Online Poker in India The ultimate player guide
An independent guide to legal real money online poker in India, offering a detailed overview of the country’s poker rooms, the variants available, the legal landscape, taxation policies, and much more.
Last updated: March 13, 2025
Online poker’s popularity in India has skyrocketed in recent years. With a population of 1.4 billion, the market is enormous, and its appeal continues to explode.
Despite the boom, India’s online poker market remains ring-fenced because of local foreign exchange laws, meaning players can only compete with others within the country. Still, there is no shortage of options, as most online poker platforms are run by homegrown operators.
As for legality, while there is no federal regulation governing online poker, many legal experts believe it is generally legal across most of India, with a few states being the exception.
On this page, we cover everything you need to know about online poker in India, including a comprehensive list of poker rooms, the variants they offer, the current legal landscape, and much more.
- Adda52: If you want to play mystery bounty tournaments.
- Natural8: If you’re looking for a global player pool with massive guarantees.
- PokerBaazi: If you’re looking for the best software and game offerings.
- PokerStars India: If you’re looking for the best game integrity and trust.
- Junglee Poker: If you’re looking for a soft player pool.
- Spartan Poker: If you want to win packages for WSOP.
| Online Poker in India | |
|---|---|
| 📢 Status | Not federally regulated |
| 🗺 Ring-fenced market? | Yes |
| 🔥 Top Brazil Poker Sites | PokerBaazi, MPL Poker, Junglee Poker, PokerStars India, Adda52, Spartan Poker, Natural8 India |
| 🏆 Best India Tournaments | GOAT, The Moneymaker, Adda52 Millions, Godfather |
| ⚖️ Regulated By | No local regulator |
| 🔞 Legal Age to Gamble | 18+ |
India Online Poker Sites
Most international poker sites do not cater to Indian players, leaving local platforms as the primary option. Fortunately, there are several quality Indian poker sites to choose from.
Dozens of online poker rooms operate across India, the majority being homegrown operators. Adda52 was the first Indian-based site to introduce online poker in 2012, paving the way for many others. Since then, notable platforms like Spartan Poker, PokerBaazi, Pocket52, Junglee Poker, MPL, PokerStars India, and more have entered the market, providing players with a variety of options to enjoy the game.
Indian Poker Operators Welcome Bonus Offers
| Operator | Welcome Offer |
|---|---|
| PokerStars India | 150% Welcome Bonus Up to INR 50,000 |
| Junglee Poker | 100% Welcome Bonus Up to INR 50,000 |
| PokerBaazi | NA |
| Adda52 | 100% Welcome Bonus Up to INR 50,000 |
| Natural8 India | 28% Additional Deposit Bonus |
| Spartan Poker | 50% Spartan Cash Up to INR 20,000 |
PokerStars India
As one of the largest online poker brands globally, it’s no surprise that PokerStars has ventured into one of the world’s biggest markets—India. However, unlike in other regions where PokerStars operates on its own proprietary software, in India, the brand uses the software of its sister company, Junglee Poker, which is owned by Flutter, the parent company of PokerStars.
Though the software differs, PokerStars branding remains prominent, with its signature sound effects and a revamped lobby and poker tables that carry the familiar PokerStars aesthetic. Additionally, PokerStars India features a built-in Heads-Up Display (HUD)—a feature that hasn’t yet been made available on its other platforms.
PokerStars India offers a wide variety of games, including traditional cash games, tournaments, Spin & Go’s, and Sit & Gos. Cash games include No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, with both four-card and five-card PLO variants. The platform boasts decent traffic, making it one of the top poker sites in the country.
Given its strong reputation and the solid game integrity team backing it, we definitely recommend PokerStars India as a platform.
Junglee Poker
Junglee Poker is another platform we highly recommend. Sharing its player pool with PokerStars India, it is one of the largest poker platforms in the country.
The brand was originally known as Poker India, but after being acquired by Flutter, it rebranded and launched as Junglee Poker.
Since it shares its platform with PokerStars India, Junglee Poker offers the same range of popular poker games. The main difference lies in the branding and the aesthetic design, which reflects Junglee Poker’s own unique style. While its software is considered average, the platform does offer built-in HUD features and various gamified elements.
