Legality of "Real Rummy" as a Skill-Based Game in India

Introduction

This legal opinion document addresses what the "Real Rummy" app offers in its variants, such as Points, Pool, and Deals Rummy. We will also try to prove that tournaments like Fast Cash and Free Roll fall under the category of skill-based gaming as recognized by Indian law and do not fall under the betting or gambling category.

India has long distinguished between the 'Game of Skill', which involves a predominant element of skill, and the 'Game of Chance', primarily dependent on luck. The former is only permissible under Indian law. The game of cards has been legally classified as a game of skill, and this document will uphold the point that Real Rummy adheres to all the necessary rules and regulations as per its skill-based gaming category.

Fundamental Arguments Supporting Real Rummy as a Skill-Based Game

1. Nature as a Game of Skill:

The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, in its judgment in the case of 'State of Andhra Pradesh vs. K Satyanarayana (1967)', held that Rummy is predominantly a game of skill rather than just a mere game of chance. This landmark case established the legal precedent that while chance does not play a role in the initial phase of the distribution of cards, success in the game of cards primarily depends on skillful arrangements of cards into valid and accurate sequences and sets, strategic planning, memory and decision-making based on the discarded and picked cards.

2. Real Rummy Game Mechanics:

The essence of the rummy game in our application lies in the strategic arrangement of the 13 cards provided to each player into a valid sequence and sets, including at least one pure sequence. Players must apply strategy, memory, and decision-making to emerge victorious, making the game a stimulating and engaging experience. The skill required of the players is the ability to predict potential combinations and card arrangements and use the joker and wild cards strategically to execute a valid declaration. Also, players must follow the movements of the scrapped cards, assess their opponents' gameplay, and make informed decisions throughout the game time.

3. Competitive Gameplay in Real Rummy Tournaments:

The Real Rummy application features tournaments that offer users the thrill of competing against each other in a robust gaming environment using their rummy skills. The FastCash tournament, with its entry fee, and the Freeroll, with its cash prize and no entry fee, provide an exciting platform for players to showcase their skills. The absence of randomness in deciding winners, who win based on their skills and strategy, adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation.

4. No Element of Chance in Winning:

The only point of chance in the Rummy game is the random distribution of cards at the beginning. Nevertheless, players' success depends on how they use their cards to deal with opponents. The game demands players estimate the game, plan their moves, and adapt their strategy to the developing gameplay. These actions require intense skills, reducing the role of chance to just a fate or accidental factor.

Legality of Real Rummy App in India

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 exempts 'Games of Skill' from depiction as gambling. This act, a central law many Indian states follow, provides a legal framework for distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance. Several Indian states follow this central law, while some have their own enacted state-specific legislation. Yet, in most cases, rummy has been accepted as a game of skill unrelated to gambling laws.

In addition, Google's pilot program for India-inc developers to distribute rummy and fantasy gaming apps further strengthens Real Rummy's legal status. By qualifying for this program, Real Rummy aligns with the guidelines for applications that offer skill-based games and win real cash rewards, considering the local and central laws.

According to the above analysis, Real Rummy is a game of skill that does not involve gambling or betting, as defined by Indian law. The app's gameplay tactics depend on strategic thinking, and Indian courts' recognition of Rummy as a game of skill further defends its legality.

Therefore, Real Rummy fully complies with Indian gaming laws, making it a legal platform for users to play for cash rewards or participate in skill-based gaming contests or tournaments within the application. This reaffirms the app's legality and gives users the confidence to enjoy the game without legal concerns.