Is Stake banned in India in 2026? Legal status explained

Is Stake banned in India in 2026?

Yes. Stake is banned in India in 2026 under the Online Gaming Act, 2025, which remains in force nationwide. The law places a blanket ban on all real-money online gaming platforms, including betting and casino sites such as Stake.com.

This change ended the earlier state-by-state confusion. What was once a grey area is now clearly defined. If a platform involves real-money wagering, it is not legal to operate or be used in India in 2026.

This article explains what the law says, why Stake is affected, and what Indian users need to know right now.

What the Online Gaming Act, 2025 changed

Before this law, online gambling rules differed widely across Indian states. Some states enforced strict bans, while others lacked clear regulation. The Online Gaming Act, 2025 replaced that patchwork with one national framework.

The Act introduced several direct restrictions.

• All real-money online games are banned across India
• Betting and casino platforms fall under the prohibition
• Payments via UPI, banks, and cards are blocked
• Advertising and promotions for such platforms are illegal

At the same time, the law draws a clear line between money-based gaming and permitted formats.

• Esports competitions are allowed
• Free-to-play games without cash stakes are legal

Because Stake operates as a real-money betting and casino platform, it falls directly under the ban.

Is Stake legal in India under any state law?

No. In 2026, Stake is not legal in any Indian state.

Earlier, states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had strict laws, while others did not explicitly restrict offshore platforms. That distinction no longer applies. The Online Gaming Act, 2025 overrides state-level gaps and enforces a nationwide rule.

This means legality no longer depends on where you live in India. Whether you are in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, or Kolkata, Stake remains prohibited.

Why Stake is not working in India for many users

Many users report that Stake does not load, accept payments, or allow account access in India. This is a direct effect of legal and technical enforcement.

The most common reasons include:

• ISP-level website blocking
• Payment gateway restrictions on UPI and cards
• Bank-level compliance with the new law

In earlier years, users tried mirror sites or alternate domains. Under the current law, those workarounds do not change the legal position.

If a platform is banned, accessing it through another link does not make it permitted.

Can Indians use Stake with a VPN?

No. Using a VPN to access Stake from India is risky and against the platform’s own rules.

Stake’s terms state that users must not hide or misrepresent their location. If a VPN is detected, the platform can take strict action.

• Accounts can be suspended or closed
• Deposited funds may be forfeited
• Winnings may not be paid

Beyond platform rules, using a VPN does not override Indian law. Accessing a banned service remains unlawful regardless of the method used.

Countries where Stake is restricted or illegal

India is not the only country with strict controls on Stake. Gambling laws vary widely, and many regions restrict or block the platform.

As of 2026, Stake is restricted or illegal in several areas.

• Parts of North America, including most of the USA
• Large sections of Europe, including the UK, Germany, and France
• Australia
• Several Asian and Middle Eastern countries

This reflects a global trend toward tighter online gambling regulation rather than a single-country issue.

Can you use Stake in India after the ban?

No. After the Online Gaming Act, 2025, Stake cannot be legally used anywhere in India.

This includes:

• Creating a new account
• Depositing or withdrawing money
• Using mirror sites or alternate domains

Some users may still claim access on forums or social media. That does not change the law or remove the risks involved.

The safest option is to avoid real-money betting platforms entirely and stick to legal, free-to-play games.

A brief overview of online gambling laws in India

India’s gambling laws were shaped long before the internet existed. For decades, only limited formats like horse racing, lotteries, and rummy were permitted under specific conditions.

Older laws such as the Public Gambling Act focused on physical gambling houses, not digital platforms. The IT Act, 2000 also did not address online betting directly.

That long-standing gap led to confusion and uneven enforcement. The Online Gaming Act, 2025 closed that gap by clearly banning money-based online gaming while allowing esports and free games.

This brought clarity, but also firm restrictions.

FAQs about Stake banned in India in 2026

Is Stake banned in India in 2026?
Yes. Stake is banned nationwide under the Online Gaming Act, 2025.

Can Indians legally play on Stake?
No. Indians cannot legally create accounts, deposit money, or play on Stake.

Are payments to Stake blocked in India?
Yes. UPI, bank transfers, and card payments are blocked.

Does using a mirror site make Stake legal?
No. Mirror sites do not change the legal status.

Can a VPN make Stake safe to use?
No. VPN use is risky and can lead to account suspension and loss of funds.

Are esports legal in India under the new law?
Yes. Esports and free-to-play games are permitted.

Is the ban different for different states?
No. The ban applies across all Indian states.

Can advertising Stake in India cause issues?
Yes. Promotions and sponsorships for banned platforms are illegal.

Is Stake banned only because it is a casino site?
It is banned because it involves real-money betting, which the law prohibits.

What should Indian players do instead?
They should avoid betting platforms and use legal, free-to-play gaming options.

Final verdict

Stake is banned in India in 2026, and the legal position is no longer unclear. The Online Gaming Act, 2025 makes all real-money online gaming platforms illegal across the country. This includes betting, casino games, deposits, withdrawals, and promotions.

Trying to bypass the ban through VPNs or mirror sites carries real financial and legal risk. Accounts can be frozen, and money can be lost with no protection.

The safest and lawful choice for Indian users is simple. Avoid platforms like Stake and stick to games that comply fully with Indian law.