There is an ongoing debate in India over online gaming (gambling). While the industry has seen significant growth within the country in recent years, it hasn’t been met without criticism. In today’s article, we will explore the skill vs. chance question posed by many Indians, exploring the central laws related to online gambling in India and whether gambling should be legalized across the country.

The Central Gambling Laws in India

Firstly, it’s essential to understand some of the central gambling laws in India. Due to its size, various states within the country adopt different laws, making the online gambling industry tough to govern and regulate. Despite this, there are laws to do just this; below, we have put together a list of some of the most prominent gambling laws currently in India, which you must consider when weighing up the pros and cons in the skill vs. chance debate.

·   The Public Gambling Act, 1867: This act is a colonial-era statute still in force today. While it is seen by many as being outdated, it is still being adopted by several states in India, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

·   The 7th Schedule of the Constitution gives state governments the exclusive power to enact their laws on gambling/betting for their territory. For example, you will find a  full list of hand-picked casinos  currently operating under the 7th schedule of the Constitution in India here.

·   Ongoing Legislations: Other states have also enacted legislation to combat the growth of online gambling in India and regulate iGaming activities within their territories.

Arguments in Favor of Legalizing Gambling Across India (Skill)

So, now that you have an idea of some of the  gambling laws  and legislation currently operating in India, we will explore some arguments in favor of making gambling completely legal across India. Below, we have created another list, this time covering critical arguments to use when participating in the skill vs. chance debate.

Generate Revenue: Many Indians argue that legalizing gambling across India would be the perfect way to generate revenue for the state exchequer. This would take the money made by unregulated gambling operations and put it towards something that could benefit the country.

Terror Financing: An argument in favor of legalizing gambling across India is that criminal syndicates are running current unregulated operations in the country. This means by legalizing gambling across the country, activities like terror financing would be brought to a halt.

Social Schemes: A common theme in arguments for legalizing gambling is that the money earned from gambling platforms can be used for the greater good. For instance, many Indians argue that some of the money earned from regulated online gambling platforms could be used to create constructive social schemes.

Employment Opportunities: This is another argument that some Indians believe is a positive of legalizing gambling across the country. A legal and effectively regulated online gambling industry would provide large-scale employment opportunities for many of its citizens, helping combat unemployment figures.

Benefit Sporting Fixtures: With sports like cricket playing a pivotal role in many Indians’ lives, the legalization of betting on a broader basis would allow more transparency within the sporting leagues across India, stopping match-fixing through legal permits and the fear of being caught partaking in such an activity.

Arguments Against Legalizing Gambling Across India (Luck)

So, we have covered some of the arguments Indians have in favor of legalizing gambling on a grander scale in the country; now, let’s look into some of the arguments against it. Below, we have made a list of some of the reasons Indians are posing as to why gambling shouldn’t be regulated or legalized across the country.

Ethics and Morals: Many argue that gambling is ethically and morally wrong in the Indian context. For instance, many argue this point because of the addiction, bankruptcy, loss of livelihood, divorce, and crime it can cause.

Destroys Society: Some Indians argue that legalizing gambling further destroys society. For example, some Indians believe that gambling hurts those who are already poor and disadvantaged in Indian society and gives them no real value but only detriments.

Exploiting People: Following on from the reason above, many argue that by preventing legalizing and regulating gambling, companies couldn’t openly target these vulnerable people in society through advertisements that openly promote casinos, lotteries, sports betting, and more.

Younger Generation: Many Indians argue that if gambling is portrayed as being legal, it will set the wrong example to the younger generation in the country. Because of this, people argue that legalizing gambling now would lead to more addiction for younger Indians later on in their lives.

Skill vs. Chance: Which Side Is Right?

Both sides of the argument pose valid points as to why gambling should be widely regulated and legalized. It’s important to understand that such decisions take time and a lot of resources to make a reality. Regulated gambling activity is a challenging route, with India being so large and many different states having various legislations and laws already set in place. Nevertheless, considering both sides of the case, deciding whether or not gambling should be completely legal will be easier to accomplish.