Sports betting in India is a complex issue, with a mix of federal and state laws that govern the legality of the activity. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits all forms of gambling in India, but there are a few exceptions, such as horse racing and lotteries.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to legalize sports betting in India. This is due in part to the popularity of online sports betting, which is difficult for the government to regulate. Additionally, many people believe that legalizing sports betting would generate tax revenue for the government and create jobs.
However, there is also some opposition to legalizing sports betting in India. Some people worry that it would lead to an increase in gambling addiction and social problems. Additionally, some religious groups believe that gambling is immoral and should not be legalized.
Currently, only three states in India have legalized sports betting: Sikkim, Goa, and Daman. In these states, sports betting can be done both online and in person.
Here is a more detailed look at the sports betting laws in each Indian state:
Meghalaya
Sports betting is legal in Meghalaya state, but only for tourists. In 2021, the Meghalaya government passed the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, which allows for the licensing and regulation of casinos, sports betting, and other forms of gambling. However, is only unique for allowing its citizens to legally gamble on the Meghalaya Teer.
Sikkim
Sikkim is the first state in India to legalize sports betting. In 2009, the state government passed the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, which allows for the licensing and regulation of online gambling. Since then, a number of online sports betting operators have been granted licenses to operate in Sikkim.
Goa
Goa is another state that has legalized sports betting. In 2012, the state government passed the Goa Public Gambling (Amendment) Act, which allows for the licensing and regulation of casinos and other forms of gambling. Under this law, casinos are allowed to offer sports betting services.
West Bengal
Kolkata Fatafat is not legal in West Bengal. It is a form of gambling, and gambling is illegal in India. However, the game is still widely played, and there are many people who make a living from it. The West Bengal government has tried to crack down on Kolkata Fatafat in the past, but it has been difficult to enforce the law. The game is often played in secret, and it is difficult for the police to track down the organizers and players.
Despite the fact that it is illegal, Kolkata Fatafat remains a popular game in West Bengal. It is a game that can be played by people of all social classes, and it offers the chance to win large sums of money.
Daman
Daman is the third state in India to legalize sports betting. In 2018, the state government passed the Daman Gambling Regulation Act, which allows for the licensing and regulation of casinos and other forms of gambling. Under this law, casinos are allowed to offer sports betting services.
Other states
In other states of India, sports betting is still illegal. However, there is a growing movement to legalize it. In recent years, a number of states have introduced bills to legalize sports betting, but none of these bills have been passed into law yet.
Conclusion
Sports betting in India is a complex issue, with a mix of federal and state laws that govern the legality of the activity. Currently, only three states in India have legalized sports betting: Sikkim, Goa, and Daman. In other states, sports betting is still illegal. However, there is a growing movement to legalize it.
