Is 188BET legal in India? Learn the 2025 legal status, licensing, safety tips, and how Indian players can bet responsibly on 188BET.
🔎 Introduction: The Legal Dilemma of Online Betting in India
With the rise of international betting platforms accessible from India, one question dominates online forums and private groups:
“Is 188BET legal in India?”
It’s a fair question—especially when real money is involved. Indian law doesn’t make it easy to find a straight answer, and that’s where this guide steps in. Below, we explore the Indian legal environment, licensing structure of 188BET, how it compares to others, potential risks, and how to bet responsibly in 2025.
⚖️ Online Gambling Laws in India: A Grey Zone Explained
India’s gambling laws are largely outdated, with the Public Gambling Act of 1867 still forming the legal backbone in most states. The law prohibits the operation of gambling houses but does not explicitly cover online gambling, especially when platforms are hosted outside the country.
Gambling is also a state subject under the Indian Constitution, meaning each state can draft its own legislation.
| State | Online Betting Law |
|---|---|
| ✅ Sikkim | Licensed, limited online gambling |
| ✅ Nagaland | Licenses online skill-based games |
| ❌ Telangana | Banned all forms of online gambling |
| ❌ Andhra Pradesh | Explicit online gambling ban |
| ⚠️ Tamil Nadu | Frequently revises ban (fluctuating) |
| 🌐 Others | No specific online gambling laws |
So, if you’re accessing an offshore betting platform like 188BET from a state with no specific ban, you’re operating in a legally ambiguous yet widely tolerated space.
🌍 Is 188BET Licensed and Legitimate?
Yes — 188BET is a legitimate betting site that operates under an international license. As of 2025, it is operated by Cube Limited, a company regulated under the Anjouan Offshore Gaming License, and formerly held licenses from the Isle of Man.
188BET Licensing At a Glance:
- ✅ Operated by: Cubo Limited
- ✅ License: Anjouan / Curacao (offshore jurisdiction)
- ✅ Regulations: Anti-money laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), fair play audits
- ✅ Security: SSL-encrypted transactions, 2FA login protection
While it’s not licensed by any Indian regulatory body (because none exists for online gambling nationally), it is recognized in the global market as a reputable operator.
🔐 Is It Safe to Use 188BET from India?
Yes, and this is evidenced by thousands of Indian users who actively bet, deposit, and withdraw through 188BET daily.
Key Safety Factors:
- Accepts Indian Rupees (INR)
- Supports local payment gateways (e.g., UPI, NetBanking, PhonePe)
- Offers transparent T&Cs, encrypted platforms, and responsive customer service
- No record of Indian users facing prosecution for accessing 188BET
Still, due to the offshore nature, there are some risks users should be aware of, as explained below.
Indian players often wonder how to withdraw from 188BET quickly and securely. The platform supports UPI, Skrill, and NetBanking — allowing seamless INR transactions. Verifying your identity via KYC is essential before initiating any large withdrawal.
⚠️ Risks to Be Aware Of (And How to Manage Them)
| Risk Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 🔍 Legal Ambiguity | Betting is not clearly legal, especially in restrictive states |
| 🏦 Payment Hiccups | Some Indian banks may block gambling-related transactions |
| 📑 Tax Compliance | Winnings are taxable under India’s Income Tax Act |
| 👤 Account Issues | Incomplete KYC or policy violations may lead to frozen accounts |
How to Reduce Risks:
- Use reliable payment methods like UPI or e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller)
- Complete your KYC upon registration
- Keep a record of transactions for tax purposes
- Avoid VPNs unless your ISP blocks the site (VPN use may breach T&Cs)
💸 Taxation on Winnings in India
While online betting may be legally unclear, tax on winnings is crystal clear.
Under Section 115BB of the Income Tax Act:
- 📌 Winnings from betting/gambling are taxed at a flat 30%, plus surcharge & cess
- 📌 This applies even if you win from an offshore site like 188BET
- 📌 No deductions are allowed against these winnings
Many users overlook the tax on gambling winnings in India. Whether you bet via local or offshore platforms, Indian law requires a flat 30% tax on all gambling income, which must be declared under “Income from Other Sources.”
Pro tip: If you win large amounts, consider consulting a tax advisor and voluntarily declare under “Income from Other Sources.”
🆚 How 188BET Compares to Other Offshore Platforms
| Feature | 188BET | Betway India | Parimatch India |
|---|---|---|---|
| INR Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| UPI Deposits | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Casino Games | ✅ Extensive | ✅ Limited variety | ✅ Moderate |
| Live Dealers | ✅ Evolution, Ezugi | ✅ Mostly Evolution | ✅ Ezugi focused |
| Licensing | Anjouan | Malta | Curacao |
| Bonus Terms | Medium Rollovers | Tight Rollovers | High Wagering |
One standout area is the 188BET live casino games, featuring real dealers and HD streaming via providers like Evolution and Ezugi. This makes it a top choice for Indian users seeking interactive gameplay such as baccarat, roulette, and game shows.
When evaluating sites, don’t forget to review the 188BET bonuses and rollover terms. Understanding wagering multiples helps set realistic expectations for when your bonus becomes withdrawable cash.
188BET stands strong as a competitive and versatile platform, especially for users looking for a solid mix of sports betting and live dealer games.
✅ Final Verdict: Is 188BET Legal in India?
Short answer: Technically no — but practically, yes.
188BET is not licensed in India, but it also isn’t illegal to access. There is no Indian law explicitly forbidding users from betting on offshore websites, and to date, there has been no known case of individual prosecution for doing so.
So long as users:
- Bet responsibly
- Stay tax compliant
- Avoid violating state-specific bans
—they can enjoy what 188BET offers with minimal legal risk.
Still unsure about where to bet? Explore our list of the best legal online casinos in India, which includes verified platforms that offer INR payments, secure licensing, and transparent terms for Indian players.
📌 Quick FAQs
No federal law bans it. Some states do restrict online gambling, so always check local laws.
Yes, it is licensed offshore and uses encrypted systems to protect user data.
Yes. INR is accepted through UPI, bank transfers, and e-wallets.
Yes. Flat 30% tax applies to any gambling income
Unlikely, as long as you’re not in a restricted state and comply with local tax rules.
Practicing responsible gambling in India is crucial, especially on offshore platforms. 188BET offers deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion tools to help users control their betting activity and prevent overexposure.
Meet Our Author
iGaming Analyst & Gambling Compliance Reviewer
Raj Malhotra is an India-based iGaming analyst with over 12 years of experience in online casino content, player safety, and regulatory compliance. As the lead reviewer for Casino888Bets.com, Raj personally tests and audits each casino featured on our platform, ensuring honest insights for players.
His deep knowledge of the Indian gambling market, combined with technical SEO and real-time betting analysis, allows him to deliver trusted, user-focused recommendations. Raj advocates for responsible gambling and fair play across every review published under his name.