It is astonishing that despite successfully operating for many years and establishing its credibility every time, there are questions lingering about its legal stature.

Playing fantasy cricket or for that matter, playing fantasy sports in India is completely legal barring in a few states like Sikkim, Nagaland, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Assam. Sikkim and Nagaland mandate the app developer to acquire certain specific licenses before allowing them to launch in these states.

In fact, Indian laws protect all games of skill. Skill-based games come under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India.
The Supreme Court of India has observed that: “To play fantasy cricket a considerable amount of skill, discretion, and judgment are needed. Knowledge and attention hold importance in fantasy cricket.”

Fantasy cricket falls under the ‘Game of Skill’ which is legal in India. Unfortunately, fantasy cricket is often interpreted as gambling, which comes under the category of the game of prospects, meaning the success rate depends upon probability.
The outcome in fantasy cricket depends on a number of factors such as analysis, research, and knowledge of the conditions and formats.

The Indian government has directed Niti Ayog, the think-tank government, to provide the following guidelines for online fantasy platforms in India. (as cited by the Niti Ayog)
● Fantasy sports contests shall only be offered to users who are 18 years of age or above.
● The terms of taking part in the contest should be clear and fair and the users must be given pre-declared rules. Further complaint resolution mechanisms should be provided to the users.
● Any advertising and promotion of fantasy sports contests must be in compliance with the advertising standards, prescribed by an appropriate body.

This puts to rest all doubts that fantasy sport is not a game of prospects where you have no control over the outcome.

So what exactly is a skill-based game? These kinds of games require knowledge, analysis and deep thinking to succeed. You have to use your judgment, research and analytical skills to create your own fantasy team. You must have a thorough understanding of all three formats of the game—Test, ODIs and T20 cricket. You must have a keen eye for details and the history of every player’s performance. For example, one must know the player’s form and understand their strengths and weaknesses in each format. It is critical to have knowledge about the player’s record at the international level and while plying his trade in various T20 leagues. One who can crack these codes is likely to have decoded the success mantra of fantasy cricket.

Playing on fantasy cricket apps like My11Circle Apps or others, requires a good level of skills where decisions are based on thorough knowledge, information about the player’s form, past performances and conditions for the match are the factors that can influence the result.