Fantasy Sports vs. Gambling: What the Indian Law Says in 2025

Introduction

In India, where cricket is akin to religion and sports capture millions of hearts daily, fantasy sports have become a thriving digital industry. Simultaneously, gambling—an age-old issue—remains heavily regulated, often stigmatized, and in many cases, illegal.

As of 2025, the distinction between fantasy sports and gambling has become not just a topic of public interest but a significant legal debate. The government, judiciary, and stakeholders have all weighed in. But what exactly does the law say now? And why is understanding this distinction more crucial than ever?

What Are Fantasy Sports?

Fantasy sports are online games where users create virtual teams made up of real-life players from a particular sport. Points are earned based on how those players perform in actual matches. The user's goal is to assemble the most effective team to win contests and, often, cash prizes.

Popular Fantasy Platforms in India:

1. Dream11

2. My11Circle

3. MPL Fantasy

4. Gamezy

5. Zupee

What Is Gambling?

Gambling is defined as wagering money or valuables on an uncertain event with the primary intent of winning something of value—usually where the outcome depends heavily or entirely on chance.

Examples of Gambling:

1. Playing cards for money

2. Slot machines

3. Betting on match outcomes

4. Lottery games

5. Online poker or roulette (if chance-dominant)

Why the Confusion Between the Two?

Both involve stakes, and both can offer monetary rewards. That’s where the legal and ethical lines blur.

1. Fantasy sports require knowledge of the game, team strategy, and player performance.

2. Gambling, on the other hand, is mostly dependent on luck or chance.

So, is fantasy sports a game of skill or chance? That’s the central question.

Legal Framework in India: Overview

India doesn’t have a unified gambling law. Instead, the subject falls under the State List in the Constitution, meaning each state can make its own laws.

Key Laws and Acts:

1. Public Gambling Act, 1867 – A colonial law still applicable in many states; it prohibits running or visiting a gambling house.

2. Information Technology Act, 2000 – Regulates online activities, but lacks clarity on online gaming and gambling.

3. State Laws – States like Sikkim, Goa, and Nagaland have specific regulations for games of skill and online gaming.

4. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Has provisions that can apply to deceptive gaming platforms.

Fantasy Sports: Legal Status as of 2025

Over the years, Indian courts have consistently ruled that fantasy sports involving skill, judgment, and statistical analysis are games of skill rather than games of chance.

Supreme Court Stand:

In 2021, the Supreme Court of India upheld that fantasy sports are games of skill in the case involving Dream11. The Court stated that the player's success depends on superior knowledge, research, and judgment.

2025 Legal Status:

• Games of Skill are exempt from gambling prohibitions in most states.

• Fantasy Sports are allowed in several states (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Punjab).

• States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, and Odisha still prohibit or restrict online fantasy sports under their local gaming laws.

Important Clarification:

In 2023 and reaffirmed in 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) introduced a Self-Regulatory Framework under the Online Gaming Rules, distinguishing games of skill from gambling and requiring all real-money gaming apps to register and verify their operations.

Gambling: Legal Status as of 2025

Gambling, especially online gambling, is still largely banned across most Indian states. Here's what the law currently says:

• Betting on games of chance is illegal in most states.

• Online gambling platforms are banned or unregulated.

• The Telangana Gaming Act and Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act were amended to ban all forms of online gambling, including real-money card games.

• States like Goa and Sikkim allow licensed gambling, but only in designated physical locations or via regulated online platforms.

Central Government Stance:

In 2024, the government expressed intent to introduce a Central Online Gaming Regulation Bill, but as of mid-2025, it is still under consultation.

Key Differences Between Fantasy Sports and Gambling

What Makes a Game a “Game of Skill”?

Indian courts have laid out the following tests:

• Preponderance Test: Whether skill plays a predominant role over chance.

• Analytical Ability: If the game requires logical thinking, planning, or prediction.

• Strategic Input: If players can influence outcomes by choosing or arranging elements (e.g., team selection).

Cases that Set the Precedent:

• State of Bombay vs. RMD Chamarbaugwala (1957) – Emphasized the distinction between skill and chance.

• K.R. Lakshmanan vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1996) – Declared horse racing to be a game of skill.

• Varun Gumber vs. Union Territory of Chandigarh (2017) – Declared fantasy sports legal, reinforcing the game of skill argument.

Taxation of Fantasy Sports vs. Gambling in 2025

As of 2025, India has updated the tax rules to better monitor online gaming and gambling:

Fantasy Sports Taxation:

1. GST at 28% on the total contest entry amount.

2. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) at 30% on net winnings exceeding ₹100.

3. Platforms are required to deduct and report winnings.

Gambling Taxation:

1. Similar GST and TDS rules apply but enforcement is stricter due to the higher risk of illegality.

2. Players on unregulated platforms may face legal notices or tax scrutiny.

Regulatory Frameworks Introduced by MeitY (2023–2025)

Online Gaming (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules:

1. Platforms offering real-money games must register with a Self-Regulatory Body (SRB).

2. Games involving betting are banned.

3. All gaming platforms must verify users via KYC (Know Your Customer).

4. Misleading advertisements are punishable.

5. Parental controls and addiction warnings are mandatory.

Concerns and Criticism

1. Addiction and Youth Exposure

Despite being legal, fantasy sports have been criticized for encouraging addiction, especially among youth. Lawmakers are demanding stricter time and spending limits.

2. Consumer Protection

Many players don't understand terms and lose large sums. Lack of clear disclaimers leads to consumer complaints.

3. Fraudulent Platforms

Numerous fake apps pose as legitimate fantasy platforms. Legal action has been taken against such sites, but awareness remains key.

4. Overlap with Gambling

Critics argue that real-money fantasy contests blur the line between skill and chance, especially when player performance is unpredictable.

Supreme Court and Government Outlook in 2025

In its 2025 observations, the Supreme Court has:

1. Urged states to adopt uniform laws on online gaming.

2. Recommended creation of a central monitoring authority.

3. Reiterated the need to protect users, especially vulnerable populations like minors and those with gambling addictions.

Meanwhile, the central government continues consultations on the Online Gaming Regulation Bill, which may establish a National Online Gaming Commission to:

1. License platforms.

2. Standardize rules.

3. Penalize illegal or unregistered operations.

How Can Players Stay Safe?

If you're participating in fantasy sports or online games in India, here are steps to ensure legality and safety:

1. Check for SRB Verification – Only use platforms registered with a Self-Regulatory Body.

2. Review Terms & Conditions – Understand rules, prize structure, and refund policy.

3. Set Limits – Use parental controls or self-limit features.

4. Report Suspicious Activity – Inform cybercrime portals or local authorities.

5. Avoid Unregulated Apps – Offshore betting apps often violate Indian laws.

States Where Fantasy Sports Are Allowed in 2025

Conclusion: What the Indian Law Says in 2025

In 2025, Indian law draws a clear line between fantasy sports as a game of skill and gambling as a game of chance. The Supreme Court and central ministries have taken a pro-regulation approach, supporting the fantasy sports industry while cracking down on illegal gambling.

However, grey areas still exist, especially in states with prohibitory laws and due to the rise of hybrid games. With the possible rollout of the Online Gaming Regulation Bill, a more unified and structured legal approach could soon emerge.

For now, the key takeaway is:

Fantasy sports are largely legal if skill-based and regulated, while gambling remains heavily restricted unless specifically permitted.