Governments argue bans are needed to:

• Prevent addiction and financial loss
• Protect children and vulnerable users
• Stop illegal betting and money laundering
• Maintain public order and morality
• Address suicides and social harm linked to excessive gaming

2. Which Games Are Banned or Not in India?
 

1. GENERALLY LEGAL (Not Banned)

• Games of Skill — where skill matters more than luck:
• Chess
• Rummy (including online, if skill-based)
• Fantasy Sports (Dream11-type platforms)
• Bridge
• Esports / competitive video games
• Poker (legal in some states)

 Court rule: If skill dominates over chance, the game is legal.

2. GENERALLY BANNED (Illegal)

• Games of Chance / Gambling — luck-based:
• Online betting
• Sports betting (cricket betting)
• Roulette, slot machines
• Casino games (except in Goa & Sikkim)
• Real-money Teen Patti (in many states)
• Online lotteries (private)