As of 2026, real-money online poker is banned in India under federal law, and international poker platforms no longer legally offer real-money play to Indian residents. This guide explains what changed, what the law actually says, and what the situation means for players — it is a factual overview, not legal advice. If you are outside India, our main poker site rankings still apply.
What changed: India’s 2025–2026 online gaming ban
India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 (PROGA) was enacted in August 2025, and the accompanying Rules came into force on 1 May 2026. The law defines an “online money game” as any online game — whether based on skill, chance, or both — played by paying a fee or depositing money in the expectation of winning money. That definition deliberately captures real-money poker, removing the older “game of skill” argument that real-money operators previously relied on.
A national regulator, the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), began operating on 1 May 2026 to classify online games, enforce compliance and monitor financial flows. The federal ban applies regardless of where an operator is based, so offshore licensing does not create a legal route for Indian residents.
Can you still deposit from India?
In practice, no — not legally. From late August 2025, banks and payment intermediaries stopped permitting new deposits to real-money gaming platforms, and that restriction extends to UPI, cards and net banking. With the payment rails closed and a federal prohibition in force, the realistic answer for a resident of India in 2026 is that there is no compliant way to fund real-money online poker. We do not recommend trying to route around these rules.
The poker rooms that previously served India
For reference and for readers outside India, the GGNetwork rooms below were historically the most popular among Indian players before the ban. They remain the leading rooms across much of Asia, but access from within India is now restricted under PROGA.
GGPoker
The world’s largest online poker network, with the biggest Asian player pool, daily guarantees and fast cashouts. Where it is legally accessible, the welcome bonus is a 100% match up to $600. GGPoker →
Natural8
The Asia-first GGNetwork skin that shares GGPoker’s traffic and software, with localised lobbies and an $8 free sign-up bonus plus a 100% match up to $500. Natural8 →
What about free and amusement poker?
Play-money poker, social poker apps and live home games for chips with no monetary stake fall outside the definition of an “online money game.” Many former real-money players have moved to play-money formats and live club poker, which remain the practical options inside India while the federal framework stands.
FAQ
Is online poker legal in India in 2026?
Real-money online poker is prohibited under the federal Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, with rules in force since 1 May 2026. Play-money poker is not covered by the ban.
Does the ban apply to offshore sites?
Yes. The law applies regardless of where the operator is licensed, so an offshore licence does not make real-money play legal for Indian residents.
Can I deposit with UPI or a card?
No. Payment intermediaries stopped processing deposits to real-money gaming platforms in late August 2025, and that includes UPI, cards and net banking.
Will real-money poker come back to India?
There has been industry discussion of a future regulated framework, but as of mid-2026 nothing is in place. The OGAI regulator currently enforces the prohibition.
What can I play legally?
Play-money and social poker, and live home or club games for chips with no online monetary stake, are outside the scope of the online money-game ban.
Have questions or need help with your account? Message @PAGDaddyBot on Telegram — our 24/7 support bot is ready in English, Korean, and Thai.
Reading from elsewhere in the region? See our guides to the best poker sites in Thailand and the Philippines, plus the full site rankings and our GGPoker review.
18+ only. This page describes the legal situation and is not legal advice. Gambling involves risk — never wager more than you can afford to lose, and follow the laws that apply to you.