Horse racing in India is not just a thrilling sport; it's a tradition that dates back over 200 years. From the first race in 1777 in Chennai to today’s bustling racecourses, it has captured the imagination of millions. While the excitement of the sport is evident on the tracks, the rise of online betting platforms like Lotus365 has added a new dimension to how people engage with horse racing in India.
In this article, we will explore Indian horse racing, the legal aspects of betting, and offer tips to help you bet smarter when using platforms like Lotus365.
The Thriving Landscape of Horse Racing in India
Horse racing in India is regulated by six major turf clubs that operate nine racecourses across the country. These include:
Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) in Mumbai & Pune
Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) in Kolkata
Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) in Bangalore
These clubs are at the heart of the Indian racing circuit, and they organize major events throughout the year, including the famous Indian Derby, Indian 1000 Guineas, and Indian Oaks. These races attract top horses, jockeys, and a loyal following of fans and bettors alike.
Key Events in Indian Horse Racing:
Indian Derby (Mumbai, February): This is the most prestigious event of the year.
Indian 1000 & 2000 Guineas (Mumbai, December): Classic races that draw large crowds.
Invitation Cup Weekend (March, rotating): A weekend of Grade I races held in various cities.
Legal Status of Betting on Horse Racing
Unlike most forms of gambling, horse racing betting enjoys a unique legal status in India. According to the Public Gambling Act of 1867, betting on horse races is considered a game of skill, not a game of chance. This distinction was established in the landmark 1996 Supreme Court ruling (Dr. K.R. Lakshmanan v. State of Tamil Nadu), which stated that horse racing is a game that requires skill, judgment, and knowledge.
Thus, betting at licensed racecourses is legal in most parts of India. However, online betting remains in a legal grey area, with certain states regulating or prohibiting it. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have implemented laws against online gambling, but they make exceptions for horse racing.
The Role of Online Betting Platforms like Lotus365
The growing popularity of online betting has made platforms like Lotus365 a major player in the industry. While Lotus365 is marketed as India’s first licensed platform, it operates under a Curaçao license, which Indian authorities do not recognize. As of 2023, Lotus365 was banned in India, but many users still access it through mirror sites and alternate domains.
Features of Lotus365:
Wide Coverage: Offers a range of international and Indian horse races.
Payment Methods: UPI, Paytm, and other local wallets are supported.
Customer Support: Available 24/7 through live chat and email.
Despite its popularity, it's important to be aware that Lotus365 is technically illegal in India, and users should consider the legal implications before using such platforms.
Tips for Smarter Horse Racing Betting
To make better decisions when betting on horse races, here are a couple of essential tips:
1. Study the Race Card Carefully
Before placing any bets, always review the race card, which includes key information about each horse. Pay attention to:
Jockey and Trainer: A skilled jockey can make all the difference.
Recent Form: A horse with consistent performance is more likely to succeed.
Track Conditions: Some horses perform better on turf or wet tracks.
2. Understand the Betting Types
The two most common types of bets in horse racing are:
Win Bet: Betting on a horse to finish in 1st place.
Place Bet: Betting on a horse to finish in the top 2 or 3.
Key Tip: Look for value bets where your research suggests better chances than the odds imply.
Comparison of Leading Betting Platforms
Here’s a comparison of some of the leading online platforms for betting on horse racing in India:
Platform | License & Legal Status | Race Coverage | Bonuses & Features | Support & Access |
Lotus365 | Curaçao-licensed; Banned in India | Indian & International races | Welcome bonus up to ₹50,000, UPI deposits | 24/7 Live Chat; Mirror sites required |
Betway | UK & Malta licensed; Blocked in India | UK, IRE, IND, AUS, USA | ₹1000 free bet; live streaming | App + Website; Mirror needed |
1xBet | Curaçao license; Grey legal status | All major global races | 100% bonus up to ₹10,000; crypto accepted | Feature-rich app, Live chat |
10CRIC | Curaçao; India-focused platform | Indian, UK, AUS, selective global | 200% welcome bonus; cricket + racing markets | Hindi support; UPI friendly |
These platforms offer various races to bet on, and although they are popular, none are officially licensed in India, meaning legality is a concern for users.
Conclusion
Horse racing in India is not just about the sport; it’s about the thrill of betting, the excitement of the races, and the tradition that has been built over generations. Platforms like Lotus365 have opened up new ways for people to engage with this exciting world, but bettors must be aware of the legal and financial risks involved.
Always bet responsibly, stick to platforms with a good reputation, and remember: knowledge and strategy are your best tools when it comes to betting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is horse race betting legal in India?
Ans. Yes. Horse racing is considered a game of skill and is legally allowed under Indian betting laws.
Q2. How do I get started on Lotus365?
Ans. Visit https://lotuuss365.in/, register, and get your login ID to access live betting.
Q3. Where can I find Indian horse racing tips?
Ans. Lotus365 provides free daily tips for all major Indian races under its horse racing section.