Online rummy in India is governed by a central law and by state laws. Since 2025 the central law is the first thing to check; the state position comes on top of it. This page is a reference summary, not legal advice.
The central law
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits online money games throughout India: games played by paying a fee, deposit or other stake in the expectation of winning money. It applies whether a game is one of skill, chance or both, and it also restricts advertising and payment processing for such games. Games played without stakes, such as free or practice tables, are treated differently. The Act has been challenged in court, and the rules made under it are still developing, so confirm the current status from official sources such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
State laws on real-money rummy
These state positions were in place before the central Act and remain relevant alongside it.
| State | Reference position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Telangana | Banned | Telangana Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2017 covers online gaming for stakes, including games of skill. |
| Andhra Pradesh | Banned | Andhra Pradesh Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2020. |
| Tamil Nadu | Restricted / regulated | Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022. The Madras High Court narrowed its application to rummy in 2023, and the State regulates real-money games; check the current position. |
| Karnataka | In litigation | The Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021 was struck down by the High Court in 2022; the appeal position should be checked. |
| Assam | Restricted | Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970 has been applied to play for stakes. |
| Odisha | Restricted | Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, 1955. |
| Kerala | Contested | A 2021 notification under the Kerala Gaming Act, 1960 banning online rummy for stakes was set aside by the High Court. |
| Nagaland | Licensing law | Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016. |
| Sikkim | Licensing law | Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008. |
States without their own ban
Most other states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Bihar, did not pass a specific ban on online rummy. Before the central Act, real-money rummy was generally offered there on the basis that rummy is a game of skill. The central Act now applies in those states as well, so the absence of a state ban is not a permission.
What the operator may add
An app can restrict players from certain states in its own terms, ask for location verification, or close accounts that breach its rules. Read the operator’s terms before you register.
What this directory does
Rummy Card Apps lists APKs and the figures published for them. We do not decide whether you may play, do not verify your location and do not process deposits. Do not use this directory to get around a restriction that applies to you.
Age and financial risk
Real-money games are for adults aged 18 and over and carry financial risk. Set limits before you play, do not chase losses and do not borrow to deposit. Read the responsible play page and the India disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Is online rummy legal in India?
Rummy without stakes is not restricted. Online rummy for money is different: the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits online money games nationwide, whether based on skill or chance, and several states have their own bans. The Act has been challenged in court, so check the current position.
Which states ban online rummy?
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have explicit bans, and Tamil Nadu, Assam and Odisha are commonly listed as restricted. Karnataka’s law has been through litigation. Since the central Act, online money games are restricted across India, not only in these states.
Can an app accept players from a restricted state?
It should not. Operators can apply location checks and close accounts that breach their terms. A listing in a directory does not override the law.