Haryana Government Modifies Legislations Regarding Digital Gaming Activities
Revamping Gambling Laws in Haryana:
Facebook | WhatsApp | Telegram | X | Roy D'Silva | March 20, 2025
Haryana takes a courageous stride to revamp gambling regulations, targeting contemporary threats such as match-fixing and online betting with the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling - 2025. The outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867 is set to be replaced, bringing a wave of modernization to this sector.
The New Bill's Tough Stance
This new bill, featuring stringent punishments, including imprisonment for up to seven years, exemplifies a firm stance against illicit gambling activities. By tackling match-fixing, particularly in cricket, which has been plagued with scandals, it ensures the preservation of sports integrity.
Bill Highlights
- Match-Fixing and Spot-Fixing Penalties: Insider manipulation or underperformance for financial rewards will result in demands of at least three years of imprisonment, extendable up to five years, plus a minimum fine of ₹5 Lakh. Repeat offenders face prison terms of at least five years, extendable to seven years, with penalties of ₹7 Lakh or above.
- Regulation of Betting and Gambling: Games categorized as "games of skill" and "games of chance" will receive the attention of the state government for classification.
- Cracking Down on Gambling Operations: Operators of illegal gambling establishments and participants within gambling syndicates will face severe consequences, including the confiscation of associated assets.
- Expanded Powers: Executives and police officers with sufficient authority will possess the power to perform searches, seizures, and arrests without prior warrants based on credible information pertaining to gambling offenses.
- Accountability Expansion: Beyond players, officials, coaches, and ground staff will face penalties for their involvement in match-fixing or gambling-related misconducts.
- Definition Shift: Online betting, gambling platforms, computer networks, mobile apps, and other digital systems will be recognized as "common gaming houses," making it easier to enforce against illegal online gambling.
Haryana currently lacks dedicated legislation to combat match-fixing, and this bill aims to bridge the gap, introducing stricter regulations and safeguarding the public from exploitation by illegal betting activities.
Additional Provisions
Under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), authorities are granted the power to seize or forfeit properties linked to gambling offenses, thereby addressing lifestyle crimes and providing more decisive action against rule breakers.
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About the Author: Roy D'Silva
With a decade of experience, Roy D'Silva covers various topics such as Bollywood, OTT, and poker. He is an avid cyclist and admirer of documentaries, looking forward to being at the forefront of significant stories in the growing poker world.
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In the revamped gambling laws of Haryana, legal gambling establishments may find a place for operation, provided they are not involved in sports-related gambling, as the bill focuses on eradicating match-fixing and spot-fixing within sports like cricket.
Despite the new bill's intentions to modernize gambling regulations, it is possible that brick-and-mortar casinos offering sports betting may not be allowed, as they are targeted for their connection to match-fixing scandals in the sports industry.
