Is Goexch legal in India?

Betting and gambling sit on the State List of the Constitution, which means each state writes its own laws. A practice that is allowed in one state can be an offence in the next.

Since 2025 there is also a central law that covers online money games across the country, so you now need to think about both.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 was passed by Parliament in August 2025. It treats online money games, including online sports betting, as a separate category from esports and social games.

• Separates online money games from esports and online social games, which it supports
• Prohibits offering, advertising or processing payments for online money games
• Applies whether a money game is based on skill, chance or both, and covers online sports betting

The Act's penalties are aimed at the people who offer, advertise or process payments for money games. That doesn't make playing automatically safe from a legal point of view, because state laws can still apply to players directly. If you're unsure, get advice from a lawyer.

Many states follow the Public Gambling Act, 1867 or their own version of it. A few have gone further on online betting, while others allow licensed casinos.

• Online betting banned

  Telangana, Andhra Pradesh

  State law bans online betting for money.

• Licensed casinos

  Goa, Sikkim, Daman

  Certain licensed casinos are permitted under state rules.

• Most other states

  Public Gambling Act, 1867

  Follow the 1867 Act or their own version of it.

State laws change, sometimes quickly. Check the current position in your state rather than relying on any list, including this one.

Indian courts have long treated games of skill differently from games of chance. The Supreme Court held that rummy was a game of skill in 1968, and said the same of horse racing in 1996.

For online money games, the 2025 Act makes the distinction matter much less. It applies whether the game is based on skill, chance or both.

Yes. Net winnings from online games are taxed at a flat 30%, plus surcharge and cess, and tax may be deducted at source (TDS) before you receive them.

These rules sat in sections 115BBJ and 194BA of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Section numbers can change with new tax law, so confirm the details with a tax adviser.

• Check the current law in your state before you open any betting account
• Get advice from a qualified lawyer if you're unsure
• You must be 18 or older to play
• Keep records of winnings for tax, and ask a tax adviser about TDS
• Only bet money you can afford to lose

Our terms say Goexch is only for adults where it is permitted by law, and our responsible gaming page lists the limits you can set.