Sikkim is perhaps the most progressive state in India when it comes to laws around gambling and betting. It legalized gambling in its jurisdiction and in 2008 added an amendment making it legal for casinos to offer their services online as well. Is betting legal in Sikkim? For the most part, it is, however, there are some caveats as well.
Is betting legal in Sikkim?
Casino games like Rummy, Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, and other games are all legal in Sikkim. You can play these either at licensed land-based casinos or at online casinos as well. Sikkim's government has allowed land-based casinos only in five-start properties right now but they are licensed to offer every sort of gambling activity that is popular around the world.
Even sports gambling is allowed in Sikkim, the only state in the country to explicitly;y allow it.
The reason Sikkim has gone down this route is that it wants to market itself as a tourist destination not only to Indian tourists but from those around the globe. It seems to have worked as land-based casinos have brought in a huge amount of revenue both directly and indirectly into the state.
The taxes collected from the casinos are obviously helpful but the job creation and boost to the economy are equally important. Sikkim could actually act as a template to other states around the country that are exploring the same thing. Lotteries are also legal in Sikkim and in fact, the Sikkim state lottery is one of the biggest in the country.
Is betting legal in Sikkim? Yes, it is for the most part. There are some restrictions on offline sports betting but think it is only a matter of time before they are removed as well. Sikkim has shown the by removing the roadblock of needless legislation, it has been able to unlock the true potential of its economy and given the entire region a huge boost.
