The short and sweet answer to your question is No, playing cards is not illegal in India, but if you play card games specifically to bet and earn money, then yes, it is absolutely illegal in the country and it has been like that for quite a while.
So, What’s The Current Legal Status of Playing Cards in India?
Just to be clear from the start, the legality of playing card games in India is determined by a couple of factors: primarily, they include the nature of the game itself and secondly, the place where it’s being played, you know? The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is kinda the main law or source guiding the law about gambling, which is quite old. Basically, this act restricts public gambling activities that are mostly illegal, you know, that’s why gambling in public areas or engaging in gambling operations are against the law. Still, card games are not covered by this regulation in their entirety.
Though, the country has a defined distinction between a game of expertise and a game of chance. In a game that relies mostly on the right skills instead of luck, it is regarded as a skill game which is allowed by law. On the other hand, games such as Teen Patti, which are based mostly on chance, are usually deemed as the gambling of games of chance and are rightly considered illegal in open places. So, that’s what’s going on.
Playing Cards for Money, What About That?
When it comes to playing cards for money, the rules can get a little complicated, but why exactly? Well, just so you know, games like poker or rummy that involve skill in the play are almost always allowed, no doubts about that. Though, in this context, location basically matters. If you’re just playing at a friend’s house with a few bucks on the table, the law generally won’t interfere. But, if you’re playing in public or a club, particularly to bet and earn money, it might just be illegal.
Like, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that playing rummy which is a game of skill is not gambling, therefore making it lawful to play rummy for money. But, on the downside, things happen. The state may have some controls that prevent players from engaging in those games for cash, so it’s wise to check first the relevant laws in your jurisdiction.
State-Specific Gambling Laws in India
In all, or well most of these different states in India, playing cards and gambling is a matter of varying laws. Sure, in a centralized manner, one law governs all the states, but the states are free to come up with their own resolutions. The fact is, in Assam, Odisha, and Telangana, playing card games for money at all times (no matter whether they are games of skill or chance) is absolutely illegal. On the other hand, in the states of Maharashtra or Karnataka, it is alright to play games of skill for money. This, then, is the reason why you might find online card games authorized in some territories and banned in others.
