Teen Patti—also known as Indian Poker—is one of the most beloved card games in the country. Whether played during Diwali parties or on apps like Teen Patti Gold and Teen Patti Master, the game has now entered the digital age with millions playing daily for fun and real money.
But this raises an important question:
“Is Teen Patti legal in India, especially when real money is involved?”
The answer is not as simple as yes or no. It depends on how you play, where you live, and what platform you use. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the legality of Teen Patti in India as of 2025.
Offline Teen Patti (among friends, no rake/commission): ✅ Legal
Online Teen Patti for fun/chips only: ✅ Legal
Online Teen Patti for real money: ❌/✅ Depends on your state
Games of Skill = ✅ Legal in most Indian states
Games of Chance = ❌ Considered gambling under law
Now, let’s break this down in detail.
This is the core legal debate that decides the game’s legality in India.
Requires strategic betting
Involves bluffing, opponent reading, timing
Similar to poker (which has been declared a game of skill in multiple Indian courts)
Outcome largely determined by the cards dealt
Players rely more on luck than strategy
While Teen Patti does have elements of luck, many legal experts compare it to rummy and poker—which have been ruled as skill-based by Indian courts.
So when Teen Patti is played strategically and not purely based on luck, it falls under the "Game of Skill" category, making it legal in many states.
This is India’s primary gambling legislation. It prohibits:
Running or visiting a gambling house
Betting on games of chance in a public setting
BUT...
It does not apply to games of skill.
Additionally, gambling laws in India are a state subject, which means each state can make its own laws about online and offline betting.
| State | Real Money Teen Patti Status |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | ✅ Allowed (Skill-based) |
| Goa | ✅ Legal under licensed casinos |
| Sikkim | ✅ Regulated online gaming |
| Karnataka | ✅ Legal as game of skill (based on High Court ruling) |
| West Bengal | ✅ Legal with exceptions |
| Andhra Pradesh | ❌ Banned real money gaming |
| Telangana | ❌ Banned real money gaming |
| Tamil Nadu | ❌ Currently banned (as of latest bill) |
| Kerala | ❌ Recent restrictions (subject to review) |
| Delhi | ✅ No specific ban, grey area |
| Haryana | ✅ Allowed for skill-based apps |
| Punjab | ✅ Allowed, no restrictions |
| Rajasthan | ✅ No legal restrictions |
| Gujarat | ❌ Banned most online gambling |
| Uttar Pradesh | ✅ Grey area, but many apps operate |
🧠 Note: These statuses can change based on court rulings or new state laws. Always check current updates.
Here’s how legality plays out online:
The platform is skill-based (not pure gambling)
No rake or commission is taken from private players
It uses secure, KYC-compliant systems
You play in a state that allows real-money skill games
You’re in a state that bans online betting
The app doesn’t comply with responsible gaming practices
The platform offers games purely of chance or unregulated betting
Yes.
Under the Income Tax Act of India:
Winnings from online games are taxed at 30% flat
TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) may apply if winnings cross ₹10,000
Some apps deduct this automatically before paying you
Others may issue a TDS certificate
🧾 You’re required to report these earnings when filing your ITR (Income Tax Return).
If you want to play for real money, here’s how to stay on the safe side:
Use apps like:
Teen Patti Master
Adda52
PokerBaazi
Octro Teen Patti
These platforms often follow:
KYC verification
Age restrictions (18+)
Withdrawal transparency
Avoid real-money Teen Patti if you live in:
Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat
Tamil Nadu (as of latest laws)
Use a legal skill-based platform only from allowed states.
Avoid shady apps or private rooms that:
Don’t offer proper KYC
Have no customer support
Use external wallets for deposits/withdrawals
💡 Stay within apps that are transparent and operate within Indian law.
| Don’t Do This | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use fake IDs or KYC info | Can lead to account ban, legal trouble |
| Play real money games in banned states | Violates local laws |
| Sell/buy chips off-platform | Risky and unregulated |
| Ignore TDS on winnings | Legal and tax penalties |
Uses virtual chips, no direct real-money withdrawal
Considered a social game, hence legal to play in all states
Real-money app that falls under skill-based real-cash gaming
Allowed in most states except those that ban online gambling
⚠️ Always check the T&C and local laws before depositing money into any app.
If a platform withholds your funds or you face legal questions:
Contact customer support and ask for dispute resolution
Check if the app is listed on MEITY’s blocked platforms list
Consult a local lawyer if your state has strict gambling laws
If you’re playing for fun or chips—enjoy freely.
If you’re playing for cash—do it smartly, legally, and within state rules.
✅ Are you 18+?
✅ Are you in a state that allows skill-based cash games?
✅ Is the app you’re using licensed and verified?
✅ Are you using your own verified payment method?
✅ Are you ready to pay taxes on big winnings?
If the answer is yes to all—you’re good to go!
