New Delhi : From what was essentially a club-oriented indulgence and would peak among certain sections during Diwali, card games like rummy have now become a year-round indulgence for revellers in India.
With the advent of online gaming portals that host these games with an option to bet real money, Indians needn’t indulge in illegal gambling activities and yet fulfill their love for betting.
And in case you’re wondering, these online game portals are exempted from gambling laws since rummy is considered as a “game of skill” according to a 1967 Supreme Court ruling, and the gambling laws only apply to a “game of chance”.
India’s prohibitive legislation has paved the way for illegal gambling activities, unlike Macau which is widely heralded as the hub of legalised gambling across the world. According to the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976, casinos can be set up only at five star hotels or offshore vessels with prior permission of the government.
Online games like rummy have, however, brought in a change for youngsters and long-time betting enthusiasts who can legally bet and earn money on these portals.
“Skill games like rummy are exempt from gambling laws in India and hence whether they are played with money or not, the legality doesn’t change. However, non-skill games are not legal for real money play,” Ankush Gera, CEO, gaming company Junglee Games, which introduced JungleeRummy.com, an online destination for all rummy players, told IANS.
These portals, however, aren’t operational in Assam and Odisha due to amended state laws. The Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970, and the Orissa Prevention of Gaming Act, 1955, do not create any exception for games of skill.The buy-ins range from Rs.12 with a point value of 0.1 to Rs.2,400 with a point value of 10 on online card gaming portal adda52.com , and if multiple users are to be believed, it’s standard on most platforms.
The websites host rummy games where players, who are 18 years and older, can bet actual money after buying chips through various online payment options. Although Indians are said to be sceptical when it comes to online transactions, the number of active players has only risen in the past few years, says Gera.
Siddharth Jha
