The legality of online rummy in India hinges on its classification as a “game of skill” rather than gambling. The Supreme Court of India’s landmark judgments in 1957 established that competitions heavily reliant on skill are not considered gambling. This distinction is crucial. Indian law prohibits gambling activities, but the Constitution (Article 19(1)(g)) protects your right to engage in games of skill for stakes. Therefore, playing online rummy for cash is legal in most Indian states, as skill is the primary determinant of success.
The Indian Constitution safeguards your right to participate in games of skill with stakes. Article 19(1)(g) guarantees the freedom to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business. This right extends to games of skill like rummy, where success is primarily determined by your skills and not by chance.
It’s important to note that individual states in India have the authority to regulate online gaming within their jurisdictions. While the Supreme Court’s ruling establishes rummy as a game of skill, some states have enacted specific laws restricting online games for cash. Currently, Assam, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Telangana have restrictions on playing rummy for real money.
