Law enforcement officials in Hyderabad, India, dismantle unlawful horse betting syndicate
In a significant move to curb the widespread issue of illegal gambling, particularly online, the Jawahar Nagar Police and the Rachakonda Special Operations Team (SOT) Malkjgiri carried out a joint operation on Sunday.
The operation led to the arrest of several individuals suspected of being involved in an illegal gambling ring. The suspects are facing charges under the Telangana Gaming Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Two individuals, however, are still at large.
Illegal gambling in India has been a persistent issue, with the government blocking over 1,524 illegal gambling websites and mobile apps from 2022 to mid-2025 to curb unauthorized operations. The government is particularly concerned about offshore platforms that operate without adhering to Indian tax laws and regulations.
Penalties for individuals involved in illegal gambling vary by state but commonly include imprisonment and fines. In states like Gujarat, first-time offenders found gambling or present at illegal gambling venues face at least two months imprisonment and a fine of ₹300, escalating for repeat offenses to a minimum of nine months imprisonment and fines. Organizers or those running illegal gaming houses may face at least three months imprisonment and ₹500 fine for the first offense, increasing with repeated violations.
For casinos, which are legally licensed in states like Goa, violations of license conditions can result in fines from ₹25 lakh up to ₹75 lakh, forfeiture of security deposits, and cancellation of licenses. Illegal live gambling operations inside casinos are also subject to police action and fines.
The regulation of gambling is primarily a State subject as per the Indian Constitution, so penalties can vary regionally. However, the central government supports enforcement through blocking of illegal online platforms and coordination with State authorities.
The ease of access to illegal online gambling platforms makes it difficult to crack down on such activities. Despite this, the authorities remain committed to ensuring the law is upheld and illegal gambling is minimized across India.
It is important to note that while the penalties for illegal gambling can vary, they can generally result in punishment with a fine and several months of imprisonment. Individuals are encouraged to avoid participation in such activities to avoid facing the legal consequences.
The recent operation is a testament to the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to combat illegal gambling and maintain law and order in the country.
The recent joint operation by Jawahar Nagar Police and Rachakonda Special Operations Team (SOT) Malkjgiri reveals a focus on the 'crime-and-justice' sector, as they aimed to curb illegal gambling, including sports betting. This operation, which led to several arrests and charges under the Telangana Gaming Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, highlights the government's continued engagement in the 'general-news' domain, aiming to eradicate unauthorized gambling operations both online and offline.
