Is 1xbet Legal in India? Everything You Need to Know (2026)
In short: 1xbet is not licensed by any Indian regulatory body. India does not have a federal framework that explicitly legalises online sports betting. However, 1xbet is not banned in India either — and millions of Indian players use it freely every day. As an internationally licensed offshore operator, 1xbet operates in a legal grey area that makes it accessible and widely used across the country. Check our review below:
This page breaks down India’s gambling laws, what they mean for you as a bettor, why 1xbet is considered safe despite the regulatory grey zone, and how to get started with a 400% welcome bonus up to ₹50,000 using promo code 1XINVIP.
The Legal Status of Online Betting in India
Understanding whether 1xbet is legal in India requires understanding India’s gambling laws — which are, to put it plainly, complex and inconsistent.
The Public Gambling Act, 1867
India’s primary gambling legislation is over 150 years old. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 bans the operation of public gambling houses in India, but it was written long before the internet existed and makes no mention of online betting whatsoever. Critically, it also does not explicitly ban players from participating in gambling — only from operating physical gambling houses.
Gambling Is a State Subject
Under the Indian Constitution, gambling is a state subject, meaning each of India’s 28 states and 8 union territories can set its own rules. This creates a patchwork of regulations:
- Sikkim and Goa have legalised certain forms of gambling and operate licensed casinos.
- Sikkim was among the first states to attempt regulated online betting.
- Most other states have no specific online betting legislation — neither legalising nor explicitly banning it.
- Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are notable exceptions — both have enacted laws that explicitly prohibit online gambling.
The Information Technology Act, 2000
The IT Act governs online content in India but does not specifically address online sports betting. There is no provision under the IT Act that criminalises an individual for placing a bet on an offshore website.
What This Means for 1xbet Users in India
Because India lacks a central federal law regulating or banning offshore online betting, platforms like 1xbet operate in a grey zone. 1xbet is not licensed by an Indian authority, but it is also not banned. There is no documented case of an Indian individual being prosecuted for using an offshore betting site. The legal exposure, to the extent it exists, falls on operators — not individual users.
Our advice: If you are in Telangana or Andhra Pradesh, be aware that those states have stricter online gambling laws than the rest of India. For all other states, using 1xbet as an individual player is not explicitly illegal.
Is 1xbet LEGAL and Licensed and Legitimate?
Yes. While 1xbet doesn’t hold an Indian licence, it is not an unregulated fly-by-night operator. Here’s what gives it credibility:
- Curaçao eGaming Licence — 1xbet holds a valid international gaming licence issued by Curaçao eGaming, one of the most widely recognised offshore licensing jurisdictions. This requires the operator to meet standards around fair play, responsible gambling, and financial integrity.
- Founded in 2007 — 1xbet has been operating for nearly two decades, accumulating a large and established global user base.
- Global sports partnerships — 1xbet has signed official sponsorship deals with clubs including FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as major sporting federations. Organisations of this stature conduct due diligence on their commercial partners.
- INR support — 1xbet accepts Indian Rupees for deposits and withdrawals, which reflects a genuine commitment to the Indian market rather than a casual acceptance of Indian users.
- Hindi language support — The platform is available in Hindi, making it one of the few international bookmakers to localise its product specifically for Indian users.
Is 1xbet Safe to Use in India?
Safety concerns are legitimate and worth addressing directly. Our assessment is that 1xbet is a safe platform for Indian users for the following reasons:
🔒 SSL Encryption
All data transmitted between your device and 1xbet’s servers is protected by industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption. This means your personal and financial information cannot be intercepted during transactions.
🔐 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
1xbet offers two-factor authentication on accounts. Enabling 2FA adds a second verification step at login, making it significantly harder for anyone to access your account without your knowledge.
💳 Trusted Payment Methods
1xbet supports a wide range of payment methods that Indian users already trust for other purposes: UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, Neteller, Skrill, and major cryptocurrencies. The platform processes deposits and withdrawals in ₹, with no currency conversion required for Indian accounts.
🛡️ Responsible Gambling Tools
1xbet provides self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and account cooling-off periods for players who want to manage their gambling behaviour. These are standard features at regulated bookmakers.
📞 24/7 Customer Support
Support is available around the clock via live chat, email, and telephone. Response times are generally fast for live chat, though delays can occur during peak periods such as major sporting events.
Why Is 1xbet Popular Among Indian Bettors?
Despite the regulatory grey zone, 1xbet has become one of the most widely used betting platforms in India. The reasons are straightforward:
- Cricket coverage — 1xbet covers virtually every cricket market available, from the IPL to Test matches to domestic T20 leagues. Pre-match and live betting options are extensive.
- Competitive odds — 1xbet consistently offers among the best odds available for Indian sporting events.
