Where 13-card rummy is currently treated as a game of skill — and where recent rulings have shifted the position.
Rummy is treated as a game of skill in most Indian states, but a handful of states have specific restrictions. This page is a neutral reading of the current state-level positions. The list is reviewed for the publication date noted at the top of the page; verify with local counsel for your specific case.
18+ · Skill-game content · Please play responsibly and verify the rules in your jurisdiction.
How the skill-vs-chance framing works
The dominant court ruling on rummy in India is the Supreme Court's 1968 judgment in the State of Bombay v. R.M.D. Chamarbaugwala case, which held that rummy is a game of skill when predominance of skill is established.
Subsequent high-court rulings have consistently applied that framing to 13-card rummy. The rulings turn on the predominance test — whether the outcome is determined more by skill than by chance.
States can still impose restrictions through local legislation, and a few have done so. The Public Gambling Act 1867 is the central reference, but each state has its own statute and its own enforcement record.
State-level positions, current as of 2026
A neutral reading of state-level positions. The list is reviewed for the publication date noted at the top of the page.
| State | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Restricted | Local legislation restricts online skill games for stakes. |
| Assam | Restricted | State gaming act restricts online play for stakes. |
| Bihar | Restricted | State act restricts online play for stakes. |
| Goa | Permitted (with rules) | State casino law applies; offshore rooms operate under state licence. |
| Gujarat | Restricted | State gaming act restricts online play for stakes. |
| Karnataka | Restricted (recent amendment) | Amended state gaming act restricts online play for stakes. |
| Kerala | Restricted | State gaming act restricts online play for stakes. |
| Maharashtra | Permitted (skill) | Permitted under the predominance-of-skill reading. |
| Odisha | Permitted (skill) | Permitted under the predominance-of-skill reading. |
| Tamil Nadu | Restricted (recent ordinance) | State ordinance restricts online play for stakes. |
| Telangana | Restricted | State gaming act restricts online play for stakes. |
| West Bengal | Permitted (skill) | Permitted under the predominance-of-skill reading. |
| Other states / UTs | Permitted (skill) | No specific state-level restriction identified. |
The list is not exhaustive. State-level positions change, and the publication date at the top of this page is the date of the most recent review. Verify with local counsel before playing for stakes.
How to verify for your specific case
Three steps to verify the current position for your state and your specific situation.
Step 1: Check the operator's terms page. Most platforms publish a state-by-state eligibility list. The list is updated by the operator, but the operator's own terms apply to that operator only.
Step 2: Check the state government's official gazette. The text of the state gaming act is the primary source. The gazette is publicly available, but the language can be technical.
Step 3: Consult a local lawyer. For any case that involves a financial commitment, a local lawyer's reading is the only reliable source. Online lists are a starting point, not a substitute.
Offshore rooms and state law
A short note on offshore rooms and how state law applies to them.
Offshore rooms typically operate from jurisdictions with explicit online-gaming licences. The legality of an Indian player accessing an offshore room depends on the player's state law, not on the operator's licence.
If your state has restricted online play for stakes, the restriction applies to any online room, regardless of where the operator is registered. The enforcement record varies by state, but the legal position is the same.
How this list is updated
The desk tracks state-level positions through court rulings, state government gazettes and operator announcements. The update cycle is quarterly, with interim updates when a material change is announced.
If you have evidence of a state-level change that should be reflected on this page, write to the customer-care inbox with a citation. Verified updates are added within the next publication cycle.
Legal questions, answered plainly
Is rummy a game of skill?
Yes. The Supreme Court's 1968 ruling in State of Bombay v. R.M.D. Chamarbaugwala established the predominance-of-skill test for rummy. Subsequent high-court rulings have consistently applied the framing.
Why are some states restricted if rummy is a game of skill?
State legislation can override the central position for in-state enforcement. A handful of states have specific statutes that restrict online play for stakes, regardless of the central skill-vs-chance framing.
Does the operator's licence matter?
Yes and no. The operator's licence determines whether the operator is regulated in its own jurisdiction. The legality of an Indian player accessing the operator depends on the player's state law.
Is playing for free restricted in restricted states?
Generally no. Most state restrictions apply to playing for stakes. Free tables and practice tables are typically unaffected.