India rules in favour of legalised fantasy wagering

ice Amit Rawal has ruled fantasy sports betting legal by declaring paid wagers on such sites as a ‘skill game’ after a recent court case in India.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling is the first time ever an Indian High Court has had to deal with the legality of whether it considers the games falling under the remit of gambling, according to The Times of India reported. Mr Varun Gumber raised the issue as he looked to be reimbursed $780 on a fantasy cricket wagering site after the the operation was declared illegal.

India has very tough gambling legislation. Horse racing has been legal as a ‘skill game’ for quite some time, and some lotteries also operate in the country but few other gaming ventures are available. This means that fantasy wagers could attract many potential gamblers as a result of its new definition.

Justice Rawal deemed the game to: “require substantial skill, efforts and statistics” meaning its operations could continue without being deemed gambling.