Is Rummy Legal in India?
This question is often asked by new players who are excited to try online rummy for real money. While rummy is widely played and legally accepted in many parts of India, the laws vary by state. In this guide, we break down the legality of rummy in each state and help you understand your rights as a player.
✅ Is Rummy a Game of Skill or Chance?
According to the Supreme Court of India, rummy is recognized as a game of skill, not a game of chance. This distinction is crucial because Indian law permits games of skill to be played for real money, even online.
🔒 Central Law vs State Law
While the Public Gambling Act of 1867 governs gambling at the national level, each Indian state has the authority to regulate online gaming independently. This means rummy may be legal in one state and restricted in another.
🗺️ State-wise Rummy Legality Overview (2025 Update)
| State / UT | Is Rummy Legal? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | ✅ Legal | No specific online gaming law; considered skill-based. |
| Delhi | ✅ Legal | No ban on skill games. |
| Karnataka | ❌ Banned | Online real-money rummy is restricted. |
| Andhra Pradesh | ❌ Banned | Complete ban on online real money games. |
| Tamil Nadu | ❌ Banned | State law bans online rummy for stakes. |
| Telangana | ❌ Banned | Online rummy with stakes not allowed. |
| Kerala | ✅ Legal | High Court struck down earlier ban on skill games. |
| Gujarat | ❓ Unclear | No specific law, but legal status not well defined. |
| Rajasthan | ✅ Legal | No restrictions on skill-based games. |
| West Bengal | ✅ Legal | Exempted skill games from gambling laws. |
| Punjab | ✅ Legal | No ban on online rummy. |
| Haryana | ✅ Legal | Skill-based games permitted. |
| Goa | ✅ Legal | Gambling is regulated, rummy is skill-based. |
| Uttar Pradesh | ✅ Legal | No restrictions currently. |
| Bihar | ✅ Legal | No law against skill games. |
| Odisha | ❌ Banned | All forms of online betting, including rummy, are banned. |
| Jharkhand | ✅ Legal | No specific restrictions. |
| Madhya Pradesh | ✅ Legal | Permits games of skill. |
| Himachal Pradesh | ✅ Legal | No restrictions on rummy. |
| Assam | ❌ Banned | Law bans all forms of online gambling. |
| Chhattisgarh | ✅ Legal | No restrictions on online rummy. |
| Manipur, Meghalaya | ✅ Legal | No bans in place. |
| Jammu & Kashmir | ❓ Unclear | Status remains ambiguous. |
| Others (UTs etc.) | ✅ Generally Legal | Most UTs follow central law favoring skill games. |
📌 Key Takeaways
- Rummy is legal in most Indian states as it is a game of skill.
- Banned in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, and Assam.
- Laws may change; always check for latest updates from local authorities.
- Play only on licensed, transparent rummy platforms that comply with legal guidelines.
🧠 Bonus Tip: How to Stay Compliant
- ✅ Always play on platforms with clear Terms & Conditions.
- ✅ Avoid using VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions—this can result in account bans.
- ✅ If you’re unsure about your state’s law, consult a legal advisor or local gaming board.