INR VS USD: What Currency Should You Use To Play?
Playing casino games in India is quite a complex affair. The legislation governing online gambling is both vague and old, and interpretation of these laws varies from state to state. Because there are no laws explicitly prohibiting online gambling, but it has not been declared legal with accompanying regulations either, India is considered a grey area. Many players use online casino sites that are based offshore to play slots, poker, blackjack and other casino games. In the past, players were forced to play in GBP or USD because very few casinos offered Rupees as an option. However, this is changing as more and more casinos are starting to include INR in their lists of supported currencies. Now Indian players can choose whether they want to play online casino games with their own currency or convert their gambling funds to US dollars.
Benefits of playing in USD
Despite the fact that online gambling is not legal in most American states, the USD is widely available at online casinos around the world. Because of this, one of the main benefits of choosing USD as your currency is the huge pool of excellent casinos available to you. Another benefit is that most casino bonuses are advertised in either GBP, EUR or USD. If you play in USD, it is easier to calculate exactly how much bonus money you will get for your deposit without needing to convert. You will also not need to wade through the terms and conditions to ensure that an INR deposit is eligible to receive the bonus.
Benefits of playing in INR
Casinos vary in how they treat your funds. Some (like Wildz Casino for example) operate in a single currency. Although they accept other currencies, they convert them to Euro through your casino account or bank/e-wallet account. Any withdrawals will also be sent to you in Euro and converted to your currency through Wildz or your payment method. The exchange premiums are the player’s financial burden.
Other casinos actually run your account in the currency you choose. If you find a casino that not only accepts INR but also lets you play games with your Rupees without converting your funds to a different currency, this is the most cost-effective option. You don’t pay any exchange fees at deposit and withdrawal stage, and you don’t have to worry about unfavourable exchange rates. Basically, if you keep your cash in Rupees, you get to keep more of it.
Can you get a bonus in INR?
One of the main factors that could influence your decision on whether to play in USD or INR is whether the casino will give you a bonus. If you aim to get the maximum possible bonus, it is also worth checking how the upper limit in USD compares to the upper limit in INR in the bonus terms and conditions. The exchange rate is seldom exact, so you may find that you get a slightly bigger bonus if you play in USD. However, the wagering requirements and exchange rates and fees may negate this gain.
Some casinos explicitly exclude INR deposits from receiving bonuses, while others embrace them. It all depends on the casino you choose. We have found some excellent INR bonuses for you, in various minimum deposit categories.
$1/₹100 Minimum Deposit: 22Bet Casino
When you make your first deposit at 22Bet, you can get a 100% deposit match up to $300/₹30,000. The casino has a massive collection of games from the world’s best software providers and offers a full sportsbook with thousands of sports markets worldwide. You can play slots, table games or Live Casino games, and bet on your favourite sporting teams, all on one secure gaming platform. Read the 22Bet Casino review here.
$5/₹500 Minimum Deposit: Pure Casino
You can get a 100% deposit match bonus up to $100/₹10,000 when you make your first deposit at Pure Casino. Not only do you have the option of playing in USD or INR at Pure Casino, but you can also choose to play in cryptocurrency, which gives you much more financial flexibility. Pure Casino offers many of India’s favourite table games, as well as classic casino games, slots, Live Casino and more. See our Pure Casino review here.
$10/₹1,000 Minimum Deposit: 4Stars Casino
Your first deposit at 4Stars Casino will earn you a 100% bonus up to $100/₹10,000 as well as 50 free spins on the Starburst slot game. If you make a second deposit, you can get a 50% match bonus up to $200/₹20,000. There are NO wagering requirements on either of these bonuses. This casino is exceptionally generous with its no-wagering bonuses, so it is well worth a visit. Have a look at the 4Stars Casino review for more information.
$20/₹2,000 Minimum Deposit: Wazamba Casino
Wazamba Casino offers a generous welcome package to players who are willing to deposit at least $20/₹2,000. You can get up to $500/₹50,000 and 200 free spins when you fund your Wazamba Casino account. Your deposits will give you access to a superb collection of slots, Keno, table games, jackpot slots and Live Casino games. Our Wazamba Casino review has more details for you.
Conclusion: Which currency should you choose?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both currencies. Playing in USD may give you access to a wider range of casinos, but it also has extra cost implications in terms of exchange fees. When casinos and e-wallets convert currency, you may not always get the best exchange rate either, and converting when you deposit as well as when you withdraw could work out to be rather costly.
On the other hand, there are fewer INR casinos available, and some that accept INR will convert your money to their operating currency anyway. If you find a casino that does allow you to play in Rupees without converting, you may find yourself excluded from the welcome bonus. However, if you choose a casino that lets you play in Rupees and offers you a bonus, it is by far the best option to play in your own currency, unless you have an account full of dollars that you have no intention of converting.
A third option is to embrace cryptocurrency and play in Bitcoin, but this carries its own range of advantages and disadvantages. Whatever currency decision you make, always make sure you choose a reputable, licensed casino.