State-by-state, named and source-tagged
Online fantasy contests are a games-of-skill format. The skill-vs-chance classification is read state by state. The partner ledger names seven open states and a contested set. below mirrors the ledger and keeps the source basis visible.
Two framings, kept visible
MeitY advisory on fantasy skill formats
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology published an advisory in 2020 framing online fantasy sports as a games-of-skill format. The advisory is a reading, not a binding ruling. State-level rules remain the operative test.
Public Gambling Act 1867
The Public Gambling Act 1867 is the central legislation. State-level enactments modify the central framework. The skill-vs-chance line is read under each state enactment, not centrally.
Where the partner accepts deposits
The partner eligibility ledger names seven states where contests are open to residents who meet the verification floor: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The reader in any of these states may sign up, complete KYC and deposit through UPI, IMPS or Net Banking. The partner checkout will accept the deposit.
Source: partner eligibility ledger published on the partner host. The classification is a partner-published reading. State rules change; the ledger refreshes when a partner-side update is verified.
Where the partner refuses
The partner ledger lists a restricted set where contests are closed: Andhra Pradesh (for online gaming under state amendments), Telangana (skill-vs-chance contested in court), Tamil Nadu (Public Gambling Act state amendment), Karnataka (Public Gambling Act state amendment under review), Kerala (state-level gaming rules), Assam (state-level gaming rules), Goa (state-level gaming rules). The list and the contested status are mirror reads; the partner host is the operative test.
If you are in a contested state, the partner checkout will refuse the deposit. The refusal is the operative signal. State-level enactments and ongoing court rulings move the classification; rs9 mirrors the partner ledger and does not give legal advice.
Deposit attempt is the operative signal
The classification reading, the advisory framing and the contested set are all useful context. None of them is the operative test. The only signal that matters is whether the partner checkout accepts the deposit at the moment of decision. The partner enforces the eligibility ledger at the checkout, not at the editorial layer.
Six questions after the framing
Is rs9 the operator?
Which states are open under the partner ledger?
Does the MeitY advisory bind?
What if I am in a contested state?
Does rs9 give legal advice?
Where do I read the partner ledger?
Seven states where the partner flow restricts paid access
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Odisha, Sikkim and Nagaland publish state gaming acts that restrict paid real-money gaming. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have pending state-level rules that the partner flow treats as "review" until the state publishes the final position. The list below is sourced from the partner eligibility ledger and from the state gazette where the rule is published.
If you are a resident of one of the restricted states, the partner flow blocks signup and paid access. The editorial content on rs9 still loads; the partner gate is the authoritative gate. If you have moved from a restricted state to an open state, the partner flow asks you to update your profile and re-confirm eligibility before the next deposit.
MeitY advisory 2020 and the Public Gambling Act 1867 framing
The MeitY advisory on online real-money gaming (2020) frames the central government position: minors must not be reached, advertising is restricted, and verifiable identity is required at payout. The Public Gambling Act 1867 provides the long-standing central frame on physical gaming houses. Both apply to the partner platform. State rules layer on top.
If state rules are unclear for your case, talk to a qualified lawyer. rs9 is the editorial publisher, not a legal adviser. The partner platform enforces the eligibility gate at signup; rs9 does not have visibility into the gate and does not override it.
Four pages that depend on this ledger
The eligibility ledger on /is-legal/ is shared with /legal/, /responsible-use/ and the news/state-eligibility-explained post. The ledger is the single source of truth across all four routes. The framing differs: /is-legal/ frames the legal decision, /legal/ frames the operator disclosure, /responsible-use/ frames the safe-play guidance, the news post frames state changes over time. The underlying ledger stays the same.