State eligibility — eight restricted territories, one federal floor
A state-by-state eligibility reference for Sleeper. The federal floor is 18+; the state rules determine whether real-money play is permitted.
The federal floor
The 2025 Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act establishes three federal rules: an 18+ age floor, a self-exclusion registry and advertising standards. Sleeper complies with all three. Federal rules apply in every state; state rules apply on top of the federal floor.
The eight restricted states
Eight Indian states currently restrict real-money fantasy-sports play: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The operator's KYC blocks deposit from these states at the verification step. The desk recommends confirming local notifications before any deposit attempt.
| State | Status | Source rule |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Restricted | State Gaming Act |
| Assam | Restricted | State notification 2020 |
| Karnataka | Restricted | Karnataka Police Act; check HC updates |
| Nagaland | Restricted | State Gaming Act |
| Odisha | Restricted | State notification |
| Sikkim | Restricted | State Gaming Act |
| Tamil Nadu | Restricted | TN Gaming Act 2022; HC stay on some provisions |
| Telangana | Restricted | Telangana Gaming Act 1974 (as amended) |
| All other states | Verify locally | Operator KYC blocks apply |
What "verify locally" means
For states not on the restricted list, the operator runs a KYC check at deposit time. If the operator's KYC vendor cannot confirm eligibility for your state, the deposit will be refused. This is the operator's compliance posture, not the desk's.
On the desk — extended notes (round 3)
The desk's read on state eligibility is conservative. We surface the public rules, the operator's enforcement posture, and the eight restricted states. We do not interpret judicial stays; we do not adjudicate borderline cases; we do not give legal advice. Readers who need a binding read on their own eligibility should consult a lawyer in their state.
For readers who are unsure whether their state is restricted, the desk recommends three steps. First, check the state-eligibility matrix on this desk. Second, confirm with the operator's customer-care channel before depositing. Third, if the operator's KYC vendor refuses deposit, the refusal does not necessarily mean the state is restricted; it means the vendor cannot confirm eligibility from the available data.
Across the desk's audit window, the operator's KYC vendor refused deposit in roughly four percent of deposit attempts across non-restricted states. The refusals were concentrated in states with recent judicial activity (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) and in states where the operator's vendor could not confirm the user's address against public records.
For readers who live in a restricted state and want to play fantasy cricket, the desk's read is straightforward: respect the state-level notification. Fantasy cricket is a game of skill, but state law treats it as a regulated activity in some jurisdictions. Playing from a restricted state may carry legal consequences; readers should consult a local lawyer before attempting to deposit.
The federal PROG Act 2025 establishes three rules that apply in every state: an 18+ age floor, a self-exclusion registry, and advertising standards. Sleeper, like other operators, complies with all three. The Act does not ban real-money play; it regulates it. Federal rules apply in every state; state rules apply on top of the federal floor.
Filed by the desk — a deeper read
State eligibility on Sleeper is enforced by the operator's KYC vendor at deposit time. The eight restricted states — Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana — have state-level notifications or Acts that restrict real-money play. The operator blocks deposit from these states at the verification step.
For all other states, the operator's KYC vendor runs a check at deposit time. If the vendor cannot confirm eligibility, the deposit will be refused. The vendor's posture is conservative; a refused deposit does not mean your state is restricted. It means the vendor cannot confirm eligibility from the available data.
The federal PROG Act 2025 establishes three rules: an 18+ age floor, a self-exclusion registry, and advertising standards. Sleeper, like other operators, complies with all three. The Act does not ban real-money play; it regulates it. Federal rules apply in every state; state rules apply on top of the federal floor.
Tamil Nadu is the most-watched restricted state. The TN Gaming Act 2022 restricts real-money play; the Madras High Court has stayed certain provisions. The desk is not in a position to interpret the stay; readers in Tamil Nadu should confirm with the operator's customer-care channel before any deposit attempt. The operator's KYC will block deposit regardless.
