Where is lottery legal in India? A plain-English guide to state lottery legislation.
Lotteries in India are governed at two levels. The central Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998 and the accompanying Lotteries (Regulation) Rules, 2010 set the overarching framework — including minimum prize values, draw frequencies, and ticket price limits. Individual states then operate their own lotteries within these bounds.
Crucially, this is an opt-in system. States must actively legislate to permit lotteries. Only 13 of India's 28 states and 8 union territories have done so. In all remaining states, selling, buying, or organising a lottery is a criminal offence under the Public Gambling Act, 1867.
One of India's oldest and most active lottery programmes. Online results available; tickets sold through authorised agents.
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Known for the "Dear" lottery series. Very high draw frequency with tickets priced from ₹6.
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Regulated under one of India's older state lottery acts. Tickets available through licensed vendors across the state.
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Operates under rules established in 1967. Offers daily and special draws with prizes up to ₹1 Crore.
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One of the few states with explicit online lottery regulation under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008.
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Operates the Rajshree series. Also permits casino gambling under separate Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976.
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Longstanding lottery programme with daily and bumper draws. Tickets from ₹6.
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Uniquely operates the Teer lottery — a traditional archery-based draw distinct from conventional number lotteries.
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Active state lottery with daily draws. Tickets priced from ₹6.
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Operates daily draws with prizes up to ₹50 Lakh. Tickets sold through authorised retailers.
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Daily draws with tickets from ₹6. Prizes up to ₹50 Lakh.
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Operates state-run lotteries under the central Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998.
Lottery activity has been historically periodic. Currently operating under the central regulatory framework.
There is no specific central law that prohibits Indian residents from participating in foreign lotteries online. However, the legal landscape is complex:
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify the current position with a qualified legal professional.
Lottery is legal in 13 Indian states: Kerala, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Punjab, Sikkim, Goa, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Madhya Pradesh. In all other states, lotteries are prohibited under state gambling laws or the Public Gambling Act, 1867.
The central Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998 permits only state governments to run lotteries, banning private and online lotteries except where specifically authorised by state law. Sikkim is the only state with explicit online lottery legislation. All lottery winnings above ₹10,000 are subject to a flat 30% TDS regardless of which state the ticket was purchased in. For a full breakdown of tax implications, see our lottery tax guide.