NEW DELHI, WILLEMSTAD – Online betting continues to surge in popularity in India, with Curaçao-licensed platforms like PariMatch gaining significant traction. As Indian users seek convenient and engaging ways to bet on sports such as cricket, football, and tennis, platforms registered in offshore jurisdictions are filling the legal vacuum created by India’s outdated gambling laws.
PariMatch, originally a European brand, now serves millions of users globally, including a growing base in India. The company operates legally under a Curaçao eGaming license (No. 1668/JAZ), which permits it to offer betting and casino services worldwide—including, effectively, in most Indian states.
Legal Loopholes and Regional Variation
India’s Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits running or visiting physical gambling establishments, but it does not explicitly cover online gambling, especially when the platform is hosted overseas. As such, there is no national law that directly bans Indians from placing bets with platforms like PariMatch.
However, the legal situation remains complex. Each Indian state has the power to regulate gambling independently, and some—like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh—have imposed outright bans on online betting. Others allow it or operate in a legal grey area, effectively permitting users to access offshore sites without legal consequences.
Curaçao at the Center of Global Online Gambling
Curaçao has long been a hub for international online gambling due to its favorable tax structure and regulatory framework. Companies like PariMatch benefit from this environment, allowing them to offer services across multiple jurisdictions while adhering to minimal compliance standards.
Curaçao’s role is particularly important for platforms targeting emerging markets like India, where high demand for online betting collides with unclear regulations. The island’s licensing authority ensures that platforms like PariMatch maintain certain operational standards, although critics argue for stricter oversight in light of global concerns around gambling addiction and consumer protection.
Features and Security at PariMatch
PariMatch’s appeal lies in its user-friendly design, variety of games, and robust security features. The platform offers over 10,000 casino games, including more than 170 live dealer tables, some tailored specifically for Indian audiences with Hindi-language options.
It also employs 256-bit SSL encryption, trusted payment gateways (including UPI and crypto), and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification for secure withdrawals. Additional features like self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and reality checks promote responsible gambling—a growing concern in both India and Curaçao.
Fantasy Sports as a Legal Alternative
While online betting platforms walk a legal tightrope in India, fantasy sports apps remain fully legal as they are considered skill-based gaming under Indian law. These platforms allow users to build virtual teams based on real-world players and compete in point-based contests—an attractive option for risk-conscious users.
Looking Ahead
As demand continues to grow and India edges closer to broader digital regulation, Curaçao’s licensed betting platforms are set to remain highly influential in the market. With platforms like PariMatch enjoying legitimacy in Curaçao and freedom to operate in much of India, the Caribbean island plays a crucial role in shaping the global landscape of online gambling.
Still, as the Indian government considers tighter controls and regulatory reforms, the long-term accessibility of these platforms may depend on future legal clarity and bilateral cooperation between countries like India and Curaçao.
