Is Stake Banned in India?

Online gambling has seen a massive surge in popularity across India in recent years.

With smartphones in nearly every pocket and internet access becoming more affordable, thousands of Indians are exploring digital platforms for entertainment and potential profits.

Among these platforms, Stake.com has emerged as a prominent player in the global online gambling scene. It offers a wide range of casino games and sports betting options, often with cryptocurrency payment methods.

However, if you’re an Indian resident interested in trying Stake, you’ve likely encountered conflicting information about whether you can legally access the platform.

The question “is Stake banned in India?” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer because of India’s complex legal landscape regarding online gambling.

The confusion stems from India’s unique legal framework, where gambling regulations are primarily a state subject rather than a centrally governed activity.

This creates a patchwork of regulations that vary dramatically from one state to another.

While some states have enacted strict prohibitions against all forms of online gambling, others maintain a more ambiguous stance, creating a legal gray area that platforms like Stake operate within.

Is Stake Banned in India?

This comprehensive guide aims to cut through the confusion and provide clear, factual information about Stake’s legal status in India as of 2025.

We’ll explore the relevant laws, state-specific regulations, and practical considerations for Indian users interested in the platform.

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or an experienced player seeking clarity on legal matters, this article will help you understand where things stand with Stake in India.

Is Stake Banned In India: The Truth

The truth about Stake’s legal status in India is more nuanced than a simple banned or not banned label. Here’s what you need to know:

Most Indian states fall into a legal gray area when it comes to online gambling platforms like Stake.

If you’re 21 years of age or older (or whatever the legal gambling age is in your state) and don’t live in Andhra Pradesh or Telangana, technically, nothing is stopping you from accessing and using Stake.

These two states—Andhra Pradesh and Telangana—have explicitly banned all forms of online gambling involving real money.

If you’re a resident of either state, using Stake would be illegal according to state law.

The reason Stake and similar platforms can operate in most Indian states comes down to a legal technicality.

India’s gambling laws were largely written before the internet era, and the Information Technology Act of 2000 (which governs online activities) doesn’t specifically address online gambling.

This legal ambiguity creates space for offshore gambling platforms to serve Indian customers.

It’s worth noting that Stake operates under a license from Curaçao, which allows it to offer services globally. However, the platform must still respect local laws in the countries where its users reside.

Important disclaimer: Even though Stake may be technically accessible in most Indian states, gambling itself is generally discouraged.

The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and what’s permitted today might be restricted tomorrow. If you choose to use Stake or any gambling platform, you should:

• Always check your local state laws before signing up
• Play responsibly and within your means
• Understand that you do so at your own risk

The central government has shown increasing interest in regulating online gambling more strictly, so this situation could change in the near future.

Is Stake Legal In India?

The legality of Stake in India hinges on a complex web of legislation that varies by state. To understand Stake’s legal status, we need to look at several key aspects of India’s gambling laws.

India’s foundational gambling law is the Public Gambling Act of 1867—a colonial-era legislation that prohibits operating or visiting gambling houses.

However, this law predates the internet by more than a century and doesn’t address online gambling at all.

Since gambling falls under state jurisdiction according to the Indian Constitution, states have the authority to enact their gambling laws. This has created a patchwork of regulations across the country:

• States with strict prohibitions: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have amended their laws to explicitly ban all forms of online gambling, including platforms like Stake.
• States with partial restrictions: Some states permit games of skill but prohibit games of chance.
• States with unclear laws: Many states haven’t updated their gambling laws to specifically address online platforms.

The legal classification of games as “skill” or “chance” further complicates matters. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that games where skill predominates over chance are not considered gambling. However, most casino games on Stake would likely fall under the “chance” category.

Recent attempts by states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to ban online gambling were struck down by their respective High Courts on constitutional grounds, highlighting the ongoing legal battles in this space.

Regarding cryptocurrency gambling specifically (which is a core feature of Stake), there’s additional ambiguity. While cryptocurrencies themselves exist in a regulatory gray area in India, using them for gambling adds another layer of legal uncertainty.

