South India

Poker in Karnataka

Bengaluru's deep poker talent pool.

Private clubs & home games0 listed venues

Is poker legal in Karnataka?

Skill game (recognised)

Karnataka HC has expressly held that poker is a game of skill and no police permission is required to play it in recreational clubs. The Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act 2021, which tried to ban online skill games for stakes, was struck down by the HC in 2022.

Court rulings & statutes

  • Indian Poker Association v. State of Karnataka

    Karnataka High Court · 8 Oct 2013

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    Poker held to be a game of skill — clubs in Bengaluru can run live poker without police licensing.

  • All India Gaming Federation v. State of Karnataka

    Karnataka High Court · 14 Feb 2022

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    Struck down the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act 2021 to the extent it banned online games of skill.

Editorial summary, not legal advice. Verify with a local lawyer before organising games.

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