Law Commission Invites Views On Legalization Of Betting And Gambling [Read Appeal]

The Law Commission of India has invited views and suggestions from stakeholders and general public on the issue of legalizing betting and gambling.

This is in furtherance of a Supreme Court directive issued in the case of Board of Control for Cricket in India v. Cricket Association of Bihar & Ors., (2016) 8 SCC 535, wherein the Apex Court had mandated the LCI to study the possibility of legalizing betting in India. The Court had then observed, “… the recommendation made by the Committee that betting should be legalized by law, involves the enactment of a Law which is a matter that may be examined by the Law Commission and the Government for such action as it may consider necessary in the facts and circumstances of the case.”

You may read: BCCI under RTI, Legalize Betting; 15 Key Recommendations of Lodha Panel [Read the Full Report] By Live Law News Network

The Commission now wishes to examine the legality of both betting and gambling, in view of the fact that gambling is very closely associated with betting. It further acknowledges that online gambling and betting is another area which has become very difficult to curb.

“The Commission has been mulling this idea for quite some time now. Discussions were initiated with some of the stakeholders and the Commission is working towards a possible report. Will legalizing betting and gambling help in curbing the illegal activities undertaken by the citizens of our country in this regard? Will licensing such activities help the Government earn substantial revenue and generate employment? How far will legalizing betting and gambling be morally correct in the Indian circumstances? What could be a possible model by which the people engaging in such activities can be safeguarded against bankruptcy? If legalized, should foreign betting and gambling companies be allowed to have a foothold in the country? These are certain basic areas that need to be addressed, along with any other issues that may come up while considering the matter,” the release issued by the Commission states.

It, thereby, invites suggestions, which have to sent either by post or in person, to the Law Commission of India, 14th Floor, Hindustan Times House, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi – 110 001; or by email at lci-dla@nic.in [i.e., LCIDLANICIN]; or by fax at +91 11 23355741, so as to reach the Commission within 30 days.

Read the Appeal here.