Legality

Is the offering of the free-to-play online games (“Games”) by M/s. Baazi Networks Private Limited (“Company”) legal in India? 

Playing the Games is legal in India, except in those states or jurisdictions within the territory of India where online gaming is prohibited under Applicable Laws or permitted only via appropriate license/ registration.

The Central Government enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (“PROGA”) with the aim of establishing a uniform national-level regulatory framework to govern the online gaming sector in India. It aims to promote e-sports, educational games, and social gaming while prohibiting online money gaming. Prior to the promulgation of the PROGA, the governance of online gaming activities in India was largely decentralized and governed by State-specific laws as well as in accordance with the judicial precedents of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and of other various Hon’ble High Courts.

The Services and Games being offered by the Company does not require Users to pay any entry fee or deposit, and the entire prize pool is funded by the Company. Since one of the key determinants of an “online money game” under the PROGA is the presence of user consideration or stake, the notable absence of any form of user deposits being required to participate in the Games offered by the Company is a significant factor towards permissibility. This is further also on account of the fact that Users of the Games would neither stake nor risk any monetary value, and that all Rewards (as defined in the Terms and Conditions) would be fully provided for by the Company, without any transfer of value or wagering element between the Users. This aligns with the regulatory definition of an “online social game” which permits online games for the purpose of entertainment or skill-based play without monetary staking. Although the Company’s proposed game model allows for the provision of prizes to KYC-verified users, the absence of any form of user stake or deposit substantially mitigates the risk of classification of the proposed game as an online money game under the PROGA.

Hence the Games are likely to fall within the permissible category and are likely to qualify as permissible “online social games” rather than online money games under the PROGA.

The Company will further comply with any change in this present legal position due to any order of a Court of competent jurisdiction, regulatory body, Central or State government or law enforcement agency.

For any further clarifications or information on the legality of playing on this website, contact info@pokerbaazi.com. 

Users agree that they participate on our platform at their own discretion and accept responsibility for staying informed about any state applicable laws and amendments.