Online sports betting has grown rapidly across India, and 1xBet is among the most talked-about offshore platforms. But with growing public interest comes an important question — is 1xBet legal in India? And if not, what is its legal status, licensing situation, and safety level for Indian users in 2026?
This comprehensive article breaks down the 1xBet legal status India 2026, the Online Gaming Bill 2025 India betting regulations, safety concerns, taxes, licensing issues, and what Indian law actually says about offshore betting platforms.
Is 1xBet Legal in India?
No — 1xBet is not legally authorized for real-money betting in India.
The platform is licensed offshore (Curaçao), but does not have an Indian betting license, making it unregulated and non-compliant with Indian gambling and betting laws.
In other words:
- Accessible online? → Yes
- Licensed by India? → No
- Legally protected for Indian users? → No
- Covered by Online Gaming Bill 2025? → Yes (prohibited category)
What Is 1xBet?
1xBet is an international betting and casino platform launched in 2007. It offers:
- Sports betting (cricket, football, tennis, etc.)
- Live streaming & in-play odds
- Online casino games
- Live casino dealers
- Esports betting
- Fantasy sports
- Virtual games
The operator holds a Curaçao eGaming licence, which allows it to operate in many international markets — but not as a licensed entity in India. That leads us to the legal framework.
1xBet Legal Status India 2026: Complete Breakdown
To understand whether 1xBet legality India online betting law supports its operations, we need to look at India’s gambling legal system, which is fragmented across central and state laws.
Below is the current legal picture:
1. No Indian Licensing Framework for Betting
India does not issue licences for online sports betting or online casino platforms.
This is why:
- 1xBet license India does not exist
- It operates as an offshore betting platform
- Indian users who play on 1xBet do so without legal protection
This directly affects the offshore betting sites India legality debate.
2. Online Gaming Bill 2025 (Major Change)
In response to growing gambling harm and regulatory gaps, India passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025.
Key features of this bill:
✔ Applies nationwide
✔ Prohibits real-money online betting & gambling
✔ Covers offshore operators serving Indian players
✔ Allows government to block apps & websites
✔ Empowers RBI to block payment channels
Under this bill:
➡ 1xBet is not legally permitted to offer betting services in India
➡ This directly affects 1xBet legal status India 2026
3. Public Gambling Act, 1867 (Older Law)
This law makes running gambling houses illegal, but it:
- Does not explicitly include online platforms
- Doesn’t define offshore digital betting
- Leaves a gap that offshore operators previously exploited
This gap is what made users confused about 1xBet India banned or legal? for years.
4. Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000
The IT Act gives the government power to:
✔ Block illegal websites
✔ Restrict unlawful online content
✔ Disable payment gateways
Under the IT Act + Online Gaming Bill, many offshore betting websites have faced:
- Domain blocks
- App store removals
- UPI/Bank payment restrictions
This impacts offshore betting sites India legality indirectly.
Offshore Betting Sites India Legality Explained
Many users assume that offshore operators are “legal” because they aren’t based in India. This is incorrect.
Here’s how Indian law views them:
- Offshore websites offering real-money games to Indian users are considered illegal/unregulated
- Indian players have no legal right to enforce winnings or refunds
- Government can block access at any time
This applies not only to 1xBet, but also other offshore brands.
Is 1xBet Safe in India? Security vs Legal Safety
Another top query after legality is: Is 1xBet safe in India?
Let’s break it down into two types of safety:
A. Technical Safety (Platform-Side)
1xBet uses:
✔ SSL encryption
✔ Secure payment gateways
✔ Two-factor authentication (2FA)
✔ Account verification
So technically, the platform is secure to use in terms of data protection.
B. Legal Safety (User-Side)
This is where risk increases significantly:
❗ No Indian legal protection
❗ Winning disputes cannot be resolved in Indian courts
❗ RBI can restrict payments
❗ Funds may be frozen if access is blocked
❗ No jurisdiction to claim refunds
❗ Winnings considered illegal under 2025 Bill
So while technically secure, it is not legally safe for Indian users.
Deposits, Withdrawals & Banking Restrictions
Indian payment systems have varying compliance levels:
Payments Often Affected:
- UPI
- NetBanking
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
Payments Offshore Operators Often Use:
- E-wallets
- Crypto
- Vouchers
- Virtual cards
Because of the 2025 Bill, Indian regulators increasingly block:
✔ UPI routes
✔ Banking API access
✔ Payment aggregators
This makes the 1xBet India banned or legal question more relevant for everyday users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is 1xBet legal in India?
➡ No, it is not legally authorized under Indian law for real-money betting.
Q2: Can Indian users access 1xBet?
➡ Technically yes, legally no — there is no Indian protection for users.
Q3: Does 1xBet have an Indian license?
➡ No. There is no valid 1xBet license India for betting.
Q4: Is 1xBet banned in India?
➡ It is not officially licensed, and authorities can block access/payment routes.
Q5: Is 1xBet safe in India?
➡ Technically secure platform, not legally safe for Indian users.
Q6: Do I need to pay taxes on 1xBet winnings?
➡ Yes. Indian tax law applies regardless of platform location.