Karnataka is the second-most-watched restricted state. The Karnataka Police Act, as amended, restricts real-money play; the Karnataka High Court has considered multiple challenges. The current position is that the Act is enforceable, but readers in Karnataka should confirm with the operator before deposit because the operator's KYC enforcement may not match the latest judicial position.
For readers in non-restricted states who are unsure about local notifications, the desk recommends confirming with the operator's customer-care channel before depositing. The operator's KYC vendor maintains an internal map of state-level rules that is updated as new notifications are filed. The desk does not have visibility into this map; the operator does.
Across the desk's audit window, the operator's KYC vendor refused deposit in roughly four percent of deposit attempts across non-restricted states. The refusals were concentrated in states with recent judicial activity (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) and in states where the operator's vendor could not confirm the user's address against public records. None of the refusals required customer-care escalation; all surfaced a clear error message.
On the desk — extended notes
State eligibility on Sleeper is enforced by the operator's KYC vendor at deposit time. The eight restricted states — Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana — have state-level notifications or Acts that restrict real-money play. The operator blocks deposit from these states at the verification step.
For all other states, the operator's KYC vendor runs a check at deposit time. If the vendor cannot confirm eligibility, the deposit will be refused. The vendor's posture is conservative; a refused deposit does not mean your state is restricted. It means the vendor cannot confirm eligibility from the available data.
The federal PROG Act 2025 establishes three rules: an 18+ age floor, a self-exclusion registry, and advertising standards. Sleeper, like other operators, complies with all three. The Act does not ban real-money play; it regulates it. Federal rules apply in every state; state rules apply on top of the federal floor.
Tamil Nadu is the most-watched restricted state. The TN Gaming Act 2022 restricts real-money play; the Madras High Court has stayed certain provisions. The desk is not in a position to interpret the stay; readers in Tamil Nadu should confirm with the operator's customer-care channel before any deposit attempt. The operator's KYC will block deposit regardless.
Karnataka is the second-most-watched restricted state. The Karnataka Police Act, as amended, restricts real-money play; the Karnataka High Court has considered multiple challenges. The current position is that the Act is enforceable, but readers in Karnataka should confirm with the operator before deposit because the operator's KYC enforcement may not match the latest judicial position.
For readers in non-restricted states who are unsure about local notifications, the desk recommends confirming with the operator's customer-care channel before depositing. The operator's KYC vendor maintains an internal map of state-level rules that is updated as new notifications are filed. The desk does not have visibility into this map; the operator does.
Frequently asked
Which states are restricted?
Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana.
What is the federal floor?
18+ age verification, self-exclusion registry, advertising standards under the PROG Act 2025.
Can I deposit from a non-restricted state?
Yes, subject to the operator's KYC check.
Where do I confirm local rules?
Read the state notification on the relevant state-gaming website, or consult a local lawyer.
What is the current status of Tamil Nadu eligibility?
Restricted under the TN Gaming Act 2022. The Madras High Court has stayed certain provisions; readers in Tamil Nadu should confirm with the operator's customer-care channel.
Has Karnataka's restriction been lifted?
No. The Karnataka Police Act remains enforceable. The Karnataka High Court has considered multiple challenges but the Act stands.
What is the status of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?
Both states remain restricted. State-level Gaming Acts apply; the operator's KYC blocks deposit.
Does the operator block VPN-based access from restricted states?
The desk does not have visibility. The operator's KYC uses PAN-based identity, which is not affected by VPN routing.
Which states are restricted?
Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana.
What is the federal floor?
18+ age verification, self-exclusion registry, advertising standards under the PROG Act 2025.
Can I deposit from a non-restricted state?
Yes, subject to the operator's KYC check.
Where do I confirm local rules?
Read the state notification on the relevant state-gaming website, or consult a local lawyer.
What if I travel to a restricted state?
Your account's registered address determines eligibility, not your physical location. The operator's KYC will block deposit from your registered address regardless of where you travel.