When you play an online game, your intention is not to make money but to have fun. Therefore, even if you do win some money, it is not your primary motive for playing the game.
Over the past few decades, online games have been a source of entertainment for people worldwide. People have always enjoyed playing these games online, whether card games, video games, or casino games.
However, there has been a lot of debate on whether playing these games with the best betting app in India amounts to gambling. So, what does the law say about online gaming in India?
A preview of Indian Gambling Law
In India, gambling is governed by the Public Gambling Act of 1867. This act criminalizes any public gambling and keeps a strict vigil on games of chance in public places. Exceptions to this rule do exist, however.
For instance, games played in private houses or clubs are not considered public gambling and are not outlawed.
Similarly, games that are played online are also not considered to be public gambling. This is because the games are played in a virtual environment and not in a physical space.
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Thus, according to the law, playing online games is not illegal in India. However, there are some grey areas when it comes to online gaming. For instance, some online games may require real money to buy virtual items or enter certain competitions. In such cases, there is a possibility that the game may be considered gambling.
Why are Online Games not gambling?
Now that we know that playing online games is not illegal in India let us look at why these games are not considered gambling.
1. Games of chance are not gambling
Most online games are based on skill and not on chance. This means that the game’s outcome is not determined by luck but by the player’s ability. For instance, in a game like a poker, the better player is more likely to win than a player relying on luck.
2. Gambling is done to make money
When you play an online game, your intention is not to make money but to have fun. Therefore, even if you do win some money, it is not your primary motive for playing the game.
On the other hand, gambling is all about making money, and people who gamble do so solely to make money.
3. Online games are not risk-free
When you gamble, you risk your money to make more money. However, when you play an online game, there is no risk involved as you are not betting any real money. Thus, these games cannot be considered gambling.
4. The rules of online games are transparent
The rules of online games are usually very clear and transparent. This contrasts with gambling, where the rules are often murky and unclear.
This transparency makes it easier for players to understand and play the game without fear of being cheated.
5. Games of chance are unpredictable
Games of chance are always uncertain and can turn out either way. But on the other hand, the outcome of an online game is mostly determined by the player’s skill. Thus, these games cannot be considered gambling.
6. Gambling is addictive, but online gaming is not
Gambling is known to be addictive and can often lead to financial ruin. However, online gaming is not addictive and does not have the same risks associated with it.
7. Gambling is illegal in India, but online gaming is not
As previously stated, gaming is prohibited in India under the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Due to the fact that it is not covered by this act, online gambling is not unlawful.
8. Online games are not based on chance
As we mentioned earlier, online games are mostly skill-based and not based on chance. This means that the chances of winning or losing in these games are not determined by luck but by the player’s ability.
9. Gambling leads to financial ruin, but online gaming does not
Gambling is often associated with financial ruin, as people can lose more money than they can afford. However, online gaming does not have the same risks as it is not based on chance but on skill.
Online games are not gambling
To sum it up, online games are not gambling because they are based on skill and not chance; they are not risk-free, the rules are transparent, they are not addictive, and they do not lead to financial ruin.
So, if you enjoy playing online games, you need not worry about it being illegal or leading to gambling addiction. Just make sure that you play responsibly and within your limits.
