GAMBLING

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In News

• The police and forest officials in Manipur have been searching “gambling dens” following several reports of wild animals being offered as prizes for Gambling.
  • Wildlife activists said that there have been several cases where people are buying tickets ranging from ₹100 to ₹500 to try their luck to win exotic meat. The larger or rarer the bird or animal or body part, the higher the price of the ticket.
• Apart from wild boars and deer, animals such as binturong (an arboreal mammal also known as a bearcat), squirrels and flying foxes (bats) are on offer.
  • Different types of birds such as the grey-sided thrush and tragopans (often called horned pheasants) have also been spotted.
• The Blyth’s tragopan is the State bird of adjoining Nagaland.
• Manipur forest department officials have said that they have regularly been conducting awareness campaigns on wildlife crime and the offences prescribed for violating the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.

Gambling

• Gambling includes any activity or undertaking whose determination is controlled or influenced by chance or accident or any activity or undertaking which is entered into or undertaken with the consciousness of the risk of winning or losing (eg, prize competitions, a wagering contract).
• Critics of gambling claim that it leads to crime, corruption, and money laundering. However, proponents of regulated gambling argue that it can be a huge source of revenue for the state.

Law related to Gambling

• There is no dedicated National Gambling Laws in India.
• Gambling is a state subject. States are entitled to formulate their laws for gambling activities. Some states like Goa have legalised casinos.
• The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is a central law that prohibits running or being in charge of a public gambling house. The penalty for breaking this law is a fine of ₹200 or imprisonment of up to 3 months. The Act also prohibits visiting gambling houses.
• The Information Technology Act 2000 regulates cyber activities in India and does not mention the word Gambling or betting thereby the act was left for interpretation by the Courts which have refused to examine the matter.
• Law Commission says that since it is impossible to stop illegal gambling, the only viable option left is to “regulate” gambling in sports.

Why Gambling should be legalized

• Money generated through tax can be used for public welfare activities.
• Empower authorized agencies to identify and prevent instances of gambling by minors.
• Curb the menace of match-fixing.
• Easier to monitor illegal betting activity in a regulated market.
• Generating employment.
• Development of tourism.
• Help in controlling the money laundering business.

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Why Gambling should not be legalized

• Against Social norms and the Principle of the Welfare State.
• Resulting in financial losses, taking loans for gambling.
• Adverse impact on one’s economic state, personal life and social life.
• Affect the vulnerable sections of society.

Steps need to be taken

• Licensed Operation: Gambling and betting should be offered only by Indian licensed operators.
• Any income derived from such activities should be made taxable.
• Cap on gambling for each individual.
• Protect vulnerable groups, minors and those below the poverty line, from exploitation through gambling.
• Awareness & Information regarding the risks involved in gambling/betting must be displayed on all gambling and betting portals/platforms.
• Encouraging foreign capital in the casino/online gaming industry.
• The mode of the transaction must be Cashless.

Way Forward

• The current socio-economic atmosphere and Social and moral values do not encourage betting and gambling.
• Parliament may enact a model law for regulating gambling.

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