Playing Poker for money is a phenomenon that has picked up speed in recent years. Today, when people speak about Poker games there is hardly any sense of taboo associated with it. A lot of gaming businesses are bustling with people and these businesses generate employment for a lot of people. Moreover, a lot of players have taken up offline games professionally besides playing online as well.
Today, there are Poker Books that talk about probability and reading people’s gestures. So we can assume there is a certain level of pedantry that the skill game has developed today. One of the best-selling Poker Books, called the “Theory of Poker” by David Sklansky has talked in detail about the variations of the game and how to master it.
Nonetheless, even though the gaming culture has leapfrogged the barriers set by societal frowns, there are still lingering questions regarding the legality of the game in our country. However, to put it briefly, the legality of the game varies from state to state in our country. Even after our independence. We kept following the draconian British laws and that is why there has been a lot of ambiguity regarding the legal status of offline games of Poker.
Let’s take a look at the statutes that have been passed on skill gaming
- The gaming act that was passed in 1867 in colonial India. Made it amply clear that it was illegal to host Poker games and be in charge of establishments that promoted such kinds of gaming.
- However, only some states have adopted this statute and other states have been allowed to make their laws about offline games. States like Gujarat, Assam, and Orissa’s legal ambiguity regarding the permission of the game has cast doubts about its legal existence.
- Indian laws have thus classified the existence of games of such kinds into skill games and chance games and games of skill are provided with an exception. This is visible in the 1957 Supreme Court verdict where the judiciary mentioned that games involving a certain degree of skill would be allowed in the country.
- In 1967, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment legalized Rummy as a game of skill irrespective of where it was being played. The format of the game, and the stakes involved. The court then allowed such offline games to be played at establishments instead of a certain fee.
- Consolidating the 1967 judgment. The Supreme Court in 1996 ruled that even horse racing is a game of skill and legalized that as well. In December 2019 as well. The Supreme Court came up with a verdict that legalized the fantasy sports leagues that were making rounds. The legal grounds finally got clearer with the judgment passed by Karnataka High Court and Kolkata High Court in 2013 and 2015.
- The judgments remarked that if played as a game of skill. Offline games of Poker could be conducted at places without any licenses. Police hence. Cannot interfere in the activities of Poker clubs.
- When it comes to hosting offline poker games at home. Its legal as long as the host doesn’t seek compensation for hosting the even as per the state laws.
Glancing at laws of the State where Poker is not allowed
- Assam
Residents of Assam are prevented from playing poker irrespective of whether it is online or offline. The law still follows the Act that was passed by the state of Assam in 1970 that considers a game of skill like Poker or Rummy illegal in that state.
- Andhra Pradesh
Andhra has a very long history of banning skill games. Poker, Rummy, Fantasy sports, and all kinds of real money games are considered illegal in the state. There was an existing act that forbade the aforementioned games. However, an ordinance was passed very recently that made playing such games a punishable offense with jail time ranging from six months to two years. The following things are prohibited in the state of Andhra:
- Collection of bets
- Distribution of money or materialistic benefits to the winner of such games
- Any act that facilitates wagering of any kind
- Any act that uses money as a stake including games of skill
- Nagaland
Nagaland considers Poker as a game of skill and hence. It is legal to host a Poker game in that state. The Act passed by the state in 2016 has issued legislations against what they consider games of chance. However, considering Poker as an exception the state has provided licenses to a lot of people who were enthusiastic about hosting the game.
- Telangana
This state has a convoluted history with Poker. Telangana was the best market for rummy and other games of the same ilk. However, in 2017. A blanket ban was imposed on all games that included real money. People hosting Poker games were the most affected of the lot.
A lot of businessmen challenged the ordinance of the state which proved to be a vain attempt. Today, Poker is not only an illegal game. Playing it is also considered a punishable offense. Any person found guilty of indulging in it can be detained by the authorities for up to a year without bail or trial.
Follow PokerBaazi’s Online Skill Gaming Ventures from Home Without Legal Apprehension!
PokerBaazi is an industry giant that has brought Poker and other skill games to the homes of millions in our country. It has helped remove the stigma that was associated with Poker and other offline games of skill. However, PokerBaazi remains a hundred percent legal entity that works under set governmental precedents.
It advocates people to play responsibly as it tries to sensitize people about the addictive aspect of gaming. Besides, there are a lot of content and tutorials on Poker that could be used as Poker books for beginners, if someone is new to this world.
Consequently, online poker has made things smoother for fans to enjoy the game from the comfort of their home without facing legalities of any kind as long as they are doing so within the state laws. So, feel free to ride the wave today straight from the four walls of your house.
