Is Daman Legal in Your State? India 2026 Map
LEGAL EXPLAINER
Real-money color prediction is governed by state law in India, not by a single national act. Here’s where Daman is legal, restricted, or outright banned in 2026 — with the relevant act for each state.
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Independent review
Updated May 2026
Restricted: TN · TS · AP · OD · AS · NL
On this page
BOTTOM LINE
Real-money gaming on platforms like Daman is BANNED in 6 states (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Assam, Nagaland) and PARTIALLY restricted in Sikkim. It’s permitted by default in the other 22 states + 8 union territories.
But “permitted by default” doesn’t mean “endorsed” — most states have the colonial-era Public Gambling Act 1867 still on the books, with grey-area enforcement. This page is informational only; consult a lawyer for your specific situation.
State-by-state at a glance
| State / Territory | Status | Relevant law |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Banned | Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022 |
| Andhra Pradesh | Banned | AP Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2020 |
| Telangana | Banned | Telangana Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2017 |
| Odisha | Banned | Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, 1955 (broad interpretation) |
| Assam | Banned | Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970 |
| Nagaland | Banned | Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling Act, 2016 (skill-game license required) |
| Sikkim | Partial | Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008 — only licensed operators permitted |
| Goa | Permitted | Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976 (with online amendment) |
| Karnataka | Permitted | 2021 ban struck down by High Court; currently no enforcement |
| Maharashtra | Permitted | Public Gambling Act 1867 (state-adopted, broadly permissive online) |
| Delhi NCT | Permitted | Public Gambling Act 1867 (Delhi-adopted) |
| Uttar Pradesh | Permitted | UP Public Gambling Act 1961 (no specific online ban) |
| West Bengal | Permitted | West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competitions Act, 1957 (skill-game exception) |
| Other states / UTs | Permitted | Default Public Gambling Act 1867 framework |
Why “permitted” doesn’t mean “explicitly legal”: India’s Public Gambling Act dates from 1867 (yes, colonial). It bans “common gaming houses” but exempts “games of skill.” Color prediction’s classification is contested — some courts have ruled it skill, others chance. As long as no specific state ban exists and the platform calls itself a skill game, it operates in the legal grey area. This is not the same as positive endorsement.
What “skill vs chance” means legally
Indian gambling jurisprudence distinguishes:
- Games of skill — outcomes predominantly decided by player decision-making (e.g., rummy, fantasy cricket). Generally legal.
- Games of chance — outcomes predominantly random (e.g., roulette, lottery). Generally illegal except in licensed casino zones (Goa, Sikkim, Daman & Diu).
Color prediction sits awkwardly in between. The Supreme Court hasn’t ruled definitively on it. Lower courts have produced conflicting verdicts. In practice, the central government has not blocked the platforms federally, but several states have.
Tax implications (Section 194BA)
Even where playing is legal, winnings are taxed:
- 30% TDS on net winnings, no threshold (Section 194BA, Income Tax Act, in force from 1 April 2023).
- The platform deducts TDS automatically at withdrawal.
- You file the income under “Income from Other Sources” in your ITR.
- You cannot offset gambling losses against other income.
Recent regulatory developments (2024–2026)
- 2023: MeitY introduced IT (Online Gaming) Rules requiring self-regulatory bodies to certify “permissible online games.”
- 2024: Karnataka High Court struck down the state’s 2021 ban on online games for monetary stakes.
- 2024: Section 194BA TDS rules came into full force after a one-year transition period.
- 2025: Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act survived Supreme Court challenge, remains in effect.
- 2026 (early): No major new state legislation; status quo holds.
If you live in a banned state: Playing carries personal legal risk in addition to financial risk. Some banned states have prosecuted players, not just operators. Check your state law before signing up.
Ready to try Daman? If you’re outside the restricted states and 18+, sign up via our affiliate link. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Can I be arrested for playing Daman in a banned state?
Theoretically yes — most banned-state laws apply to players, not just operators. In practice, prosecutions of individual players are rare and usually only happen when a much larger investigation (e.g., a money-laundering case) sweeps in players. Don’t take this as legal safety — consult a lawyer in your state.
What if I’m physically in a banned state but use a VPN?
VPN use doesn’t change your legal residence. You’re still subject to your home state’s law. VPN-routed play also breaches most platforms’ terms of service and can result in withdrawal blocks.
Does the central government ban any platforms?
No federal ban on color-prediction platforms specifically. MeitY can block platforms under IT Rules if requested by states or law enforcement, but this is rare. There’s no national prohibition.
What about NRIs / international players?
Daman is targeted at Indian residents. NRI registration is technically possible but creates KYC complications (Indian PAN required for withdrawal). Most NRIs use offshore platforms instead.
Will the laws change?
Possibly. There’s ongoing debate at central government level about a uniform online gaming framework. Several states (UP, Karnataka) have considered new laws. None has passed in 2026 as of this writing. Check the news before assuming the legal status quo holds long-term.