Is crypto poker legal in India?
Crypto poker in India occupies a legal gray area: Poker as a skill game: Several Indian courts have ruled that poker is a game of skill, not chance. The Supreme Court of India has recognized skill-based games as protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. State-by-state variation: States like Goa, Sikkim, and Meghalaya have specific gambling regulations. Some states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu have attempted to ban online gaming. Most states have no specific laws addressing crypto poker. Cryptocurrency status: India has not banned cryptocurrency ownership or trading. A 30% tax on crypto gains was introduced in 2022. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) of 1% applies to crypto transactions above thresholds. Practical reality: Indian players widely access offshore crypto poker sites. Platforms like Stake.com and BC.Game are popular among Indian poker players. INR can be converted to crypto through Indian exchanges like WazirX or CoinDCX.
