Are Fantasy Sports Legal in India?

Fantasy sports have become increasingly popular in India in recent years, with millions of people participating in daily and seasonal fantasy leagues. But are they legal in India? Here's what you need to know.

Step 1: Understanding the Concept Fantasy sports are considered games of skill in India, rather than games of chance. This means that participating in fantasy sports is considered legal as long as the game is structured in a way that requires participants to use their knowledge and understanding of the sport to make strategic decisions.

Step 2: Regulation by the Government The Indian government has taken steps to regulate the fantasy sports industry in India. In 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification clarifying that fantasy sports are considered games of skill and are therefore exempt from the laws governing gambling and betting in India.

Step 3: Self-Regulation by the Industry In addition to government regulation, the fantasy sports industry in India has also established its own set of self-regulatory guidelines. These guidelines are aimed at ensuring that fantasy sports operators provide a fair, safe, and transparent environment for participants.

Step 4: Protecting Participants To protect participants, the government and the industry have put in place measures such as age verification, responsible gaming policies, and secure payment methods. They have also established a complaint and dispute resolution mechanism to address any issues that may arise during play.

In conclusion, fantasy sports are legal in India as long as they are structured as games of skill. The government and the industry have taken steps to regulate and protect participants, ensuring that fantasy sports provide a safe and fair environment for all.