When you play an online game, your intention is not to win money but to have fun. Therefore, even if you earn money, it is not your main motivation for playing the game.
Over the past decades, online games have been a source of entertainment for people all over the world. People have always enjoyed playing these games online, whether it is card games, video games or casino games.
However, there has been a lot of debate on whether playing these games with the best betting app in India is equivalent to gambling. So what does the online gambling law say in India?
An Overview of Indian Gambling Law
Gambling in India is governed by the Public Gambling Act of 1867. This law criminalizes all public gambling and maintains strict vigilance over gambling in public places. Exceptions to this rule exist, however.
For example, games played in private homes or clubs are not considered public games and are not prohibited.
Similarly, games played online are also not considered public gambling. Indeed, the games are played in a virtual environment and not in a physical space.
These games use modern technologies. But what modern technologies do live casinos involve? A good example is an augmented reality among others.
So, according to the law, playing online games is not illegal in India. However, there are gray areas when it comes to online gaming. For example, some online games may require real money to purchase virtual items or participate in certain competitions. In such cases, the game may be considered gambling.
Why are online games not gambling?
Now that we know that playing online games is not illegal in India, let’s see why these games are not considered gambling.
1. Games of chance are not bets
Most online games are skill-based, not chance-based. This means that the outcome of the game is not determined by luck but by the ability of the player. For example, in a game like poker, the best player is more likely to win than a player who relies on luck.
2. Gambling is for making money
When you play an online game, your intention is not to win money but to have fun. Therefore, even if you earn money, it is not your main motivation for playing the game.
On the other hand, gambling is all about making money, and people who gamble do so only to make money.
3. Online games are not without risk
When you gamble, you risk your money to win more money. However, when playing an online game, there is no risk because you are not betting real money. Thus, these games cannot be considered gambling.
4. The rules of online games are transparent
The rules of online games are generally very clear and transparent. This contrasts with gambling, where the rules are often obscure and unclear.
This transparency makes it easier for players to understand and play the game without fear of being cheated.
5. Gambling is unpredictable
Games of chance are always uncertain and can go either way. But on the other hand, the outcome of an online game is mainly determined by the skill of the player. Thus, these games cannot be considered gambling.
6. Gambling is addictive, but online gambling is not
Gambling is known to be addictive and can often lead to financial ruin. However, online gambling is not addictive and does not carry the same risks associated with it.
7. Gambling is illegal in India, but online gambling is not
As stated earlier, gambling is prohibited in India under the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Due to the fact that it is not covered by this act, online gambling is not illegal.
8. Online games are not based on chance
As we mentioned earlier, online games are mostly skill-based and not chance-based. This means that the chances of winning or losing in these games are not determined by luck but by the ability of the player.
9. Gambling leads to financial ruin, but not online gambling
Gambling is often associated with financial ruin, as people can lose more money than they can afford. However, online gambling does not present the same risks because it is not based on chance but on skill.
Online games are not bets
To sum up, online games are not gambling because they are based on skill and not chance; they are not without risk, the rules are transparent, they are not addictive and they do not lead to financial ruin.
So, if you enjoy playing online games, you don’t have to worry about gambling being illegal or addictive. Just make sure that you gamble responsibly and within your limits.