Legal Information

KBL PLAY IS A GAME OF SKILL

Under Indian law, games that require skill as the dominant factor are not considered gambling. As a result, KBL Play does not fall under the definition of "gambling activity" in any applicable legislation.

KBL Play offers two game formats:

  • A Free-to-Play version, open to all Indian citizens currently residing in India.
  • A Pay-to-Play version, accessible to Indian residents except those from the states of Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Andhra Pradesh, where laws on fee-based skill gaming remain uncertain.

LEGAL STANCE ON GAMBLING IN INDIA

The main central legislation regulating gambling is the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits:

  • (a) Participating in gambling in public spaces, and
  • (b) Operating or maintaining a "common gaming house" where games are played for monetary gain.

However, under the Indian Constitution, individual states have the authority to frame their own gambling and betting laws. Most state laws mirror the Public Gambling Act but also recognize an exception for games of skill. Where a state-specific law exists, it takes precedence over central legislation.

EXCEPTION FOR GAMES OF SKILL

Section 12 of the Public Gambling Act, 1867, exempts games of skill from its purview. The Supreme Court of India has defined "games of mere skill" as those where the outcome is primarily determined by a player's skill, knowledge, experience, training, and judgment, even if elements of chance are present.

Notable Supreme Court Judgments:

  • State of Andhra Pradesh v. K. Satyanarayana (1968): Held that Rummy is a game of skill because success depends on memory, card strategy, and quick decisions.
  • K.R. Lakshmanan v. State of Tamil Nadu (1996): Ruled that betting on horse racing is skill-based since analyzing the horse's condition, the jockey's ability, and race conditions require judgment, not luck.

These rulings clearly establish that if a game involves substantial skill, it is not considered gambling.

WHY KBLPLAY.COM IS A GAME OF SKILL

KBLPlay.com offers games that require users to apply strategy, logic, awareness, and fast thinking — all hallmarks of a skill-based competition.

One of the key formats on the platform is the KBL Play Multiplay Quiz Game, where multiple users compete in real-time by answering questions. The player who answers correctly and the fastest wins the prize pool. This format rewards sharp reflexes, a deep knowledge base, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Winning this game is not about luck — it's about how well and how quickly a player can think, recall, and respond. Like rummy and fantasy sports, the outcome of the KBL Play Quiz Game depends on the player's skill, attention, and speed, not random chance.

Therefore, KBLPlay.com, including its multiplay quiz game and other formats, qualifies as a game of skill and is not classified as gambling under Indian law.

STATE-WISE PARTICIPATION RESTRICTIONS

Due to ambiguity or specific prohibitions in local laws, residents of the following states are currently restricted from participating in the paid versions of KBL Play's games:

  • Assam
  • Odisha
  • Telangana
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Nagaland
  • Sikkim

These restrictions apply only to pay-to-play formats. Users from these states may still enjoy free-to-play versions where available.

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