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Is 1xBet Legal In India? 2026 Legal Status & Safety Guide

January 8, 2026

1xBet is illegal in India under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The platform operates without an Indian licence, so playing for real money is prohibited nationwide.

Before 2025, there were no clear national laws against offshore betting, so many Indians used 1xBet without restrictions. 

The new law now ends all uncertainty, clearly banning offshore betting and real-money games, whether based on skill or chance, across every state in India.

This article explains 1xBet’s legal status, the risks of using it, the penalties for violations, and safe legal alternatives for Indian players.

Current Legal Status Of 1xBet In India

Here is a quick overview of 1xBet’s current  legal position in India following the 2025 Online Gaming Bill:

AspectStatus (2026)
Legal StatusBanned under the 2025 Online Gaming Bill
Indian LicenceNone
Real-Money UseProhibited
Safe for Indian PlayersNo
PenaltiesUp to 3 years’ jail or ₹1 crore fine

What Is 1xBet and Why Was It Popular In India?

1xBet is a global betting platform based in Cyprus with a Curaçao licence, allowing it to operate in countries with strict betting rules.

What Is 1xBet and Why Was It Popular In India
Source: 1xbet Twitter 

Indian users were drawn to 1xBet for cricket betting, IPL and World Cup coverage, live odds, INR support, and a Hindi interface. Quick registration and welcome bonuses made joining easy.

Before the Online Gaming Bill, there were no clear laws against offshore betting, so many Indians used 1xBet via UPI and mobile devices. Now, real-money play is clearly illegal. 

When discussing the legality of platforms like 1xBet in India, many users also search for similar sports betting options available online. The official Reddy Anna website is often explored by bettors looking to place wagers on their favourite sports through an alternative platform with comparable features. Understanding how different betting apps operate helps users make informed choices while navigating the Indian betting landscape.

How the 2025 Online Gaming Bill Changed Everything

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, passed in August, protects youth and middle-class families from financial harm caused by online money games. 

It targets addiction, fraud, and money laundering linked to betting platforms.

The law bans all online money games in India, including those based on skill, chance, or both. It applies to platforms operating inside the country and offshore sites serving Indian users.

1xBet is now considered a banned betting app because it offers real-money betting and casino games. Banks and payment services are blocked from processing transactions to such platforms.

Why 1xBet Is Not Legal In India Anymore?

1xBet does not hold any licence from the Indian government and operates under a Curaçao licence, which has no legal standing in India. Indian authorities cannot regulate or oversee its operations.

The platform runs on overseas servers and is classified as a foreign-operated money gaming platform. 

The Online Gaming Bill, 2025, targets such platforms that bypass Indian laws and threaten users and the financial system.

All real-money betting on 1xBet, including cricket betting, IPL matches, and casino games, is now illegal. Section 5 of the law bans offering or participating in these services across India.

Risks of Using 1xBet in India After The 2025 Bill

Using 1xBet in India after the 2025 Bill exposes users to legal penalties, financial loss, and blocked transactions, as follows: 

Risks of Using 1xBet in India After the 2025 Bill
Source: Hindustan Times
  • Users may face account blocking without warning, and deposits can be frozen permanently with no refund.
  • Indian law does not protect users of banned platforms, so disputes over withdrawals or winnings have no legal remedy.
  • Authorities can investigate users under the Information Technology Act, 2000; the 2025 Bill allows searches and arrests without warrants in some instances.
  • Promoting or using 1xBet can lead to imprisonment for up to three years and fines reaching ₹1 crore for serious violations.

Can You Access 1xBet Using VPN?

Some players try to reach 1xBet using VPNs to hide their location, but that doesn’t make it legal. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, covers all Indian users, no matter how they access the platform.

Can You Access 1xBet Using VPN
Source: Sigma World 

The government can block IP addresses and payment gateways associated with banned sites. Banks and UPI services can freeze transactions, and authorities can track VPN activity during investigations.

Using a VPN also carries risks, such as data theft and cyberattacks. Accessing a banned betting app knowingly is illegal, and claiming ignorance won’t protect users.

Which Indian States Ban or Allow 1xBet?

The 2025 Online Gaming Bill has created a uniform ban on 1xBet and similar platforms across India:

StateStatus
TelanganaBanned
Tamil NaduBanned
Andhra PradeshBanned
SikkimRestricted
NagalandRestricted
OthersCovered under the national ban

Before 2025, states such as Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh had their own prohibitions on online betting, while Sikkim and Nagaland issued licences to regulate certain online games. 

These differences created confusion for players. The Online Gaming Bill, 2025, removes all state-level variations and applies uniformly across India.

Now, no state can legally allow 1xBet or similar platforms to operate. All Indian users are subject to the same rules, restrictions, and penalties, regardless of where they live.

Switch To Safe Free-to-Play Gaming Apps

After the ban on real-money apps like 1xBet, several platforms have moved toward safer, free-to-play options. 

Apps such as Dream11, MPL, and A23 now focus on skill-based games rather than betting

Switch To Safe Free-to-Play Gaming Apps
Source: Dream 11 Website 

You can enjoy cricket, football, and quiz games that offer exciting non-cash rewards, such as points or vouchers. 

These platforms ensure safety with verified KYC and secure UPI systems.

It’s a simple and fun way to keep playing your favorite games without involving any money

Conclusion: After The 2025 Gaming Act, 1xbet Is Not Legal In India 

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, has made real-money betting on offshore sites like 1xBet illegal in India. 

This means using such platforms can get you into legal trouble and put your money at risk.

Because of the law, your accounts and transactions are safer. Authorities can block banned sites and stop illegal payments, giving families and young players a secure environment online.

Instead of risky betting, you can enjoy e-sports, social games, or educational platforms. These are fully legal in India, they help build skills, and offer a safe, fun way to engage online. 

FAQs

Can Indian players withdraw winnings if 1xBet is not legal in India?

Withdrawals on 1xBet are not legally protected in India, so users may face blocked transactions or frozen funds without recourse.

Is it safe to use Indian bank accounts or UPI when 1xBet is not legal in India?

It is not safe to use Indian bank accounts or UPI when 1xBet is not legal in India, as authorities can freeze accounts or investigate transactions

Are crypto deposits on 1xBet considered legal in India?

Cryptocurrency deposits to 1xBet remain illegal under the 2025 Bill, as the law bans all payment methods used for online money games regardless of currency.

Can players use foreign payment methods if 1xBet is not legal in India?

Foreign payment methods do not exempt Indian users from the law, and accessing banned platforms through any payment channel is prohibited under the 2025 Gaming Bill.

How does the 2025 Online Gaming Bill define whether 1xBet is legal in India?

The Bill classifies 1xBet as a foreign-operated online money gaming platform, which is banned nationwide because it offers real-money betting without Indian government authorization.

Siddharth Joshi is the voice behind GenZcricket, a cricket lover turned storyteller. Born in 2001, his dream of becoming a cricketer was cut short by an early injury—but his love for the game never faded. Instead, he found a new way to stay connected by analyzing matches, players, and stadiums through his platform. With GenZcricket, Siddharth aims to help the younger generation dive deeper into the game with insights, stats, and stories. His goal is to make cricket exciting, relatable, and accessible for fans of all ages—especially Gen Z.

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