How to gamble from West Bengal
Gambling from West Bengal is quite easy, as long as you do it online.
Since the state hasn’t imposed any specific restrictions on online gambling, players can enjoy thousands of casino games from their homes and mobile phones.
Foreign online gambling sites aren’t exposed to many risks by offering games in India. This is due to the gambling laws in India primarily focuses on local casinos.
All you need to do is sign up and play at a foreign site such as Casino Days or Big Boost!
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Is gambling legal in West Bengal?
Yes, and no. Gambling, as such, is not legal, since the majority of casino games are based on chance.
Gaming houses are, for example, completely illegal to run, visit, and gamble at. At the same time, you can find licensed operators offering various card games fully available to you.
Foreign casino sites aren’t prioritized by Bengal police. No Bengali player has been prosecuted for playing at one.
Gambling Laws in West Bengal
The laws of West Bengal are quite straightforward. Their laws were created in 1957, and are found in the West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competition Act, 1957.
Since the Act is over 60 years old, there’s no mention of online gambling or offshore casinos.
The restrictions against online gambling are only covered by the Information Technology Act, 2000. It does not explicitly mention players playing online.
West Bengal is also one of the states running its own lottery.
The laws of West Bengal are very similar to neighbouring states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competition Act, 1957
The act focuses on gaming houses and other forms of gambling done in an organized manner in a distinct location.
The maximum punishment for organizing a gaming house is imprisonment of three years and a fine of ₹2,000. The punishment for being found in a gaming house is imprisonment for a minimum of three months and up to ₹500 fine.
The West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competition Act, 1957, clarifies that some games are legal, such as lottery and horse racing.
Casino in Kolkata
Rummy and horse racing are popular ways to gamble in Kolkata.
While horse racing is restricted to land-based betting, rummy has a large online presence.
Foreign online casino sites are yet to start offering rummy. Instead, they offer a large selection of other table games such as online roulette, Andar Bahar online, 3 Patti cash, and online blackjack.
Casino in Asansol
Despite the lack of a physical casino in Asansol, players still engage in various types of gambling.
Although Asansol residents would have to travel to Kolkata to place local bets on horse racing, venues are still available, as are online casino sites.
Offshore gambling sites don’t discriminate. Bengali players can enjoy the latest slot games and live casino tables using their computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Lottery in West Bengal
The West Bengal lottery scene consists of a state-run lottery, run by The Directorate of State Lotteries.
The lottery needs to meet the criteria of The Lotteries Regulation Act, 1998, and the West Bengal State Lottery Rules, 1968.
West Bengal lotteries has six Bumper Draws per year, directly related to festival events. There are also seven weekly lottery draws part of the Lottery Sambad, better known as Dhankesari.
International lotteries are also available via online lottery tickets based outside of India.
Sports betting in West Bengal
Sports that don’t fall under horse racing are considered illegal to bet on. This is pretty much the same no matter where in India you are.
Since Eden Gardens are located in Kolkata, there are, however, many who gamble illegally by betting on cricket in West Bengal.
To circumvent this and place bets on sports, use a foreign online casino site such as Bettilt.
Horse racing in West Bengal
Horse racing is a big thing in West Bengal, and it is organized by the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC).
Betting on horse racing can be made at the Kolkata Race Course. No off-course betting centers are permitted.
However, on the 8th of July 2020, the Government of West Bengal Finance Department approved online betting on the Royal Calcutta Turf Club’s races.
These online bets are to be placed using computers located at the RCTC race-course.
Status on Rummy, Poker, Flush, and other card games
Card games such as rummy, poker, and flush are not clearly defined as games of skill in the Public Gambling Act, 1867. For Bengali players, this means that these card games aren’t entirely legal.
That said, you can still find a wide array of card games at online casinos.
If you choose to gamble online, casino sites usually have various poker tables, and some even offer poker rooms where you can play against other players.
To sum it up
Desi players of West Bengal can breathe easily when it comes to gambling.
The state is liberal, and although it’s not a full gambling regulation, the gaming acts in place allow for legal gameplay, even locally.
That said, local games are incredibly restricted, which is why we still highly recommend you to instead choose to gamble online.
Not only will you benefit from safe, secure, and fair games, you can also be sure that your money is kept safe by using a trusted payment method such as Google Pay or PhonePe.
Disclaimer: This material is for general information only and is not intended as legal advice and no duty of care is owed to any reader. The readers of this material are requested to engage their own legal counsel in order to make any legal or business decisions and to obtain legal advice specific to them.
