Time for Regulatory Action on Cricket Gambling
The legal status of online sports betting in India is a complex and contentious issue, with the legality of the practice varying from state to state. While federal law does not explicitly ban or regulate online gambling, the Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits gambling in physical gaming houses or public places, leaving the legality of online betting uncertain [3].
In some states, such as Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, online gambling is explicitly banned [1][4]. However, states like Sikkim and Nagaland allow licensed online gambling under specific conditions, primarily related to games of skill rather than chance [1]. Offshore betting platforms like Stake.com and 1win operate in a legal grey area in India, as Indian laws do not explicitly prohibit betting with offshore companies, although Indian banks do not process gambling-related transactions directly [1][2][3].
Despite the ongoing debate and social concerns, many well-known Indian celebrities, including actors and cricketers, endorse or promote online betting platforms. These stars leverage their popularity to market these platforms to India’s vast online user base, often emphasizing bonuses, ease of use, or the thrill of betting. This celebrity marketing strategy persists despite criticism about promoting potentially addictive gambling behavior and regulatory uncertainty in India [1].
The promotion of betting apps by celebrities has been a subject of controversy, with several actors, such as Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, named in cases filed by the Telangana government for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps [2]. A spokesperson for one of the actors contended that the endorsement was intended for states where betting is legal.
The betting market in India is thriving, fueled by the rise of online sports betting apps and the popularity of cricket, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL). With an estimate of 34 crore Indians placing bets on cricket matches, the IPL has become a busy period for betting houses [4]. The IPL's 20-20 format, which offers fast-paced and exciting matches, is a significant draw for punters.
However, the issue of determining whether a person places a wager based on skill or chance remains unresolved. The Supreme Court has considered online games to be skill-based, but the question of whether this applies to betting remains a point of contention [2]. The Central government is considering introducing a model law on betting with clear definitions and guidelines to provide clarity on the matter [3].
In conclusion, online sports betting is not uniformly legal across India, with legality depending on state laws. The federal government has not explicitly legalized or banned online sports betting, leaving a legal grey area for offshore betting platforms. Celebrity endorsements continue to promote betting apps despite ongoing legal ambiguity and social controversy. As the IPL commences, the betting market is expected to see a surge in activity, with millions of Indians placing bets on their favourite teams.
- The betting market in India, fueled by the popularity of sports and online betting apps, has seen an increase in trends related to casino-and-gambling and sports, with celebrities leveraging their popularity to market these platforms, particularly during the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Despite controversies surrounding the promotion of betting apps by celebrities and the ongoing debate about gambling-trends in India, offshore betting platforms continue to operate in a legal grey area, attracting a vast online user base eager for sports-based betting opportunities.
