India considering gaming regulation

Law Commission of India has issued a public notice to the general public and stakeholders asking whether gambling and betting should be legalised.

Among other issues, the Law Commission is interested in whether government regulation can help to curb illegal activities, as well as boost employment and generate revenue.

Comprehensive gaming legislation in the country would also allow India to compete with other profitable gaming hubs in Asia, such as Japan and the Philippines. However, for now the measure would only be focused on dismissing current illegal activities.

“Various media reports time and again point out that betting and gambling, though not legal in India, is practiced across the country clandestinely,” the notice said. “Strict rules against betting and gambling have not necessarily acted as a deterrent.

“The Commission would like to invite views and suggestions from all concerned – the stakeholders and the general public, with regard to legalising betting and gambling, so as to arrive at a judicious opinion and make suitable suggestions and recommendations to the Government, which are balanced and protect the interests of the common man and the stakeholders alike.”