Why does this matter to you? If you’re in a state with explicit bans like Telangana or Andhra Pradesh, using Stake would violate state law. For residents of other states, the legal risk is less clear but still present. No Indian court has definitively ruled on the legality of offshore gambling sites like Stake, leaving users in a precarious position from a legal standpoint.

It’s also worth noting that no Indian user has been prosecuted simply for playing on offshore gambling sites to date, though this doesn’t guarantee future immunity.

Why Is Stake Not Working In India?

If you’re having trouble accessing Stake in India, there could be several reasons behind this issue:

• State-specific bans: If you live in Telangana or Andhra Pradesh, Stake may be blocking your access based on your IP address, as these states have explicitly banned online gambling. The platform has geolocation technology that can detect your location and restrict access accordingly.
• ISP blocks: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in India may block access to gambling websites based on government directives or their own policies. This practice isn’t consistent across all providers or regions.
• Mirror site access: Many Indian users report being unable to access the main Stake.com domain but find success with Stake’s mirror site “stake.bet.” This alternative domain often works when the primary site is inaccessible.
• Banking restrictions: Even if you can access the site, you might face difficulties with deposits and withdrawals. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented restrictions that can prevent Indian banks and payment processors from facilitating transactions with known gambling websites.

Technical issues: Sometimes, access problems may be due to temporary technical glitches rather than legal restrictions.

If you’re facing access issues but are not in a state with explicit bans, you might want to:

• Try accessing the site’s mirror domain (stake.bet)
• Check if your ISP is blocking the site
• Consider using cryptocurrency for transactions if fiat payment methods aren’t working
• Check for any new regulations your state may have recently implemented

Remember that if your state has banned online gambling, attempting to circumvent these restrictions could potentially violate local laws, regardless of whether you succeed in accessing the platform.

What Countries Is Stake Illegal In?

Stake isn’t just restricted to certain Indian states—it’s also banned or limited in many countries worldwide. Understanding global restrictions provides context for India’s approach to regulating the platform.

Countries and regions where Stake is illegal or restricted:

Region	Restricted Countries
North America	USA (except New Jersey residents)
South America	Colombia, Cuba, Curaçao
Africa	Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Zimbabwe
Europe	Austria, Belgium, Belarus, UK, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Middle East	Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Syria
Asia	Pakistan, North Korea
Australasia	Australia

This extensive list shows that many countries have taken a stricter approach to regulating Stake than India has at the national level. These restrictions typically stem from:

• Licensing requirements: Many countries require gambling operators to obtain local licenses, which Stake doesn’t have in these jurisdictions.
• Cryptocurrency regulations: Some countries restrict crypto gambling specifically.
• Consumer protection concerns: Nations with strict gambling regulations often cite the protection of vulnerable populations as a primary motivation.
• Tax collection issues: Offshore gambling sites may not contribute to local tax revenue.

In comparison, India’s approach at the national level remains relatively permissive, with restrictions primarily coming from individual states rather than the central government.

The global trend appears to be moving toward increased regulation of online gambling platforms, particularly those operating with cryptocurrencies.

This suggests that India’s relatively open stance may eventually shift toward more comprehensive regulation, especially as the sector grows in popularity.

For Indian users, the international restrictions highlight the importance of staying informed about regulatory changes, as India could potentially follow the lead of countries that have implemented nationwide restrictions.

How To Use Stake In India?

If you’ve determined that using Stake is not prohibited in your state, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access and use the platform.

Remember that this information is provided for educational purposes only, and you should always comply with your local laws.

Steps to set up a Stake account in India:

• Step 1: Create an account
  • Visit the Stake website (stake.com or stake.bet if the main site is unavailable)
  • Click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button
  • Enter your email address and create a strong password
  • Accept the terms and conditions after reading them carefully
• Step 2: Complete the verification process
  • Stake follows Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols
  • You’ll need to verify your identity by providing:
    • A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
    • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
    • Confirmation of your date of birth
• Step 3: Set up a payment method
  • Stake supports multiple payment options for Indian users:
    • Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
    • UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
    • Bank transfers
    • Some e-wallets and prepaid cards
• Step 4: Make your first deposit
  • Navigate to the “Wallet” or “Cashier” section
  • Select your preferred deposit method
  • Follow the instructions to complete the transaction
  • Wait for the funds to appear in your account (crypto deposits may take longer to confirm)
• Step 5: Start playing
  • Explore the available casino games or sports betting options
  • Set limits on your playing time and betting amounts
  • Familiarize yourself with the platform’s features and responsible gambling tools

