The legality of lottery tickets in India is a complex issue, with different regulations in place for various states. According to the central government's Public Gambling Act of 1867, operating or participating in lotteries is generally prohibited (1). However, there are exceptions, as some states have their own laws permitting lotteries.
In fact, 13 out of the 28 states in India allow lotteries, as per the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998. These states have their own lottery departments and draw results on a regular basis (2). The Kerala government, for instance, has been successfully running a lottery department since 1967, providing employment and generating revenue for the state.
"The lottery has contributed significantly to the state exchequer, and helped the government to implement various development schemes." — Kerala State Lotteries (2)
While the lottery remains a contentious issue in India, it is essential to understand that the central government's ban does not apply to the states where lotteries are legalized and regulated.
Source:
Public Gambling Act, 1867
Kerala State Lotteries
Last updated: 19-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
