Online poker is banned in most states throughout India as poker is classified as gambling and not a game of skill. However, a number of state governments are considering new legislation as the demand for online poker in India continues to grow at a rapid pace.
There are now a large number of online poker rooms operating in India but some of these online poker websites are shady and not very reliable. We compiled a list of trustworthy online poker websites and list them below in no particular order.
PokerRaj
PokerRaj is one of the new players in India’s online poker industry and was founded by British businessman Raj Kundra and his wife Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. They are looking to dominate the Indian poker scene with huge funds being poured in to develop the new site. PokerRaj is still in its infancy terms though in terms of climbing up the ladder. Though the site is coming along nicely, there are a few glitches which need to be ironed out. Other than that, PokerRaj is showing good potential and is committed to be at the top of the online poker industry.
PokerStars
PokerStars is rated as the biggest and most popular online poker website in the world. The online giant launched operations in India earlier this year and has made a strong impression by sponsoring a number of high stake poker tournaments. While PokerRaj is relatively new in the world of poker, PokerStars is an established brand that Indian poker pros are happy to deal with. PokerStars also has a nice stable of Indian poker ambassadors who are helping to grow the brand in India.
Real Poker India
This online poker company is just a few months old but is slowly making a mark in the online poker scene. The website gives players 25% rake back as well as 25% referral commission for every player referred to the site. Aside from that, Real Poker India also offers sign-up bonuses and generous prizes. The number of players registered to the site is on the rise, a proof of its effective marketing strategy.
Adda 52
Adda 52 is one of India’s largest online poker websites. It offers a variety of card games such as Texas Hold’em, rummy and poker. The site has been working hard over the past few years to establish itself as India’s top online poker room. Adda52 provides one of the best gameplay platforms and has loads of fantastic promotions in store for both new and old players. West Indian T20 specialist Chris Gayle who is very popular in India has been signed as Adda52’s brand ambassador.
Spartan Poker
Spartan Poker has been around for quite some time now and has a huge user base. The website also has a network of companies providing support and pouring in enough funds, which enables Spartan Poker to hold major tournaments. The site lags behind Adda52 and Real Poker India when it comes to gameplay as the action on the website is quite slow and the style a little too outdated. However, Spartan Poker has already established a name in the Indian poker scene and continues to be popular with a niche market segment.
Poker Baazi
This online poker room had enjoyed widespread popularity when it first launched but has lagged behind in the last year or so. However, the team at Poker Baazi is looking to change things around by coming up with new promotions and exciting events as it looks to reclaim market share.
9 Stacks
This online poker room has been in the news as the owners have secured some massive funding which is going to be used to enhance its online poker offerings. There have been some reports surrounding the source of these funds but at the end of the day 9 Stacks has sorted things out and will concentrate on coming up with innovative online poker tournaments and cool stuff to bring in new Indian players.
Poker Dangal
Poker Dangal has the least number of active users among the sites mentioned above but it does have a list of exciting promotions. The site offers solid gameplay and it is focusing on redefining poker in India.
Indian poker players can check out all of the above online poker rooms, compare the sign-up bonuses, game play and then decide which poker website is best suited for their style of play.