Cricket Betting in India Laws, Risks and Key Facts
India’s illegal sports betting market receives an estimated inflow of Rs 8,20,000 crore every single year, equivalent to roughly $100 billion, according to a Think Change Forum report. Yet as of 2026, cricket betting in India is clearly prohibited under a central law that came into force just over a year ago. Millions of Indians may be unaware of exactly what changed, who can be punished, and what the real dangers are.
This article walks through the law in plain language, explains the penalties, and covers the risks that go beyond the legal question.
What Does the Law Say About Cricket Betting in India?
The legal picture has three overlapping layers, and you need to understand all three.
The Public Gambling Act, 1867 is the oldest piece. It bans running a public gambling house and taking part in public gambling. Because it was written more than 150 years before smartphones existed, it does not directly address online platforms, and courts debated its reach for decades.
State laws also apply, because the Indian Constitution places betting and gambling under the State List Entry 34, List II of the Seventh Schedule. Each state can make its own rules. Goa and Sikkim, for example, set up their own regulated frameworks. In May 2026, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that states continue to hold legislative authority to restrict or regulate gaming activities within their borders.
PROGA 2025 is the big change. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act was passed by Parliament on August 22, 2025, received Presidential assent the same day, and came into force on October 1, 2025. It is the first central law that directly addresses online gaming. Under Section 5 of PROGA, all online money games are prohibited. The law defines a money game as any online game where you pay money and expect to win money back, whether or not skill is involved. Cricket betting fits that definition exactly.
Is Online Cricket Betting in India Legal in 2026?
No. Real-money online cricket betting is prohibited under PROGA 2025, whether the platform is Indian or offshore.
Before this law, a legal grey area existed. No single central statute addressed online gambling directly, and platforms relied on the game of skill argument to keep operating. PROGA closed that argument. Between 2022 and June 2025, 1,524 betting and gambling websites and apps were blocked under Section 69A of the IT Act. Since October 2025, that number has grown to over 7,800 blocked platforms.
The constitutionality of PROGA is being challenged before the Supreme Court. Several companies and industry bodies argue that Parliament overstepped its authority by legislating on a subject that belongs to the states. The Indian Supreme Court is hearing these petitions, which raise constitutional questions that a larger bench has been asked to consider. The law remains fully in force while those hearings continue.
What Are the Penalties Under PROGA 2025?
The PROG Rules, 2025 stipulate that those found guilty of operating online betting apps face up to three years’ jail time, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both. Those found advertising such platforms could face up to two years’ jail time, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both.
| Who Is Targeted | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Platform operators and facilitators | 3 years imprisonment + Rs 1 crore fine |
| Advertisers of betting services | 2 years imprisonment + Rs 50 lakh fine |
| Repeat offenders (operators) | 5 years imprisonment + Rs 2 crore fine |
| Banks processing betting transactions | Criminal liability under PROGA |
For individual users who place bets, PROGA does not set out specific criminal penalties the way it does for operators. No individual bettor has been prosecuted under this law so far. However, the act’s wording is broad enough that users should not assume complete immunity from any legal exposure.
Is Paid Fantasy Cricket Also Banned Now?
Yes. Under PROGA, all real-money online betting and gambling is banned in India as of October 1, 2025, and the law defines an online money game as any online game where users pay money expecting monetary gain, regardless of skill or chance. Paid fantasy cricket contests, where you pay an entry fee and can win cash, fall squarely under this definition.
Free-to-play fantasy cricket, where no money is paid in and no cash prize is won, remains outside the ban. Score prediction apps and no-stake fantasy leagues are not affected.
If you have an existing account on a gaming platform and want to check what features or free-play options are still accessible to you, the lotus365 login page is where you manage account details. Read the platform’s terms carefully and confirm that any service you use does not involve a cash stake.
What Real Risks Do Indian Bettors Face?
The legal risk is only part of the picture. The practical dangers are just as serious.
Financial loss is the most common outcome. Government figures cited during the PROGA debate showed that gambling companies extracted $2.3 billion annually from 450 million people across India. Most participants end up losing money over time.
Fraud and scams are common on offshore platforms. These sites often accept deposits without friction but create barriers when you try to withdraw. Since they operate outside Indian law, you have no consumer protection and no legal route to recover your money.
Banking problems are a growing issue. Section 7 of the PROG Rules restricts banks, financial institutions, and intermediaries from enabling transactions related to online betting platforms. Several users have had accounts flagged or temporarily frozen after sending money to offshore betting sites.
Addiction and mental health consequences deserve honest attention. Gambling addiction is now firmly recognized as a medical condition, and India has seen documented cases of fantasy gaming addiction, including among children, with the cycle of addiction leading to greater financial harm as people attempt to recover losses. If you or someone you know is struggling, speak to a mental health professional. The iCall helpline run by TISS Mumbai 9152987821provides confidential support.
What Is Still Allowed in 2026?
A few categories remain permitted under PROGA:
- Free-to-play prediction games and fantasy leagues with no cash entry fee or prize
- E-sports competitions, which PROGA specifically exempts
- Social online games played purely for entertainment, with no money at stake
If you want to see what services a platform currently offers within legal limits, you can visit the lotus365 signup page to review its current offerings. Any platform you consider should clearly explain how it complies with PROGA 2025, and you should avoid any service that requires a cash deposit.
A word before you decide
Cricket betting in India in 2026 is not a grey area in the way it was two or three years ago. PROGA drew a clear line, and crossing it carries real legal and financial risk. The law could change if the Supreme Court strikes down parts of PROGA or if Parliament revisits the question, but as things stand in October 2026, real-money betting on cricket is prohibited. If you are unsure about your legal position or a platform’s compliance, consult a qualified lawyer before taking any action.
