An online gaming app in Kolkata refused to pay my winnings; is there a legal remedy?
ME Asked by Meera Krishnan from India
Legal Information
Below is a comprehensive legal analysis based on Indian law for your question.
Online gaming disputes are governed by the IT Act, the Public Gambling Act and the state-specific gaming statute where you played. File a consumer and cyber complaint in Kolkata alleging deficiency of service and cheating under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
If the game is one of skill, the refusal to pay is enforceable as a contractual breach; if it is a game of chance, both you and the operator may face exposure. The Calcutta High Court has held that skill-based gaming is protected but money-laundering or betting is not.
West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act 1997 on gambling must be checked, because several states ban online games for stakes entirely. Preserve the game logs, KYC records and withdrawal refusal messages as evidence.
Where the operator is unregistered, the complaint should also be routed to the ED for possible PMLA action.
Disclaimer: AI-generated for educational purposes only. Does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.