What the 2025 Act changed, then the state overlay
Online real-money cricket betting is prohibited in Uttar Pradesh under the federal Act in force from 1 May 2026. The older state picture: UP relies on the Public Gambling Act 1867 with state amendments.
What this means for you
Wide use of apps in Uttar Pradesh does not make online real-money cricket betting lawful. The 2025 Act applies. Older enforcement against physical syndicates is a separate overlay.
Relevant Laws
- Public Gambling Act, 1867
State Legal FAQ
Can I use betting apps in Lucknow?
No lawful real-money cricket betting app is authorised for Indian users under the 2025 Act. Accessibility of a website is not legality. From 1 May 2026 the Act also prohibits advertising those games and handling payments for them. This page is not legal advice.
Sources
Every legal claim on this page traces to the material below. Primary sources are the statute and government notifications themselves.
- The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (Act No. 32 of 2025) — full text(opens in a new tab) — Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of IndiaPrimary source
- Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 — official announcement(opens in a new tab) — Press Information Bureau, Government of IndiaPrimary source
- The Online Gaming Act, 2025 — redrawing India's online gaming landscape(opens in a new tab) — Trilegal