Law commission of India seeking input on gambling legalisation

The Law Commission of India (LCI) is inviting views and participation from stakeholders in terms of legalising gambling and betting in the country.

Mandated by the Supreme Court, the LCI has undertaken a study on the issue saying the country’s Law and illegal-gambling stance have not acted as a deterrent to punters but forced the practice underground.

“Online gambling and betting is another area which has become very difficult to curb,” the LCI said in a press statement. “It is understood that a lot of money is involved in illegal gambling business, creating almost a parallel economy, converting legally earned money into black money that is drained to gambling operators in other countries online.”

The CLI is inviting feedback from industry stakeholders and the public for consideration in the final compilation of the report on the following topics:

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 a possible model be 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?

Feedback can be emailed to lci-dla@nic.in until June 30, 2017.