 30% when paying winners if the amount exceeds 10,000 INR. Indian-based online casinos will have a 28% rate applied.
What are some traditional Indian gambling games I can play online?
Traditional Indian casino games have started to appear more and more at online casinos. This means you can play them whenever you want. More and more players are getting familiar with games like Teen Patti, Andar Bahar and Jhandi Munda through online casino play.
How do I know I'm safe at an Indian online casino?
The only way to ensure you are safe is to play at a recommended and trusted Indian online casino site. Always go for a casino that holds a valid license from a reputable authority, is tested for fairness, offers secure payment methods and applies security measures such as SSL encryption. Taking a couple of extra precautions, such as creating a strong password and not using public Wi-Fi to gamble online is also a good idea.