Crypto Casino
Torrent Gear
Why India and the UAE are banning gambling
Why states are imposing bans at all
1. Social protection. Harm reduction: debt spirals, family conflicts, addiction, criminal schemes around the illegal market.
2. Cultural and religious norms. In countries with a strong role for religion (Islamic law), excitement is seen as an unethical type of profiteering.
3. Control of finances. Risks of money laundering, illegal transfers and capital leaks through offshore sites/intermediaries.
4. Administration. It is easier to ban than to build an expensive licensing and supervision system in conditions of low readiness of institutions.
India: Ban as' default setting 'but with exceptions
Legal framework
The basis remains the Public Gambling Act 1867 (colonial law), which prohibits "common gaming houses."
The constitution assigns gambling to the competence of the states: each subject of the federation decides for himself what is allowed and how it is punishable.
Key dichotomy: "games of chance" (forbidden) vs "skill games" (permissible). Indian courts traditionally refer to skill games, for example, rummy, fantasy sports (in a number of precedents) and some poker formats, but interpretations differ by state.
What is actually prohibited
Casinos and betting are banned almost everywhere, with the exception of Goa and Sikkim (limited offline, strictly licensed), as well as some lottery regimes in a number of states.
Online casinos and online sports betting in cash - banned in most jurisdictions; states periodically issue acts against real money online.
What is allowed (with reservations)
Skill games: Allowed as occupation/business, but states attempt to "settle or ban" cash bets and bonuses; often everything rests on litigation.
Taxes and payment rules: payment gateways are required to filter risk measures; banks and UPI providers introduce MCC/merchant category block lists.
Why India is on a no-go course
Social sensitivities and political risk of cricket/IPL betting legalisation.
Federalism: There are no uniform rules, and attempts to unify face resistance from states and religious/community groups.
Regtech level: until nationwide RG/KYC/AML and advertising standards are built, liberalization looks risky.
UAE: Sharia base and monolithic ban
Legal framework
Criminal law rules based on Islamic law treat excitement as haram (forbidden).
Casinos, bookmakers, online casinos are prohibited.
At the same time, there are state-controlled draws/lotteries and promotions in the Emirates, designed as marketing or charity products, and not as free gambling.
Practice of restraint
Strong control of payment infrastructure: banks/wallets and PSPs receive clear instructions to block transactions related to gambling.
Law enforcement against advertising and intermediaries: ban on promotional offshore brands, domain filtering, sanctions against influencers.
A tourist strategy without a casino: the entertainment industry is developing due to event and luxury tourism, and not gambling halls.
Why the UAE is opting for a ban
Religious and moral doctrine: compliance with public morality and Sharia norms.
Reputation and manageability: a halal economy model with an emphasis on transparent finance and compliance.
Finmonitoring: Gambling is considered a high-risk channel for AML/CFT - easier to avoid than to supervise.
Common Controls (India and UAE)
1. Blocking payment codes/merchant categories (MCC), monitoring unusual transactions, prohibiting the processing of payments in favor of gambling.
2. Internet filtering and "pay-blocking": restricting access to offshore sites and routing traffic.
3. Advertising and affiliates: strict moderation or direct ban on promotional gambling services; influencer/media responsibility.
4. Sanctions against intermediaries: from blocking domains to criminal cases against agents and organizers.
Important nuances and myths
"All India forbids everything" is wrong. Reality is a mosaic of states and court precedents for "skill games." But online casinos and betting are generally outlawed.
"There are lotteries in the UAE - so there is a casino nearby" - incorrectly. Lottery/drawing products - a separate, narrow design under state supervision; it does not mean the admission of casinos or private bookmakers.
"You can work through offshore and VPN" is a dangerous myth. Both India and the UAE have a combination of payment and content blocking, plus administrative/criminal risks for organizers and promoters.
What it means for business
B2C operators: there is no sustainable legal model in either the UAE or most Indian states for online casinos/betting; in India, the potential window is strictly in the contour of "skill games," with local lawyers and a willingness to argue. In the UAE, B2C gambling is a red zone.
B2B vendors: compliance technologies (KYC/AML/RG), anti-fraud, payment security, responsible marketing and lottery/drawing tools are relevant if it is in accordance with local law.
Marketing: no promises of "easy money," mandatory age filters and rejection of "gray" affiliates - otherwise risks for the brand and personally for management.
Short FAQ
Can I legally play online in India?
Only within skill games (where not prohibited by the state) and without a "casino mechanic." Betting and online casinos with real money are usually illegal.
Are there any legal casinos in the UAE?
No, it isn't. Casinos and online casinos are prohibited; single draws/promotions are not a gambling license, but separate state-controlled formats.
If the site is licensed abroad, does it save?
No, it isn't. In both countries, the principle of territoriality applies: it is important what is allowed in the player's place. An offshore license does not legalize activities locally.
India and the UAE ban gambling for a variety of reasons, but with a similar logic: protecting society, controlling finances and conforming to values. India leaves "window" for skill games up to states and courts; The UAE supports a monolithic ban, allowing only narrow state-controlled formats. For business, this means that the bet is not on "quick legalization," but on compliance solutions and services without money excitement, and for players - that "workarounds" carry a real legal risk.