Important considerations for Indian users:

• If you encounter issues accessing stake.com, try the mirror site stake.bet
• Consider using cryptocurrencies for transactions to avoid potential banking restrictions
• Be aware that customer support may have limited hours in Indian time zones
• Keep records of your gambling activities for potential tax purposes, as winnings may be taxable in India
• Regularly check for updates to your state’s gambling laws

Remember that online gambling involves financial risk, and you should only play with money you can afford to lose. Set strict limits for yourself and practice responsible gambling habits.

Can You Use A VPN To Join Stake If It Is Not Available At Your Location?

Many people wonder if using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a viable workaround for accessing Stake from restricted locations in India. The short answer is: technically possible, but definitely not recommended.

Why using a VPN with Stake is risky:

Stake’s terms and conditions explicitly prohibit using VPNs or similar services to circumvent geographical restrictions. According to their policy, if they detect you’re using a VPN to mask your true location, they can:

• Permanently suspend or deactivate your account
• Forfeit any deposits you’ve made
• Void any winnings you’ve accumulated

Beyond the platform’s penalties, there are additional risks to consider:

• Legal consequences: If online gambling is banned in your state (like Telangana or Andhra Pradesh), using a VPN to access gambling sites could potentially be seen as deliberately circumventing the law.
• KYC verification issues: Even if you access the site via VPN, you’ll still need to complete KYC verification with legitimate documents that show your actual address. This creates an obvious contradiction with your virtual location.
• Payment problems: Indian payment methods might still be blocked regardless of your apparent VPN location.

Despite these clear warnings, social media is filled with comments from users claiming to successfully use VPNs to access Stake. What these posts often fail to mention are the many users who have lost their accounts and funds after being detected.

The bottom line: While it may seem like an easy solution, using a VPN to access Stake from restricted locations in India carries significant financial and potentially legal risks that make it inadvisable.

A Brief Overview Of The Indian Online Gambling Laws

Understanding India’s approach to online gambling requires looking at both historical context and the current legal framework. The laws affecting online gambling in India are a complex mix of colonial-era legislation, state-specific regulations, and more recent digital laws.

Historical foundations:

India’s gambling regulations began with the Public Gambling Act of 1867, enacted during British colonial rule. This legislation focused on physical gambling houses and had no provisions for online activities.

After independence, gambling regulation became a state subject under the Indian Constitution. This allowed states to adopt the colonial law, modify it, or create entirely new legislation.

The most significant exception came with the recognition of horse racing as a game of skill by the Supreme Court in 1996 (Dr. K.R. Lakshmanan v. State of Tamil Nadu), establishing the important legal distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

Modern legal framework:

The Information Technology Act of 2000 governs most online activities in India, but does not specifically address online gambling. This significant omission creates the legal gray area that many offshore gambling sites operate within.

States have taken divergent approaches to fill this gap:

• Sikkim and Nagaland have created licensing systems for online gambling operators
• Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have explicitly banned online gambling
• Karnataka and Tamil Nadu attempted to ban online gambling, but their laws were struck down by courts
• Most other states maintain ambiguous positions, neither explicitly permitting nor prohibiting online gambling

Current legal challenges:

The distinction between “games of skill” and “games of chance” remains central to gambling jurisprudence in India. The Supreme Court has consistently held that games where skill predominates over chance are not “gambling” and thus enjoy protection under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution (freedom to practice any profession).

This has led to ongoing legal battles over how to classify various games. While rummy and fantasy sports have been recognized as skill-based by some courts, most casino games available on platforms like Stake would likely be classified as chance-based.

The cryptocurrency factor:

Adding another layer of complexity is the use of cryptocurrencies in gambling. India’s stance on cryptocurrencies has fluctuated over the years:

• In 2018, the RBI prohibited banks from dealing with crypto businesses (later overturned)
• The current approach involves the taxation of crypto assets but lacks comprehensive regulation
• The use of cryptocurrency specifically for gambling remains in a regulatory blind spot

As online gambling continues to grow in popularity, there are increasing calls for comprehensive national legislation to address these issues and provide clarity for both operators and users.

