Sixer · is fantasy cricket legal in India?
The desk reads fantasy cricket legality state by state. The federal framework, the Public Gambling Act 1867, the Online Gaming Act 2025 advisory, the MeitY rules and the per-state rules that govern paid fantasy contests.
Federal framework
India does not have a single federal law that explicitly authorises or prohibits paid fantasy cricket contests. The Public Gambling Act 1867 ("PGA") prohibits running or visiting a "common gaming house" but carves out "games of skill" from its definition of gambling. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly held that fantasy cricket is a game of skill, not a game of chance.
In 2025, the central government notified the Online Gaming Act 2025 ("OGA 2025") which created a federal framework for online real-money gaming. The OGA 2025 requires online real-money gaming operators to register with a designated self-regulatory body, comply with KYC and AML rules, and adhere to advertising standards. Fantasy sports operators are subject to the OGA 2025 framework once the relevant rules are notified.
The MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) has issued several advisory notes since 2022 clarifying that fantasy sports platforms are not "intermediaries" under the IT Act 2000 and are not subject to Section 79 safe-harbour protections the way social media intermediaries are.
State rules
State laws vary. The desk tracks the current rules for the major states and publishes a state eligibility notice board on the homepage. The current reading is below; always cross-check with the operator's published rules before joining a contest.
States where paid fantasy contests are generally allowed under current rules: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir (subject to local advisory).
States with evolving or restricted rules: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh. Operators may apply additional verification and may restrict contest types. The desk tracks these states closely.
States where paid fantasy contests are currently prohibited under state law: Assam, Odisha, Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh (specific games). The desk does not recommend joining a paid contest from these states.
Age requirement
All fantasy cricket operators require users to be 18 years or older. KYC includes date of birth verification against PAN. The desk does not publish content aimed at readers under 18.
Tax
Winnings from fantasy cricket contests are taxed under Section 194BA of the Income Tax Act, introduced in 2023. The operator must deduct 30 percent TDS on net winnings above ₹ 10,000 in a financial year. Net winnings are calculated as the total prize received minus the entry fee paid for the winning contest.
The operator issues Form 16A (TDS certificate) for every reader whose TDS is deducted. The desk recommends that readers attach Form 16A when filing their ITR.
What the desk does not publish
The desk does not publish legal advice, financial advice or investment recommendations. The desk publishes editorial reading on the federal and state framework. Readers should consult a qualified Indian lawyer or chartered accountant for advice specific to their situation.
Responsible play
The desk reminds every reader that fantasy cricket is a paid contest format that can cause financial harm if played beyond your means. Read the responsible play boundary before you join a contest.
Is fantasy cricket legal · FAQ
Is fantasy cricket gambling?
The Supreme Court of India has held that fantasy cricket is a game of skill, not a game of chance. The Public Gambling Act 1867 carves out games of skill from its definition of gambling. Most states permit fantasy cricket under their respective state laws.
What does the Online Gaming Act 2025 say?
The OGA 2025 creates a federal framework for online real-money gaming. Operators must register with a designated self-regulatory body, comply with KYC and AML rules and adhere to advertising standards. Fantasy sports are subject to the framework once the relevant rules are notified.
Is fantasy cricket legal in my state?
Check the desk's state eligibility notice board on the homepage, and always cross-check with the operator's published rules before joining a contest. The desk's reading is current as of the publication date but rules change; treat it as a starting point, not the final word.
What is the tax on winnings?
Section 194BA of the Income Tax Act requires the operator to deduct 30 percent TDS on net winnings above ₹ 10,000 in a financial year. The operator issues Form 16A (TDS certificate) for every reader whose TDS is deducted.