Time for Governments to Legislate on Cricket Wagering
Online sports betting in India is navigating a complex and evolving legal landscape, marked by growing regulatory scrutiny, state-level bans, and ongoing judicial intervention. The Supreme Court of India has identified the rise of online betting apps as a significant public issue, with hearings underway to determine whether these apps constitute illegal gambling or legal games of skill [2].
In recent developments, the Telangana government has filed cases against four celebrities, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps [1]. The betting market, driven by the rise of online sports betting apps, has captured the attention of a large portion of India's youth population with high disposable incomes and rapid smartphone adoption [3].
The IPL, the highest-profile cricket league in India, remains a focal point for betting-related controversies. Despite public interest litigation and calls for stricter regulation or bans on related betting, IPL teams, sponsors, and associated personalities remain closely tied to this ecosystem [2][4]. The popularity of IPL matches among punters is significant, with cumulative bets on each match amounting to over $200 million [5].
However, betting on IPL matches exists in a legal grey area. While some betting app makers market betting as a skill-based game, which is considered legal in India, the Supreme Court has yet to make a definitive ruling on this matter [2]. The Central government is suggested to introduce a model law on betting, with clear definitions and guidelines, to address the current predicament [6].
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expected to investigate foreign exchange transactions related to the illegal betting apps [1]. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that online sports betting in India faces increasing pressure from both the government and the judiciary.
- Legal status: Online sports betting is in a regulatory grey zone in India, with increasing state bans and Supreme Court hearings to differentiate between gambling and skill games [1][2].
- Celebrity endorsements: The Supreme Court is addressing concerns about celebrities, including IPL players and actors, promoting betting apps, with petitions demanding bans on illegal betting and stricter regulations [2].
- IPL and betting: The IPL remains a focal point for betting-related controversies and corruption allegations, with no comprehensive ban on betting linked to IPL matches, but growing calls for stronger oversight [2][4].
Thus, while online sports betting is not outright banned nationwide, it faces a tightening legal framework, ongoing judicial scrutiny, and increasing restrictions on promotional activities, particularly involving the IPL and celebrity endorsements.
- The legality of online sports betting in India is under scrutiny, as the Supreme Court addresses the issue of whether betting apps fall under the category of illegal gambling or legal games of skill, while simultaneously investigating foreign exchange transactions related to these apps (Enforcement Directorate).
- In light of growing concerns about the surge of betting apps, the Telangana government has filed cases against several celebrities for promoting such apps, and the IPL, being a main focus of betting-related controversies, faces calls for stricter regulations or bans on related betting activities (Supreme Court, IPL games).
