Online Gaming Ban in Andhra Pradesh: 2020 State Law and PROGA 2026

The online gaming ban Andhra Pradesh enacted in 2020 under the AP Gaming (Amendment) Act was one of India's first comprehensive state-level prohibitions — and PROGA, the national ban effective from May 1, 2026, added a central legal layer on top. Players in Visakhapatnam and across the state now face a dual prohibition: the 2020 state Act and PROGA simultaneously.

The 2020 Andhra Pradesh Gaming Ban

The Andhra Pradesh Gaming (Amendment) Act 2020 prohibited all online real-money games — casino, rummy, poker, fantasy sports, and sports betting — with no distinction between skill and chance. Unlike Maharashtra or Karnataka (before PROGA), Andhra Pradesh explicitly covered online platforms. The law was passed in response to concerns about addiction and reports of suicides linked to online gambling losses. Court challenges to the Act did not succeed in overturning it. Review related case law on Indian Kanoon.

PROGA 2026: The National Layer

PROGA (Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025) came into force on May 1, 2026, banning all online money games nationally. For Andhra Pradesh, this created a dual prohibition: operators now face penalties under both the 2020 state Act and PROGA. See our full guide on the India online gaming ban 2026 for national-level context.

What Remains Legal in Andhra Pradesh?

Free-to-play games, e-sports, and social gaming platforms remain legal under both Andhra Pradesh state law and PROGA. No paid-entry real-money game is permitted under any applicable legal framework in the state, including casual mobile games with cash prizes and competitive e-sports events with player stake entry.

Individual Players and Offshore Access

PROGA's criminal penalties target operators and payment processors, not individual players. Andhra Pradesh players who access offshore gaming platforms are not criminally liable under PROGA. However, the 2020 state Act predates PROGA — players should seek legal advice before accessing real-money offshore platforms from Andhra Pradesh. Offshore gaming remains technically accessible via cryptocurrency and international payment methods.

Taxes in Andhra Pradesh

Tax obligations on gaming winnings remain in force regardless of state bans. TDS of 30% under Section 194BA applies to winnings above ₹10,000. The 28% GST on full deposit value applies since October 2023. For how to report this in your income tax return, see our guide on ITR for gaming income.