1xBet is not legal in India, but it operates in India with an overseas license.
Many Indians use 1xBet daily without knowing whether it is legal, what risks they face, or how safe their money really is.
This guide gives you clear answers about true legal status of 1xBet in India, the latest gaming laws, bank safety issues, withdrawal risks, and what can actually happen if you use this offshore betting site.
Is 1xBet Legal or Illegal In India?
1xBet is NOT legal in India. But you probably won’t get arrested for using it.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Indian government approval | ❌ No |
| Offshore license | ✅ Curacao |
| Player arrest risk | Very low |
| Bank freeze risk | Medium |
| Safe to use? | With caution |
India doesn’t approve any betting sites from outside the country. 1xBet runs from Russia and Curacao and not from India. The Indian government has not given them permission to work here.
In most states, police won’t arrest you just for betting on 1xBet. But the real problems are different, getting your money stuck, or your bank account frozen.
1xbet Legality In India
In 2025, India made a new law, “The 2025 Online Gaming Bill,” about online betting. This replaced the very old law from 1867.
The new law clearly says that betting websites running from outside India without Indian permission are not allowed.
1xBet is one of these websites. It works from Russia and Curacao, not India. Here’s the confusing part. The central government makes some rules for all of India.
| Category | Legal Status | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Law | Illegal | Breaks the 2025 Gaming Bill |
| Financial Status | High Risk | Banks block suspicious transactions |
| Consumer Protection | None | Indian courts can’t help you |
But each state can make tougher rules, too. Some states have completely banned online betting:
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha
In these states, using ANY betting site (including 1xBet) is clearly against the law.
1xBet has a license from Curacao, but it doesn’t mean anything in India. If 1xBet refuses to pay you, you cannot take them to an Indian court. You have zero protection.
Why 1xBet Is Not Banned Yet Still Not “Fully Legal”?
The government tries to block 1xBet ads. You might see ads for “1xBat” news or similar names on TV. The government blocks these when they find them.
But 1xBet makes new websites faster than the government can block them. That’s why it still works.
Legal betting sites in India must pay 28% tax to the government on every bet. 1xBet doesn’t pay this tax because it’s outside India.
When your bank sees this type of transfer, it might freeze your account. This isn’t because you’re a criminal. It’s because banks must stop money from going to illegal betting sites.
Is It Legal To Bet Online In India?
It depends on where you live.
States with Complete Bans:
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha
- Assam
- Nagaland
- Sikkim (except government lotteries)
In these states, all online betting is banned. Using 1xBet here is clearly illegal.
Important: Even if your state doesn’t clearly ban it, 1xBet is still not approved in India. If something goes wrong, no one will help you.
Real Risks Indians Face Using 1xBet
Many users can’t get their money out of 1xBet. Sometimes the site asks for more documents. Sometimes withdrawals just stop. Sometimes they say no without explaining why.
Indian banks now watch for money going to or from betting sites. If your bank sees money from 1xBet, they might freeze your account.
1xBet’s computers are outside India. Indian privacy laws don’t apply to them. If someone steals your information, you can’t do anything about it.
Recently, the government questioned Bollywood stars and cricketers who promoted 1xBet. These celebrities are in trouble for promoting an illegal site. Many have stopped their ads.
Legal Consequences For the Individual Bettor
The law catches the people running illegal betting, not the users. If you live in a strict state and bet big amounts, there’s a risk for most casual users.
Bank account freezing is the real danger. It happens much more than arrests.
When you send money to 1xBet, you use “P2P” transfers. You send money to someone’s UPI, then they credit your 1xBet account. These middleman accounts get flagged by banks.
If you sent money to one of these accounts, your bank might freeze yours, too. You’ll need to visit your bank, maybe talk to the police, and prove you weren’t committing fraud.
FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) controls how money can leave India. Sending money to offshore gambling sites could break FEMA rules. The fine can be three times the amount you sent.
Again, this rarely happens to normal users. But the law exists.
Can Your Bank Account Get Frozen Using 1xBet?
This is the most common real problem.
| Payment Method | Freeze Risk | Why |
|---|---|---|
| UPI | Medium | Money to middlemen gets flagged |
| Bank Transfer | Medium | Same as UPI |
| Cryptocurrency | Low | Harder to track |
| E-wallets | Low | More private, but still risky |
How It Happens:
- You send money to 1xBet using UPI
- Money goes to a middleman (not directly to 1xBet)
- That middleman’s account gets flagged
- Police check everyone who sent money to them
- Your bank freezes your account
- You’re called to explain
This has happened to thousands of Indians. Some get unfrozen quickly. Others have problems for weeks.
