Many people ask whether 1xBet is legal in India. The answer has become clearer in recent years. India passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill in 2025. This law prohibits online real-money gaming nationwide. It also covers offshore betting platforms.
1xBet has not received approval from the Government of India. This makes it illegal to offer betting services to Indian users. The platform holds an international licence, but that licence is not valid in India. Before this law, different states had different rules. That confusion no longer exists.
Some users still have access to 1xBet online. However, access does not guarantee that the platform can operate legally. This article explains the current legal status of 1xBet in India. It also covers the risks users face under the 2025 gaming law.
What is 1xBet And Why Has It Become Popular In India?
1xBet is an international betting platform. Its headquarters are outside India. The platform holds a licence from Curacao. For many years, it attracted Indian users. It offered easy access to cricket betting. Users could bet on IPL and ICC events.
The platform supported INR deposits. It had Hindi language options. New users received sign-up bonuses. These features made it popular among Indian bettors.
Before 2025, India lacked a clear national law to regulate offshore betting sites. No uniform ban existed. Many users accessed 1xBet through mobile apps. They used UPI payments and online wallets. The 2025 law changed everything.
Is 1xBet Legal In India?
No. 1xBet is not legal in India. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, classifies it as an illegal offshore betting site. The platform operates without approval from the Indian government.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has blocked hundreds of betting platforms. 1xBet was among them. The government cited illegal financial transactions and regulatory violations. It also mentioned money laundering risks.
Investigators found that many such platforms routed payments through proxy bank accounts. They used unregulated channels, including cryptocurrency. These practices raised serious legal and financial concerns.
In early 2025, Bengaluru Cyber Police filed an FIR against 1xBet. Star India Pvt. Ltd. alleged that the platform illegally streamed content from the ICC tournament. 1xBet lacked proper broadcasting rights. The case necessitated legal action against all individuals linked to the platform’s operations in India.
Users can still access 1xBet through its website. The Curacao licence allows it to operate elsewhere. But this licence holds no legal value in India. The 2025 Online Gaming Bill prohibits offshore real-money betting platforms that lack Indian regulatory approval.
Earlier, online gambling laws varied by state. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu enforced strict bans. Other states had looser rules. The 2025 Bill removes this confusion. It applies uniformly across all states. 1xBet is illegal for Indian users no matter where they live.
Online Gaming Bill Regulations
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, created a nationwide framework. It regulates online gaming and addresses the risks of real-money betting. The law focuses on three main concerns: preventing addiction, stopping financial fraud, and blocking illegal money flows from offshore platforms.
Under the new rules, all online money games are banned. It does not matter if they involve skill, chance, or a mix of both. The law applies to Indian companies. It also applies to foreign platforms that serve Indian users.
Platforms such as 1xBet are illegal. They offer real-money betting and casino-style games. Indian banks, UPI systems, and payment gateways must block transactions linked to such services.
Can You Access 1xBet Using VPN?
Some users try to access 1xBet through VPNs. A VPN hides its location. But using a VPN does not make the platform legal. The 2025 Online Gaming Bill targets Indian users. It does not just target Indian websites.
Government agencies can block domains, IP addresses, and payment routes linked to banned platforms. Banks and UPI services can freeze suspicious transactions. A VPN offers no protection during investigations.
Using a VPN also creates cybersecurity risks. Users face threats like data theft and malware. Accessing a banned betting platform knowingly remains illegal. The method used does not matter.
Nationwide Ban Status Of 1xBet in India
Before 2025, online betting laws differed across states. This created confusion among users. Some states enforced strict bans. Others followed limited licensing models.
The 2025 Online Gaming Bill removes this uncertainty. The ban on offshore real-money betting platforms such as 1xBet now applies nationwide in India. No state can legally permit such platforms to operate. All Indian users face the same restrictions and penalties.
Safety Concerns, Risks, And Penalties
1xBet is not safe for Indian users after the 2025 Online Gaming Bill. The platform faces a nationwide ban. Indian law does not protect users who access or transact on it.
Using or promoting 1xBet may result in serious legal consequences. Authorities can take action against anyone involved in illegal online money gaming. Penalties may include imprisonment of up to three years. Fines can reach Rs 1 crore. The severity of the violation determines the punishment.
Financial risks also exist. Platforms can block accounts without warning. Deposits may face permanent freezing. Disputed withdrawals have no legal remedy. Banks and UPI services must block transactions linked to banned betting platforms. This increases the risk of payment failures and account scrutiny.
Data and security concerns add to the risks. 1xBet operates outside Indian regulation. It does not follow Indian consumer protection laws. It does not comply with Indian data safety rules. Users cannot challenge any misuse of personal or financial data through Indian legal channels.
The legal penalties, financial exposure, and lack of oversight make 1xBet unsafe and high-risk for Indian users in 2025.
Indian Gambling Laws Against Betting in India
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 governed Indian gambling laws for many years. This act prohibits most forms of gambling. For a long time, enforcement was left to individual states. This led to uneven regulation and uncertainty. Online and offshore betting platforms operated in a grey area.
Some states have introduced bans on online betting websites. However, the absence of a clear national framework allowed offshore platforms to continue operating. The growth of online gaming increased concerns. Financial loss, addiction, and unregulated money flows became serious issues.
Indian authorities strengthened oversight through the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The law introduces uniform nationwide rules. It places strict restrictions on real-money online games. Offshore platforms without Indian approval are subject to a ban.
Betting platforms that offer real-money wagering without government approval face a ban across India. The updated legal framework aims to protect users. It limits financial harm. It ensures safer digital gaming practices through tighter regulation and enforcement.
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Conclusion: 1xBet Is Not Legal in India
1xBet is not legal in India. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Law, 2025, bans real-money betting platforms that operate without approval from the Indian government. This includes offshore sites like 1xBet.
1xBet does not hold an Indian licence. Its real-money betting and casino services remain illegal for Indian users. Accessing or promoting such platforms carries legal and financial risks. Indian law provides no protection against problems that arise. Some users may still be able to access the 1xBet website in India. However, the platform lacks legal authority to operate.
Indian users should avoid banned betting platforms. They should choose legal options that comply with Indian regulations. Staying informed about current laws and using only approved platforms remain the safest ways to engage in online gaming in India.
