Poker Circle is a growing online poker platform in India that allows players to compete for real money. However, like all real-money skill-based games, its legality isn’t uniform across the country. India’s gaming laws are governed both at the central and state levels, meaning some states allow apps like Poker Circle freely, while others restrict or ban them outright. This article outlines the current legal status of Poker Circle across various Indian states.
States Where Poker Circle Is Generally Legal
In many Indian states, poker is recognized as a game of skill, and thus excluded from gambling restrictions. This makes platforms like Poker Circle legally operable.
West Bengal
Poker is excluded from the West Bengal Gambling poker-circle.org and Prize Competitions Act, making real-money poker games like Poker Circle legal and accessible to residents.
Karnataka
The High Court has ruled poker to be a skill-based game. While regulatory changes have occurred in the past, the app is generally accessible in this state.
Sikkim and Nagaland
These two states have enacted licensing laws for online gaming. Poker is recognized under their gaming policies as a skill-based game, making it legal to play Poker Circle there.
Goa
Goa has a liberal gaming policy and permits both offline and online forms of poker. Poker Circle operates freely for players in this region.
Meghalaya
This state has introduced gaming legislation that includes poker under skill-based categories. As a result, Poker Circle can be played legally by residents here.
Haryana and Jharkhand
These states do not have explicit laws prohibiting online games of skill. Poker Circle remains active and accessible in these regions.
States with Restrictions or Unclear Legal Status
While many states accept skill games, others have imposed restrictions or bans that impact the legality of apps like Poker Circle.
Tamil Nadu
There have been multiple attempts to ban online games, including poker. Although the court struck down some of these laws, the situation remains legally unsettled.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
These states have implemented complete bans on online games played for stakes. Regardless of whether poker is a game of skill, Poker Circle cannot legally operate with real-money services here.
Assam and Odisha
These states have ambiguous gaming laws. Since no legal distinction is made between games of chance and games of skill, Poker Circle does not offer its services in these regions.
Maharashtra
The state has not clearly defined its stance on online poker. While no law directly bans it, there’s no official approval either. As a result, Poker Circle operates cautiously in this state.
