Tamil Nadu Gambling Laws
Tamil Nadu is the worst place for people who want to engage in gambling activities because aside from implementing the national public gambling act, it also has an ordinance adding “cyberspace” subjects. Online casino sites still accept players from Tamil Nadu, but these players gamble at their own risk. Tamil Nadu Gambling Laws are heavy-handed for gamblers of all levels and forms.
Is gambling legal in Tamil Nadu?
No! Tamil Nadu Gambling Laws include both physical and online gambling. Those who wish to gamble online do so at their own risk. Those who want to experience how it feels like gambling in physical casinos travel to neighboring cities where gambling laws are less stringent such as in Chennai. Horse racing is the only form of gambling legal in Tamil Nadu.
Offshore gambling sites are not restricted in the state of Tamil Nadu as these are located outside India. Hence, Indian law has no control over these casinos. For the record, there has been no person from Tamil Nadu arrested for playing at online casinos. Should you wish to play in online casinos, you can do so but with caution. Play discretely rather than being open about it.
Gambling landscape in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is strict in implementing the national public gambling act, which is kind of odd considering that its nearby states have less stringent gambling rules, such as Karnataka, Goa, and Kerala. Gambling of all forms is illegal, such as lottery, except for rummy and horse racing. It was on February 4, 2021, when the ordinance about cyberspace gambling was approved.
Tamil Nadu Gambling Laws
Tamil Nadu was formerly known as Madras State and used two different gambling acts, namely the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act of 1930 and the Madras City Police Act of 1888. The Tamil Nadu Gaming Act is used for smaller communities and towns. For bigger cities like Chennai and suburbs, the Madras City Police Act is used. Although two different acts, both share the same take on gambling. According to Tamil Nadu Gaming and Police Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, all forms of online gambling and betting are forbidden. For the new ordinance about cyberspace gambling, violators can be fined up to Rs. 10,000 and imprisonment of up to two years depending on the gravity of the offense.
Casinos in Chennai
Illegal betting is rampant in Chennai. There are underground gaming houses where people gather to gamble for money. Online gambling is not allowed too, but it does not mean it can’t be done. You can play online discretely, but if you get caught, you will be subjected to punishment. In other words, you are gambling at your own risk.
Casino in Coimbatore
Coimbatore restricts gambling of all forms too. However, the problem with illegal gambling is not as rampant as in Chennai. If you are to engage in gambling activities, you are doing so at your own risk.
Tamil Nadu Lottery
Only thirteen Indian states allow lottery draws, and Tamil Nadu is not one of them. Since 2003, Tamil Nadu has banned state-run lotteries. Should you wish to participate in the state-run lotteries, you can do so, but the purchase of tickets is made outside the state. Lottery in all forms is not allowed, including giveaways, which is why big companies do not hold giveaways in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Sports betting
Sports betting is not allowed in Tamil Nadu except horse racing. Horse racing is allowed in entire India because it is considered a game of skill as per the Indian Supreme Court. However, it does not prevent sports bettor from organizing and participating in other sporting events such as cricket betting.
Cockfight in Karur
Karur is a quaint city found in the center of Tamil Nadu, and in that city, cockfighting is common. This type of animal fight is not illegal provided they seek approval from the district administrator. However, here’s the catch – betting on the animal fight is considered gambling, making it illegal.
Tamil Nadu Horse Racing Events
Guindy Racecourse, India’s oldest racecourse, is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Some of India’s most significant horse racing events took place in Tamil Nadu, with another available racecourse like the Nilgiri Hills and Ooty Racecourse. It is the only approved type of betting, but you have to be physically present to participate in the event.
Poker, flush, rummy, and other card games status
Rummy is somewhat allowed for as long as played in physical form because it is considered a game of skill, unlike other card games tagged as a game of chance. Hover, there’s one essential thing players have to know – rummy should be played for entertainment purposes only and not for gambling purposes. If there’s money involved, you could be held liable and risk being arrested depending on the gravity of the offense.
Summary
The vast forms of gambling are illegal in Tamil Nadu. It includes both physical gambling and online gambling. The further restriction in gambling has left gamblers from Tamil Nadu no choice but to visit other places where gambling laws are less stringent. However, as they say, change is the only constant in this world. India’s gambling landscape is changing, and there could be a possibility that some forms of gambling will be legalized. We hope it will be in the near future. For now, gamblers have to stick with the rules and regulations of Tamil Nadu. Online and offline gambling activities are not allowed. If you wish to participate in any form of gambling, you can do so, but do it discreetly.