As one of India’s bigger poker brands, Junglee Poker even has Bollywood actors representing the site.
PokerBaazi
PokerBaazi is undoubtedly the largest online poker platform in India and a site we highly recommend due to its game offerings, traffic, and top-notch software.
The site is famous for hosting some of the country’s biggest tournaments, often featuring massive guarantees that even surpass those of some international poker rooms. Alongside its impressive tournament lineup, PokerBaazi also boasts one of the best cash game offerings, with consistent action available at all times.
PokerBaazi supports a variety of formats, including No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), as well as five-card and six-card Omaha variants. It also offers Super Hold’em, an exciting and unique poker variation.
In terms of software, PokerBaazi uses its own proprietary platform, which is not only the best in India but also ranks among the best globally. The site is packed with features, offering even more than top international rooms like GGPoker. PokerBaazi’s offerings include detailed gameplay stats, a tracking tool, a training tool, a built-in HUD, a bad beat counter, and a range of exciting features like straddles, bomb pots, splash the pot, and chip offloading.
With its seamless interface and gamified elements, PokerBaazi has truly perfected the online poker experience. If you’re looking to play online poker in India, PokerBaazi is a must-try site.
Natural8 India
Natural8, a prominent partner of the GGPoker network, operates in India with its own dedicated client. Sharing its player pool with the global GGPoker network, Natural8 India uses the Indian Rupee (INR) as the primary currency for all games.
The site also offers exclusive promotions for Indian players, including freerolls and welcome bonuses. In line with local regulations, peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers are not allowed, similar to other Indian poker platforms.
While the software is essentially the same as the global GGPoker client, it is branded specifically for Natural8 India.
If you’re looking for a platform with massive traffic and huge guarantees, Natural8 India is a good choice.
Adda52
Adda52 is India’s oldest online poker platform and is thought to be the first site to run exclusively for Indian players. It operates on its own software and offers a solid selection of tournaments and cash games.
For the first six to seven years, Adda52 dominated the Indian online poker market, holding the top spot for an extended period. However, as competition grew, its traffic saw a decline. Despite this, Adda52 remains one of the largest online poker sites in India.
Notably, Adda52 is the only platform in India that hosts mystery bounty tournaments. Like most Indian poker rooms, it also features its own built-in HUD.
Given its extensive experience in the market, Adda52 is another site we’d recommend for Indian players.
Spartan Poker
Spartan Poker is another well-established name in India’s online poker scene. The operator manages multiple brands under its umbrella, including Blitz Poker (formerly FTR Poker), Calling Station, and Poker High, all of which share the same player pool.
It uses the software provided by Connective Games and offers a wide range of games and formats.
Given its strong presence in the market, Spartan Poker is another platform we recommend.
Check out the online poker sites in India
How to Play Online Poker in India
Getting started with online poker in India is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Choose an Indian poker site, such as PokerBaazi, PokerStars India, or MPL
- Visit the site and click on the sign-up link
- Enter your mobile number during registration
- You’ll receive a four or six-digit One-Time Password (OTP)
- Enter the OTP to verify your mobile number
- Provide the required personal details
- Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process
- Make your first deposit and select the welcome bonus to begin playing
Indian Poker Operators Payment Methods
| Operator | Deposit Methods | Withdrawal Methods |
|---|---|---|
| PokerStars India | Net Banking, Cards, Wallet (Phone Pe) | UPI, Net Banking |
| Junglee Poker | Net Banking, Cards, Wallet (Phone Pe) | UPI, Net Banking |
| PokerBaazi | Net Banking, Cards, Wallet (Phone Pe, Paytm Payments Bank Wallet) | Net Banking |
| Adda52 | Net Banking, Cards | Net Banking |
| Natural8 India | Net Banking, Cards, UPI, Wallet (Phone Pe) | Net Banking |
| Spartan Poker | Net Banking, Cards, Wallets (Airtel Payments Bank Wallet, Freecharge, MobiKwik, Ola Money, Phone Pe) | Net Banking |
Indian Online Poker Market Overview
Gambling has traditionally been considered a taboo in India because of moral and religious beliefs. However, certain cultural practices, such as gambling during the Diwali festival, are widely accepted as auspicious.
