Nagaland Gambling Laws

Nagaland is something as unique as an Indian state that has regulated gambling. Well, part of it, at least.

Indian online casinos can apply for a gambling license in Nagaland, which allows them to offer online real money games to Indian players!

However, the license looks very different from the ones foreign online casinos use, so there are quite a few restrictions. Let’s take a closer look.

Surbhi Soni Senior Associate at Touchstone Partners

Audited by Surbhi Soni

Senior Associate at Law Firm Touchstone Partners

Last audit on 12th April 2022

How to gamble from Nagaland

Gambling from Nagaland is very easy, simply due to the fact that the laws mention very little regarding what players are allowed to do.

When playing online, you can choose to play at an online gambling site with a Nagaland license or a foreign casino, like Casino Days.

All you need to play is a mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet, a stable internet connection (we recommend 4G), and a payment method.

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Yes, gambling is legal in Nagaland when it refers to games of skill.

The difference between games of skill and games of chance is important in Nagaland. Only casinos that offer games of skill are allowed a gambling license!

Players in Nagaland can technically explore a wider selection of online casinos than the local licensed ones.

Casinos based outside of India aren’t allowed to market themselves to Nagaland players, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play there!

Gambling Laws in Nagaland

Nagaland’s gambling laws were created a few years ago. Before that, they followed the national Public Gambling Act, 1867.

The two laws in effect in this state are the Nagaland Online Games of Skill Act, 2016, and the Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016.

As you can imagine, these Acts focus mainly on licensing requirements, clarifying the dos and don’ts of those offering games in Nagaland.

Neighbouring states like Manipur are more accessible with more outdated gambling laws.

Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016

The Nagaland gambling act allows operators based in India to obtain a license to offer online real money games to Bharat players.

According to the Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016, the operator doesn’t have to be located in Nagaland to obtain the license. However, they do have to follow certain rules:

  • Pay a licensing fee.
  • Not offer games of chance.
  • Can only offer their skill games to states where games of skill are legal.
  • Poker licensees can only offer poker, no other skill games.

Casino in Kohima

Something to keep in mind when gambling in Nagaland is internet connection availability. Playing casino in Kohima is, therefore, preferred.

Nagaland is an incredibly beautiful state, but it’s also fairly rural. In other words, having an internet connection for HD-streamed live casino entertainment is not always a guarantee.

From Kohima, you’ve got access to plenty of great online casino sites; all you have to do is take your pick!

Casino in Dimapur

Dimapur is another great location for online gamblers. You’ll be able to find a decent connection to the internet here, allowing you to play from basically anywhere in town.

Mobile online casinos can easily be found on your smartphone, making it possible to gamble on the bus or even while at work.

Just make sure that you aren’t letting your gambling interfere with your work duties!

Lottery in Nagaland

The Nagaland lottery goes by the name of Lottery Sambad. The lottery has three draws daily, 11:55, 16:00, and 20:00, and the lottery is available to players in Sikkim, Nagaland, and West Bengal.

These three time-slots are more commonly known as the “Daily Dear Lotteries” and are split into Morning, Day, and Evening. Each draw has a top prize of one crore rupees.

At offshore online lotteries, you’ve got access to even bigger draws, some able to make you a crorepati in an instant!

Sports betting in Nagaland

Sports betting on real sporting events is considered a game of chance in Nagaland and is because of this not allowed.

However, if sports betting is done on virtual sports, like virtual cricket, football, tennis, or other sports, it’s considered a game of skill.

Confusing? Yes, but more liberal than all other states, which, except for Sikkim and Meghalaya, completely ban betting on sports.

NOTE: You are still able to place real sports bets by using foreign gambling sites based outside of India.

Horse racing in Nagaland

Horse racing is a game of skill, as confirmed by the Indian government. You can place bets on horse racing directly at the racecourse, or in some cases, from licensed betting stalls.

Nagaland doesn’t have a racecourse of its own, so you’ll have to travel to see the race in action. Alternatively, you can place your bets and sometimes even see the race streamed live on desi online casino sites.

Local casino websites won’t offer this, but foreign sites do!

Status on Rummy, Poker, Flush, and other card games

The state of Nagaland is the only Indian state to offer an online gambling license for poker! Khelo365 and ClubEmpire were the first two national websites that were provided this license.

Licensed poker websites can only offer poker, so if you want to switch between poker and other casino games, you’ll want to opt for a foreign casino website.

A casino based outside of India will have thousands of games, from slots to live casino tables like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar.

To sum it up

Nagaland is one of India’s most liberal states when it comes to gambling. Allowing operators to apply for gambling licenses is very similar to progressive countries like Sweden and the UK and gives us a sense of hope for the future of gambling.

Of course, we would’ve loved to see a more inviting license that would allow foreign operators to get licensed, but this is still a pretty good deal for desi players in Nagaland until that happens.

Disclaimer: This material is for general information only and is not intended as legal advice and no duty of care is owed to any reader. The readers of this material are requested to engage their own legal counsel in order to make any legal or business decisions and to obtain legal advice specific to them.

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