Andar Bahar game is one of those classic Indian card games that almost every family has enjoyed—whether during festivals, long weekends, or friendly get-togethers.
It’s simple, exciting, and full of suspense. However, with numerous apps and online casino sites hosting the game, a significant question has begun to trouble people: Is Andar Bahar actually legal?
Let’s break it down so you understand exactly what’s safe and what’s a trap.
Is Andar Bahar Game Legal in India?
Is Andar Bahar really safe to play online? That’s the question more and more users are asking today.
The internet is flooded with offshore casino sites, Telegram groups, and flashy apps claiming you can earn “quick money” by playing this simple card game. Sounds tempting, right? But that simplicity is exactly what scammers use to trap people fast.
Many of these apps vanish overnight without a trace. Even worse, since the results are controlled on their private servers, they can be easily manipulated to make sure you lose. That means you’re not just playing a game; you may be playing against a system designed to beat you.
When a platform has no license and no accountability, you’re basically handing your money to a stranger on the internet and hoping for the best. And we all know how that story usually ends.
Unlike skill-based games such as rummy or chess, Andar Bahar is entirely chance-based, making it more vulnerable under Indian gambling laws.
India’s gaming ecosystem has always walked a fine line between tradition and regulation. At the heart of it all is the Public Gambling Act of 1867, a colonial-era law that still shapes how gambling is viewed today. Under this act, any form of gambling that hasn’t been explicitly legalised is automatically considered illegal.
That’s where classic card games like Andar Bahar find themselves: popular, widely played, yet officially unapproved at the federal level.
You can also read about the Andar Bahar game withdrawal here.
Different states have different laws:
- Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka: Strictly banned
- Maharashtra: Gambling ban under the Bombay Wager Act
- Nagaland, Sikkim: Only licensed operators can offer card games
- Delhi, UP, Bihar: No clarity, but gambling laws apply
But the story doesn’t end there.
In recent years, the Indian government has introduced stricter regulations around online gaming, including enhanced compliance requirements and increased scrutiny of real-money gaming platforms.
While there is still no single nationwide law legalising games like Andar Bahar, authorities have made it clear that unlicensed and offshore real-money gaming platforms are illegal and risky for users
This landmark legislation reshaped the entire online gaming landscape and left no room for ambiguity. Under the new law, all real-money online gaming, where players pay money with the expectation of winning more, has been banned.
So even if an app claims to be “legal”, most are not licensed, not regulated, and not accountable.
If an app promises easy money, guaranteed winnings, or “income from gaming,” it’s not entertainment – it’s a trap.
What To Do If You Got Scammed by an Andar Bahar App
Before anything else, do NOT fall for “recovery agents.”
They are another scam pretending to help you get your money back.
Here’s what you should actually do:
1. Gather all evidence
- Screenshots
- Chat messages
- Payments
- UPI IDs
- Transaction numbers.
- Visit the cybercrime portal.
- Register and draft your complaint
- Upload documents
3. Inform Your Bank
Ask them to raise a fraud complaint and freeze future payments to the same merchant/UPI ID.
Need Help?
If you want someone to walk you through the entire complaint process, from gathering proof to filing it the right way, you can register with us, and we’ll guide you step by step.
Instead of feeling stressed or confused, you’ll have a support team that helps you organise your evidence, prepare your documents, and submit your reports through the proper legal channels with confidence.
Conclusion
Andar Bahar is a game almost every Indian family has played at festivals. It’s simple, exciting, and full of that familiar thrill. But while the traditional version brings people together, the online version is a very different story. That’s where things start getting risky.
Many online Andar Bahar platforms operate without any licenses. Sounds shocking, right? Some of them allegedly rig the game, block withdrawals, or simply disappear after collecting enough money from users. By the time players realise what’s happening, their money is long gone.
So what’s the safe choice here?
If you love the game, the offline version is still the best and safest way to enjoy it. And if you’re curious about online gaming, make sure you’re in a state where it’s legal, and only choose platforms that are properly licensed and verified.
Because at the end of the day, your money deserves better than getting trapped in a rigged online card game.
