India’s Supreme Court has agreed to look into a petition filed by a social activist calling for increased regulation around online gambling in the country.
The petition calls for strict regulations on online casinos and fantasy sports, which are widespread in India despite a lack of clear regulations. It was filed by a campsigner who declares himself “a prominent social activist, humanitarian, and President of Global Peace Initiative, which is dedicated to promoting peace and justice globally”.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed “in the interest of millions of people and to protect the sanity and democracy in India by banning “illegal” betting apps.”
India’s gambling laws
The Public Gaming Act of 1867 prohibits gambling houses from operation, but, of course, makes no reference to online gambling. As it is not explicitly prohibited, many operators offer gaming in a legal gray area, unless states regulate it.
States have been moving to regulate, with Haryana and Karnataka both drafting new legislation this year. Sikkim began offering licensed sports betting in the state.
India Supreme Court Consider Plea For Stricter Gambling Regulations India Supreme Court Consider Plea For Stricter Gambling RegulationsUnregulated gambling a big market
India Supreme Court Consider Plea For Stricter Gambling RegulationsDue to the lack of clear regulations at the federal level, offshore casinos are exploiting legal loopholes. A report by the Digital India Foundation highlighted that four major offshore brands received 1.6 billion visits from Indian users over a three-month period.
India Supreme Court Consider Plea For Stricter Gambling RegulationsIndian influencers promoting betting apps
The petition also mentions a recent case where 25 celebrities and social media influencers were investigated by Telangana Police in March this year. A complaint alleges that several actors, TV personalities, and influencers promoted mobile betting apps through social media.
Some celebrities have responded to the allegations, stating that their endorsements were limited to skill-based games legally permitted in certain regions.
India Supreme Court Consider Plea For Stricter Gambling RegulationsThe Supreme Court issued a notice to the central government, seeking its response on the matter.
Adam is an experienced writer with years of experience in the gambling industry. He has worked as a content writer and editor for five years on sites such as Oddschecker, CoinTelegraph and Gambling Industry News, bringing excellent knowledge of the world of sports betting and online gambling. Adam focuses on emerging stories in the ever changing landscape of betting in the US. Read the latest on prediction markets, changing legislation, and sweepstakes.