- Vast sportsbook — Over 1,000 events are available daily across sports including cricket, football, kabaddi, tennis, basketball, and esports.
- Casino and games — Beyond sports, 1xbet offers a full casino with thousands of slots, live dealer tables, and crash games such as Aviator.
- Generous bonuses — New players can claim a 400% welcome package up to ₹50,000 using code 1XINVIP, and the platform runs regular promotions for existing users.
- Local payment support — UPI, Paytm, PhonePe and GPay are all accepted with a minimum deposit of just ₹300.
- Mobile app — The 1xbet app is available for both Android and iOS and provides the full betting experience on mobile.
How to Sign Up on 1xbet From India
Getting started takes less than five minutes:
- Visit 1xbet.com and click the “Register” button in the top-right corner.
- Choose your registration method — by phone number, email, social media, or one-click.
- Enter your details — name, date of birth, and choose INR as your currency.
- Enter 1xBet promo code 1XINVIP to activate the welcome bonus.
- Verify your account — confirm your phone number via SMS.
- Make your first deposit — minimum ₹300 to trigger the bonus.
- Note on KYC: Before you can withdraw winnings, 1xbet requires identity verification (KYC). This involves uploading a government-issued ID. It’s a standard security requirement and protects your account.
1xbet Welcome Bonus for Indian Players
New users who register with code 1XINVIP unlock a 400% welcome package across four deposits, worth up to ₹50,000:
| Deposit | Bonus | Max Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 100% | ₹20,000 |
| 2nd | 100% | ₹15,000 |
| 3rd | 100% | ₹10,000 |
| 4th | 100% | ₹5,000 |
You can check our 1xBet registration guide to learn how to claim this bonus.
T&Cs: 18+. New customers only. Min deposit ₹300. To unlock, place 3 consecutive winning single bets using the full bonus stake at min odds 2.00. Bonus valid 7 days. If any of the three bets loses, the bonus is forfeited. Bets on weather, Asian handicaps and totals excluded. One bonus per customer/household/IP. KYC required. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions and full T&Cs apply.
Pros
- Biggest sportsbook in India.
- Amazing live betting features such as multi-live betting.
- Exclusive promo code to claim bigger bonus.
Cons
- Website is a bit cluttered.
- Slightly delayed withdrawals.
Our Verdict: Should Indian Players Use 1xbet?
1xbet is not a licensed Indian bookmaker, and we won’t pretend otherwise. But the important distinction is that using 1xbet as an individual bettor in India is not a criminal act under any existing central Indian law. The platform holds an internationally recognised licence, has been operating for nearly 20 years, and has invested meaningfully in serving the Indian market — from INR support to Hindi-language content.
For Indian bettors who want access to a world-class sportsbook with excellent cricket coverage, competitive odds, and a generous welcome offer, 1xbet is a well-established choice used by millions. As with all forms of gambling, the key is to play responsibly, within your means, and to be aware of the rules in your specific state.
Learn more about 1xBet in general with our general 1xBet review and guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1xbet legal in India?
1xbet operates in a legal grey area. India has no central federal law that explicitly legalises or bans offshore online betting. 1xbet is not banned in India, and individual users are not prosecuted for placing bets on offshore platforms. However, 1xbet does not hold a licence from any Indian regulatory authority.
Is 1xbet banned in India?
No. 1xbet is not banned in India at the federal level. There is no government block on the platform, and it is freely accessible to Indian users. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have stricter state-level laws; players in those states should be aware of local regulations.
Is 1xbet safe for Indian players?
Yes. 1xbet holds a Curaçao eGaming licence, uses SSL encryption to protect user data, offers two-factor authentication, supports trusted Indian payment methods, and has 24/7 customer support. It has been operating since 2007 with a strong global track record.
Does 1xbet accept Indian Rupees?
Yes. 1xbet accepts INR for deposits and withdrawals. Indian players can fund their accounts using UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, Skrill, Neteller, debit cards, and cryptocurrency.
What licence does 1xbet hold?
1xbet holds a Curaçao eGaming licence, one of the most established offshore gambling licences internationally.
Can I get in trouble for using 1xbet in India?
There are no documented cases of individual Indian users being prosecuted for using offshore betting sites. The legal risk, under existing Indian law, lies with operators — not with individual players. That said, if you are in Telangana or Andhra Pradesh, state-level laws are more restrictive, and you should review them before playing.
What is the minimum deposit on 1xbet for Indian players?
The minimum deposit is ₹300 for most payment methods, including UPI, PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay.
How do I claim the 1xbet welcome bonus in India?
Register at 1xbet.com, enter promo code 1XINVIP during sign-up, and make your first deposit of at least ₹300. The 400% bonus across four deposits (up to ₹50,000 total) will be credited to your account. Full T&Cs apply.