Betting India

Betting India and gambling in India have had a storied and fascinating history. For most of the country’s history, it was a heavily monitored and prohibited activity, if not outright illegal. Particular categories are exempt from these restrictions, namely lottery, and horse racing. 

However, the level to which these laws are followed is continuously on the decline, with many punters choosing to make cash bets on illegal gambling activity regardless of government policy. 

The main argument for keeping gambling out of India is that it leads to money laundering, corruption, and crime, which are three things that can, and do, exist in droves with or without the presence of gambling and casinos. Those in favor of gambling argue that it would be a significant source of income for the country. 

The 1867 public gambling act is the primary law regulating gambling in India, and given that the law was drawn up in the middle of the 1800s should tell you all you need to know about it. It makes it illegal for you to be in charge of a public gambling house. Breaking this law can carry a fine up to 200 rupees, or three months imprisonment. It also prohibits you from visiting public gambling houses, with a fine of up to 100 rupees and one-month imprisonment. 

Only three Indian states allow casinos: Goa, Sikkim, and Daman. There are over a dozen casinos between the three states, with some of them on land, and others floating along on rivers. 

There are always new plans for casinos and casino expansions, and as time goes on, one has to presume that the Indian government is going to change the regulations for gambling. 

Although, maybe not, as in 2009, an act was passed that prohibited online gambling in certain areas, with it coming with a colossal 90,000 rupee fine per day of online gambling.