Summarizing: Stake Is Not Banned Throughout India

After examining the complex legal landscape surrounding online gambling in India, we can conclude that Stake is not uniformly banned across the entire country. Instead, its legal status varies significantly depending on where you live.

The key points to remember are:

• Stake is definitely illegal in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where state laws explicitly prohibit all forms of online gambling
• In most other states, Stake exists in a legal gray area – neither clearly permitted nor explicitly prohibited
• The platform’s accessibility is often determined by technical factors rather than legal ones, such as whether local ISPs block the site
• Cryptocurrency gambling adds another layer of legal ambiguity to an already complex situation

This state-by-state variation creates understandable confusion for potential users. With no central law governing online gambling at the national level, responsibility falls on individual players to stay informed about their local laws.

The legal landscape is also not static. Several trends suggest possible future developments:

• More states may follow Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in explicitly banning online gambling
• The central government may eventually introduce nationwide regulation
• Court rulings on the skill vs. chance debate could affect which games are permissible

For now, if you’re considering using Stake from India, the most prudent approach is to:

• Verify your state’s specific gambling laws
• Be aware that the legal situation could change quickly
• Understand that operating in a gray area carries inherent risks
• Practice responsible gambling if you do choose to play

Remember that gambling should always be approached as entertainment rather than as a way to make money, regardless of its legal status in your location.

FAQs

• Is using Stake in India illegal?

The legality depends on your state of residence. It’s explicitly illegal in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In other states, it falls into a legal gray area, as there’s no specific national law prohibiting offshore online gambling sites.

• What are the penalties for using banned gambling sites in India?

Penalties vary by state. In Telangana, violations can result in fines of up to ₹10,000 and imprisonment up to one year for first-time offenders, with higher penalties for repeat offenses. However, enforcement typically targets operators rather than individual users.

• Are crypto gambling sites regulated differently from traditional gambling sites in India?

Currently, there’s no specific legislation that differentiates between cryptocurrency gambling and traditional gambling. The legal ambiguity surrounding both cryptocurrencies and online gambling creates a double layer of uncertainty for platforms like Stake.

• Can Indian banks process payments to Stake?

Indian banks and payment processors generally avoid facilitating transactions with known gambling websites, following RBI guidelines. This is why many Indian users turn to cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals on Stake.

• Which states in India have completely banned online gambling?

As of 2025, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have enacted comprehensive bans on all forms of online gambling. Other states have partial restrictions or unclear positions on the issue.

• Are there legal alternatives to Stake in India?

Yes, fantasy sports platforms and skill-based gaming sites that have obtained licenses in states like Sikkim or Nagaland operate legally in many parts of India. Additionally, horse racing betting through licensed operators is legal in most states.

• How does the government enforce online gambling restrictions?

Enforcement mechanisms include ISP-level website blocking, restrictions on payment processing, and, in some cases, legal action against operators. Direct enforcement against individual users is rare but not impossible.

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Conclusion:

The question “is Stake banned in India?” reveals the complexity of India’s evolving approach to online gambling.

Rather than a simple yes or no answer, we’ve seen that Stake’s legal status depends on a variety of factors, particularly which state you call home.

As India continues to navigate the challenges of regulating digital entertainment in the 21st century, the legal landscape surrounding platforms like Stake will likely continue to evolve.

What remains in a gray area today might become regulated, either permitted or prohibited, in the future.

For Indian users interested in Stake or similar platforms, staying informed about your local laws is essential.

The responsibility ultimately falls on individual users to understand the legal implications of their online activities and to make decisions accordingly.

Regardless of legal status, approaching gambling with caution and responsibility is crucial. Set strict limits, never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose, and remember that gambling should be treated as entertainment rather than as a financial strategy.

As technology and legislation continue to develop, the relationship between online gambling platforms and Indian law will undoubtedly face further clarification. Until then, proceed with caution, stay informed, and prioritize responsible play above all else.