If you’ve tried downloading a real-money gaming app lately, you’ve probably noticed how many of them suddenly ask for verification or show “not available in your region.” That’s not a glitch. India’s online betting laws have quietly changed, and Android users are right in the middle of it.
The government has finally started drawing lines around what counts as skill-based gaming and what counts as betting. Add to that Google’s new Play Store policy and several state bans, and the online gaming space looks completely different from what it was a few years ago.
What Online Betting Looked Like Before
For years, online betting platforms ran in a legal blur. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 still governed the space, even though it was written long before the internet. Offshore sites registered in places like Curacao and Malta offered services to Indian users, claiming that as long as their servers were abroad, they weren’t breaking any rules.
Most of these apps were not on Google Play. Instead, users downloaded APK files directly, which meant no verification, no age filters, and no official oversight. Payments often went through crypto or digital wallets.
That started to change in 2023. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) blocked more than 130 websites linked to unlicensed gambling platforms. In its official press note, the government said the decision came after reports of “fraud and illegal money transfers linked to offshore entities.”
The 2024-2025 Rules: What Changed
Under the new framework, MeitY amended the IT Rules to separate [ from betting on real events. The government introduced Self-Regulatory Bodies or SRBs, which now certify gaming companies and verify that their products follow local laws and user safety standards.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for IT, said last year that the intent was “to build a framework that protects users while encouraging responsible innovation.” Apps involving real money now need SRB registration, proper KYC checks, and disclosure of how winnings work.
Google followed the government’s direction. In February 2024, it updated its Play Store policy to allow real-money games like rummy and fantasy sports, provided they were SRB-certified and operated in states where they were legal.
To help users keep track, media and compliance outlets began maintaining lists of approved operators. You’ll find several that reference a legal betting apps full list (2025) showing which platforms are verified, KYC-compliant, and recognized under India’s gaming guidelines.
What Android Users Need to Know
If you’re on Android, the new rules put more responsibility in your hands. Before installing any real-money gaming app, check whether it’s listed under an SRB. Legitimate apps display a registration number and a “responsible gaming” notice.
Also, look at your local laws. Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh continue to ban all online gaming with monetary stakes. Then Sikkim, Goa, and Nagaland issue local licenses for skill-based or casino-style operations.
Also, avoid direct APK downloads. They might look identical to verified apps, but are often clones carrying malware or fake payment links.
Google India’s Trust and Safety head Saikat Mitra said in February, “We want to help developers responsibly scale real-money gaming in India while ensuring the highest standards of user safety and transparency.” Play Store listings now require age verification, deposit limits, and clear disclosure of how in-app money flows.
State Laws Still Don’t Match
One major challenge is that India doesn’t yet have a single national law for online betting. The Supreme Court in 2023 urged the government to develop a unified framework, but nothing has really happened. The Public Gaming Act is still the main basis of regulating gambling activities in the country, and based on that, each state can decide whether it wants to regulate or ban such activities.
Kerala and Karnataka high courts have ruled that games of skill are protected business activity. Tamil Nadu and Telangana remain firm with bans. The problem is that this lack of uniformity leaves both players and developers confused about what’s legal.
MeitY hopes the SRB model will create some consistency while states continue to enforce their individual positions.
Google’s Updated Rules
Google Play’s new real-money gaming policy is now one of the most detailed anywhere in Asia. Every app has to show a verified developer name, KYC process, and contact information. There’s also a strict tax compliance requirement. Winnings above a threshold automatically deduct 30 percent TDS, in line with the Income Tax Act.
Apple’s App Store takes an even tighter stance. It only lists fantasy sports and card games that have state licenses, and it flags unavailable regions on each app page.
These changes have already reduced the number of clone or scam apps pretending to be legal betting or fantasy platforms. For users, it means the Play Store is now far safer than sideloading files from random sites.
What Comes Next
India’s real-money gaming market is expected to cross 2.5 billion dollars by 2026, according to KPMG. That growth explains why the government is opting for regulation rather than a full ban.
The new model rests on three pillars: self-regulation, platform accountability, and user awareness. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s the clearest the industry has ever been.
For Android users, the rules are simple: use official apps, check SRB registration, and avoid shortcuts. Legal gaming is no longer hard to find, as you just need to know where to look.