Portal to India News

Calls To Make Meghalaya Betting Legal for All

An Indian state is introducing a new law looking to legalize gambling – but only for tourists, in what some industry voices are calling a concerning move for the prospect of an increase in illegal, black-market betting.

The cherry-pick approach from lawmakers in Meghalaya calls into question the sensibilities of the new regulation, critics argue. Rather than liberalize an exciting economic opportunity, there is concern the move will drive more local bettors into the crosshairs of bad actors.

What Does The Law Permit?
According to Law and Taxation Minister James PK Sangma, it will be illegal for all Meghalaya residents to participate in legalized gambling, online gaming and online betting.However, those outside the state are free to play, provided they confirm Know Your Customer protocols.Meghalaya is the third state to effectively legalize gambling in India after passing the 2021 Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Ordinance, abolishing the 1970 Meghalaya Prevention of Gambling Act.

How Has It Been Received?
There are some concerns. Many point out that by excluding locals from legal betting, you’re not only siphoning off a considerable portion of the revenue stream, but you also risk driving more residents into the hands of illegal bookmakers in India.One study from renowned industry observers ENV Media unveils the true extent of the issue.

In a paper titled Sports Betting: India’s Favourite Invisible Giant, the organization highlights just how prevalent the practice of illegal online cricket satta bazar is across the wider Indian public:

“When India’s national cricket team plays a One-Day International match (ODI), illegal betting amounts to around USD 200 million per game. The combined amount over the year, including the League season and any international competitions, reaches USD 150 billion (~Rs 10 lakh crore in 2016 exchange rates), according to the International Centre for Sports Security, a think tank and lobby group based in Doha. This amount is quoted in more recent industry (legal) reports as USD 130 billion.”

Then there is the question of fairness – why is it OK for one group of people to enjoy privileges that others cannot in their own state?

The UK Indian Business Council’s Gaming Industry (UKIBC) report titled Gaming for Growth – India’s Sports and Gaming Market Potential rates Meghalaya at 92.85 on a scale of 1 to 100 (0 is illegal and 100 is fully legalized). That makes Meghalaya the most gambling-friendly state in India – but why are locals not benefitting from those decisions?

The ENV Media study believes cultural attitudes are changing – and it’s in the interest of politicians to ensure they’re across the shift to maximize profits for their goals.

It surmises: “When and if the Central Government of India realizes that there are consistent voter bases that would readily support sports betting and online gaming regulations, we might expect changes in the legal scene, probably rather swift ones as well. As things stand, catering for the conservative share of the population requires a careful approach and no outward liberalization of the betting market.”

Why Full Legalization Is Better For All
Pandering to a shrinking demographic in India doesn’t feel like an optimal step for lawmakers. Indeed, it’s regressive, short-sighted, and constricting.

Millions of players exploit loopholes to play with the best betting sites in India – the idea of gambling prohibition feels increasingly draconian.

By acting to embrace regulation, the government could place power in the hands of local authorities to oversee a responsible and fair policing of online betting and reap the benefits that come with it.

It would free up a mass of resources previously used to tackle illegal betting, increase taxation income from betting companies for funds that can better essential grassroots services, and provide a boon to the employment figures.

Meanwhile, players can play safely in a responsibly cultivated environment.

 

Disclaimer: Gambling involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk. This post contains material that may or may not be legal in your country. Please play/not play subject to applicable law.

Comments are closed.