India Casino Bonuses

Welcome Promotions

There are two main categories of casino bonuses, and the Welcome Bonus is the first. These bonuses are reserved for new casino users, and they come in many forms, with the most popular welcome offers providing deposit matches to newcomers. A deposit bonus means funding your account with cash that the casino then matches with bonus funds according to the promotion’s terms.

Another common incentive is a package that grants free spins. Free games are often offered to new players. No deposit bonuses are also highly appreciated by beginners because you do not need to make a deposit at the casino to receive your bonus. Simply registering is usually enough, although in some cases you may need to enter a promo code.

Loyalty Promotions

Unlike the bonuses discussed above, these promotions are aimed at a casino’s existing players. They are typically awarded daily or weekly, or offered through a VIP program once a player reaches a certain tier. Some loyalty deals are seasonal or linked to special events.

Free spins remain a popular reward in this category. Reload bonuses, essentially deposit match bonuses for players who have already funded their accounts, are also favored by gambling enthusiasts. Cashback, which returns a portion of your losses, is common in VIP programs as well. Finally, referral bonuses, though a bit rarer, are still a staple at many online casinos.

Land-based Gambling

As noted, the legality of games of chance and games of skill differs from state to state within India. In certain jurisdictions, such as Sikkim, a licensing process authorizes casinos to operate within the state, and both chance-based and skill-based games may be offered once a license has been granted to an operator.

For land-based establishments, a license to operate in Sikkim applies only to casinos located in five-star hotels. The license is valid for five years, although Sikkim’s authorities may revoke it when necessary. Meghalaya is another state where gambling is regulated and permitted. Under the Meghalaya Act, an operator’s license is valid for one year and can be renewed up to five times.

By contrast, some locations have adopted the Public Gaming Act with minimal changes and therefore completely prohibit luck-based gambling. Additionally, there are states where licensing of any kind is impossible, as all forms of gaming are entirely banned. In other words, both chance-based games, where luck primarily determines the outcome, and skill-based games are illegal in these states.

Remote Gambling

Like land-based gambling, online gaming is a complex issue in India. Neither the Public Gambling Act nor the Constitution of India addresses Internet gaming, and the legality of operating remote casinos or playing online varies from state to state.

In Nagaland, wagering on games of skill over the Internet is legal, provided the bets are placed at a Nagaland-based site that holds the appropriate license. Conversely, luck-based gambling is illegal in Nagaland. Meghalaya also allows online skill-based games, and a license is required here as well; licenses for Internet skill gaming last five years. For players who reside in states such as Andhra Pradesh, all forms of stake-related gaming and betting are prohibited, including games of skill.

Matters become even murkier when we leave India’s borders and look to offshore casino websites, as there is no legislation that directly addresses gambling at foreign casinos. In addition, offshore casinos cannot obtain licenses to operate within Indian states, even in regions where gaming is legal, because of state licensing requirements. Nevertheless, international gambling websites continue to accept players from India.

The Lottery

The lottery is extremely popular in India, and several types are available. Both state-run and private lotteries are legal as long as the operator obtains the required permit, which can be issued in states such as Goa, Sikkim, and Assam, among others. At the time of writing, all permits issued are limited to physical lotteries. India-based online lotteries do not yet exist, but players can use offshore websites if they wish to participate in remote draws.