On July 5th, Indian Law Commission recommended the government to legalize gambling and sports betting in India. Gambling in India was legal during the British time but the first independent government banned it. Since then Indian was turning blind eye towards the gambling sector. However, the picture may change in near future seeing the benefits it can bring to government.
1. Cricket betting in India is already a billion dollar market but completely unregulated and underground. Government is loosing millions of tax revenue 2. It has suggested classifying gambling into two categories, one is proper gambling with big money and small gambling for occasional gamblers 3. Eyeing to boost tourism sector with a huge foreign money turnover 4. Employment generation
Even though nothing has been finalized yet, but India has shown negative responses towards gambling earlier. However, currently the government is struggling to maintain the treasury deficit within the required limit. Also the changed Eco-political scenario and duty-war among the big economies has led India to think about increasing internal revenue. So things may change this time. Lets hope for the best!