What to Do If Your Account Gets Frozen:
- Stay calm. This doesn’t automatically mean charges.
- Call your bank and ask why.
- If it’s 1xBet-related, stop using the site now.
- You may need to visit the cyber-crime police station.
- Get a lawyer if it lasts more than a few days.
Is 1xBet A Genuine Company or A Scam?
1xBet is a real company. They have a Curacao license. They work in many countries. Millions of people use them.
1xBet vs. Legal Indian Apps
| Feature | 1xBet (Offshore) | Legal Indian Apps |
|---|---|---|
| GST Tax | No (Illegal) | Yes (28% paid) |
| Legal Help | None | Indian courts help you |
| Payment Safety | Low (fake UPI) | High (real bank accounts) |
| License | Curacao (useless in India) | Indian government approved |
| Customer Support | Poor for Indians | India-focused |
But “real company” doesn’t mean “safe for Indians.”
Why it’s risky in India:
- No Indian License: No permission to work in India
- Poor Help for Indians: Many Indians can’t get help when withdrawals fail
- Legal Gray Area: They can cut off Indians anytime
- Payment Problems: Getting money in and out is hard
Some users do successfully bet and withdraw. But many face problems. And when you have problems with an illegal site, no one helps you.
Safer & More Legal Alternatives For Indian Users
If you want to bet online in India, try these instead:
Legal Platforms:
- Dream11 (fantasy sports)
- MPL (Mobile Premier League)
- Parimatch India
- Other sites registered in India
Why They’re Safer:
- Licensed in India
- Pay Indian taxes
- Indian laws protect you
- Banks won’t freeze your account
- Customer support understands India
These sites might charge more (they pay that 28% tax). But you get legal protection and safety.
How To Identify Illegal Betting Sites?
Use this checklist:
Red Flags (Danger Signs)
❌ No office address in India
❌ License from Curacao or Malta only
❌ No tax deduction on winnings
❌ Deposits go to personal UPI IDs
❌ Website address keeps changing
❌ Uses fake brand names in ads
❌ Support doesn’t understand Indian banking
❌ Withdrawal is complicated
❌ Doesn’t mention Indian taxes
Green Flags (Safe Signs)
✅ Registered with Indian government
✅ Clear Indian company details
✅ Automatic tax deduction
✅ Company bank account for deposits
✅ Stable website address
✅ Clear about Indian taxes
✅ Support in Hindi and regional languages
✅ Clear terms about Indian laws
Related Reads:
Conclusion: 1xBet Is Not Legal In India
The government doesn’t approve 1xbet to operate in India. It doesn’t pay Indian taxes. You have no legal protection if things go wrong.
The most significant risks aren’t imprisonment; they’re bank account freezes and losing your money. If you use 1xBet, you’re gambling on the site itself, not just your bets.
There are safer, legal options in India. They cost a bit more in fees, but you get legal protection and safe banking. That’s worth it.
FAQs
Many users do withdraw successfully, but it’s risky. Withdrawals often get delayed. Crypto withdrawal is safer than bank transfer, but 1xBet has limited crypto options.
France, Russia (where it started), Netherlands, UK, and USA. India also banned it through the 2025 Online Gaming Bill, though police don’t enforce it much. Over 20 countries restrict it.
1xBet is owned by 1X Corp N.V., a company in Curacao. Russian businessmen started it. The exact owners are secret, which is common for offshore gambling companies. This secrecy is another warning sign.
1xBet doesn’t automatically deduct tax as Indian sites do. You must report your winnings to the Income Tax Department yourself. Not reporting is tax evasion, and you can get fined.
1xBet is a real company with a real Curacao license. It’s not a fake website designed to steal money. But it works illegally in India, and many Indians have real problems with withdrawals and support. So the company is real, but it’s still not safe for Indians.
Withdrawal problems happen for many reasons: they want more documents from you, your withdrawal method is blocked in India, your bank blocks the money coming in, or 1xBet is checking your account for rule violations.If this happens, contact support, but know that you have no legal options since the site is not approved in India.
