The most commonly played card game in India is rummy. Rummy is not confined anymore to physical face-to-face contests due to the advent of online rummy apps and websites. There are reputed rummy apps such as Magic Rummy which offer huge cash prizes and a safe rummy experience. These platforms provide opportunities to play online cash rummy games and earn money.

It is better to clarify your doubts regarding the legality of playing online rummy in India before you Download Real money rummy app and start staking your money on online rummy games.

Game of Skill Defined In The Law

Public Gambling Act 1867 does not apply to the game of skill but only to the game of chance. A game of skill is defined as any game in which the results are mainly determined by mental and physical skills rather than chance. The chance may have some role to play in determining the result of a game of skill, but the main part is played by skills only.

Game of Chance is a game in which the result is determined based on randomnesses such as roulette wheel, spinning tops, playing cards, and more. The chance or luck of the player has a bigger role than his/her skills in determining win or loss.

Supreme Court Judgement on Online Rummy

In 1968, the Supreme Court of India ruled that rummy is a game of skill and is legal. The SC, in its judgment, stated that a game in which skills play a significant role in determining its result could not be called gambling. The court also stated rummy is a game of skill because it is mainly based on skills.

Playing a game of skills for cash is protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India. Playing a game of skills is considered a business activity under Indian law. Thus, it is perfectly legal to play Online Rummy in India.

Reaffirmation of SC Judgement

In 2012, the Madras HC handed down a judgment stating that playing rummy for stakes is a form of gambling, hence illegal. Online rummy companies and clubs challenged the judgment before the Supreme Court.

In 2015, a 2-judge bench of the SC gave its verdict against the Madras HC judgment. The apex court ruled that there is no reason to change the legal position on rummy that it is a game of skills, and playing a game of skills for money is not gambling. 

Thus, this verdict reaffirmed that it is legal to earn money from rummy through online rummy platforms

Exceptions To The Judgement

There are no central laws prohibiting gambling and betting games in India. The Public Gambling Act 1867 does not prohibit but penalizes gambling and betting. Consequently, the states have the authority to frame laws regarding rummy and other games for stakes.

Thus, despite the Supreme Court’s judgment on rummy, some states in India have framed laws prohibiting people from playing online cash rummy games. Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Telangana, and Karnataka. The residents of these states cannot play real cash rummy but are permitted to play free online rummy games.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court judgment makes it legal to play online rummy in India except in states with laws against it. However, despite the legality, it is important to download the best online rummy app to ensure safe gaming and protection of your money against illegal activities.