Poker has been gaining immense popularity in India in recent years. With the rise of online poker platforms and the growth of poker tournaments, more and more people are getting interested in the game. In this article, we will discuss the poker tournament scene in India.
History of Poker in India
Poker has been played in India for centuries, although the modern version of the money earning games were introduced only in the last decade. The game was initially played in homes and private clubs, and it was not until the early 2000s that poker began to gain popularity in India. The first poker tournament in India was held in 2007, and since then, the game has grown rapidly in the country.
Types of Poker Tournaments
There are different types of poker tournaments that are held in India, some of which are:
Freezeout Tournaments: This is the most common type of poker tournament in India. In this format, players are required to pay a fixed entry fee, and they receive a fixed number of chips. Once a player loses all their chips, they are out of the game.
Rebuy Tournaments: In a rebuy tournament, players can buy more chips if they run out. This format is popular among players who are willing to take more risks.
Sit and Go Tournaments: In a Sit and Go tournament, a fixed number of players compete against each other. The tournament starts as soon as all the seats are filled.
Bounty Tournaments: In a bounty tournament, players receive a bounty for eliminating other players from the game. The bounty is usually a portion of the entry fee.
Popular Poker Tournaments in India
India Poker Championship (IPC): The IPC is one of the most popular poker tournaments in India. It was first held in 2010, and it is held twice a year in Goa. The tournament attracts players from all over the country and has a prize pool of over INR 1 crore.
Poker Dangal: Poker Dangal is an online platform that hosts various poker tournaments throughout the year. The platform also hosts live tournaments in Goa and other parts of the country.
Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT): The DPT is a live poker tournament that is held twice a year in Goa. The tournament attracts players from all over the world, and it has a prize pool of over INR 1 crore.
Baazi Poker Tour (BPT): The BPT is a live poker tournament that is held in various cities in India. The tournament has a prize pool of over INR 5 crores.
Legal Status of Poker in India
The legal status of poker in India is somewhat unclear. The game is considered a game of skill and not a game of chance. However, there are different laws and regulations in different states that govern the game. In some states, poker is considered illegal, while in others, it is allowed with certain restrictions.
In 2015, the Supreme Court of India ruled that playing rummy for stakes is legal. This ruling has been used as a precedent for poker as well. However, each state has its own laws and regulations, and players need to be aware of them before playing.
Conclusion
Poker tournaments in India are growing in popularity, and there are various platforms and events that players can participate in. However, players need to be aware of the legal status of the game in their state before playing. With the rise of online poker platforms, the game is becoming more accessible, and it is expected that the popularity of poker in India will continue to grow in the coming years.