Despite the general stigma, online gaming, including daily fantasy sports (DFS), rummy, and poker, has seen widespread acceptance, particularly among younger, urban Indians.
The Indian online poker market has rapidly evolved into one of the largest and most dynamic gaming sectors in the world. With a population of over 1.4 billion, a growing middle class, and a youthful demographic eager to embrace digital entertainment, India presents a significant opportunity for online poker operators.
India Online Poker Legality
India’s gambling laws at the federal level are rooted in the British-era Public Gaming Act of 1867, a 150-year-old statute that fails to address the rise of online gaming. This outdated legislation leaves the regulation of gambling to individual states. States like Goa, Sikkim, and Daman and Diu have established their own gambling regulations, allowing casinos to operate within their borders.
A key legal issue regarding poker’s status is whether it qualifies as a game of skill or chance. The Public Gaming Act specifically exempts “games of skill,” which are not considered gambling under the law.
The Supreme Court of India, along with several lower courts, has ruled that skill-based games like rummy and poker do not fall under gambling regulations. However, there are conflicting interpretations, with the Gujarat High Court, for example, ruling poker to be gambling. Different states have varied views on what constitutes a game of skill versus chance.
As a result, the legal landscape for poker remains complex. Many legal experts argue that online poker is generally legal in India, except in a few states, such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh, where restrictions are in place.
Online Poker Taxation in India
If you’re playing online poker in India, be prepared for significant taxes. The government mandates that operators deduct a 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on every deposit made by a player. For example, if a player deposits INR 10,000, INR 2,800 goes to the government, and the remaining INR 7,200 is credited to the player’s account. However, many Indian poker platforms absorb this tax themselves, so the full deposit amount is reflected in the player’s account..
This tax burden contributes to the higher rake and tournament fees charged by Indian online poker rooms. Rake for cash games typically ranges from 4% to 7%, while tournament fees can range from 12% to 20%.
In addition to the GST on deposits, operators are also required to withhold a 30% tax on players’ net winnings when they make a withdrawal.
Indian Online Poker Market Size
India, with its population of 1.4 billion, is a massive market, and it’s no surprise that it has a thriving online poker scene. While we recommend only a select few platforms, there are at least 15-20 major sites, many of which are quite large.
PokerBaazi stands out as the largest online poker room in India, with over 800 concurrent cash game seats—surpassing even well-known international sites like PartyPoker and 888poker.
Other notable platforms in the Indian poker market include Gamezy, Adda52, MPL, Winzo, PokerStars India, Junglee Poker, Pocket52, Spartan Poker, and more.
While exact traffic numbers are unavailable, it’s estimated that these platforms collectively support over 2,500 concurrent cash game seats, making India one of the largest poker markets globally.
Online Poker In India: FAQ
Is it safe to play online poker in India?
Yes, you can play online poker in India as long as it operates in India.
What are the best online poker sites in India?
There are a dozen online poker rooms operating in India, and most of them are local operators. We recommend sticking to big names like PokerStars India, Junglee Poker, PokerBaazi, Adda52, Spartan Poker, and MPL.
How can I deposit money to play online poker in India?
Most Indian online poker rooms offer a wide range of payment options, including MasterCard, Visa, Rupay, UPI, online bank transfers, and several Indian e-wallets, making it easy to deposit funds.
Do poker players from India receive welcome bonuses?
Yes, Indian poker players are eligible for welcome bonuses. Just like international poker sites, Indian platforms offer attractive deals to first-time players, which often include extra funds, tournament tickets, and access to freerolls.
Are online poker winnings taxed in India?
Yes, Indian operators impose a 30% tax on players’ net winnings whenever they make a withdrawal.
Are Indian online poker rooms segregated from the rest of the world?
Yes, because of local regulations pertaining to foreign exchange rules, Indian online poker rooms are segregated from the rest of the world, with games denominated in local currency INR.
Can I still play on international poker sites?
While there are limited options for Indian players to access global player pools, some sites like WPT Global and certain iPoker skins do accept Indian players. However, many major international poker platforms exclude Indian players. One exception is Natural8 India, which provides access to a global player pool while allowing players to play in Indian currency.