Online gambling is a popular and growing industry in India

The legality of online gambling in India is a contentious issue, with contradictory federal and local state laws in some regions. The Public Gaming Act of 1867 prohibited gambling in most of its forms in India. But, due to the age of the legislation, it has no mention of online gambling. Some are calling for this to change, but is this likely to happen any time soon?

Online gambling is a popular and growing industry in India. Many Indian citizens enjoy the casino experience online, as evidenced by the popularity of informative comparison sites like Indiaslots. Other forms of online gambling and online casinos are also snowballing in player numbers across the country.

What are India’s Current Gambling Laws?

Because the legislation is so old and outdated, it is difficult to determine which forms of gambling are legal in India today and which are not. That is particularly true in relation to online gambling due to the legislation being written over a hundred years before the internet’s advent.

However, while online gambling has come into the spotlight in recent times, some states prefer to legislate towards making online gambling safe for all. This has again brought the subject of gambling, in its general form, into the spotlight in India. Although it has been a topic of extensive debate for many years, there has been little progress towards clarifying the outdated legislation.

Why Might Online Gambling Be Banned in India?

India’s Information Technology Act 2000 contains provisions for a variety of offenses relating to online activity. Despite there being no specific mention of online gambling, this act gives the government the power to block foreign websites. This power has been used, but many are still accessible to Indian citizens.

Because the law surrounding online gambling is unclear, citizens a free to gamble online. Some are calling for the law to be changed, citing several reasons why this should happen. Others, however, feel individuals have the right to choose what hobbies they indulge in.  

Reputable online gambling websites put the player first, offering a wealth of information on responsible gambling on their sites. They also provide a multitude of tools to keep the games enjoyable, allowing you to place restrictions on wagering amounts, deposits, losses, etc. These optional restrictions protect players and help them make responsible choices.

With each state empowered to make its own gambling laws, it is unlikely that there will be a blanket ban on online gambling anytime soon. Instead, some states may choose to follow those which have outlawed online gaming to a certain extent.

The efficacy of state-specific laws in this area has also come into question. Ultimately if people want to play, they can find ways to circumvent state-only online bans. There have been reports of people driving over the border to play the lottery when banned in Tamil Nadu, for example.

At present, it looks as though online gambling will continue to grow in popularity in India. Undoubtedly, some states will continue to petition the government for more regulation or a complete ban. Enforcing this will always be a challenge at the local state level, though, due to the global nature of the internet and people wishing to partake in a pastime that they enjoy.

Sources:

• Activists urge government to ban online gambling | Coimbatore News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)
• Is it time to ban online gambling or regulate it? – Times of India (indiatimes.com)
• PIL seeks ban on online gambling sites: Delhi HC seeks Centre, AAP govt’s stand | Delhi News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)
• PIL seeks ban on online gambling; HC orders notice to Karnataka | Bengaluru News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)
• Indian state bans online gaming over ‘suicides and gambling debts’ | The Independent
• A GUIDE TO LEGITIMATE ONLINE CASINOS IN INDIA – Island Echo – 24hr news, 7 days a week across the Isle of Wight
• Is Online Betting Legal in India? Updated: Jan 2021 (mybetting.in)
• Legally illegal, but you can bet online in India | Hindustan Times
• Gambling Laws in India – Regulation and Jurisdictions on Gambling (gamblingsites.com)
• Online Gambling in India – Your Guide to Betting Options – TechnoSports
• Online Gaming In India: A Legal Puzzle – Media, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment – India (mondaq.com)
• https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/dec/16/caught-in-the-grips-of-a-high-stakes-game-tale-of-tirunelvelis-lottery-sufferings-2076642.html

source https://nrinews24x7.com/online-gambling-is-a-popular-and-growing-industry-in-india/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=online-gambling-is-a-popular-and-growing-industry-in-india

January 28, 2021