Sports betting has become more and more popular in many countries around the world. The entire business was valued at $12.5 Billion last year and is estimated to have a projected growth of $17.5 Billion by 2025.
Although land-based sports betting segments accounted for the highest share in the world’s whole sports betting market some years ago, online gambling platforms are predicted to exceed brick and mortar establishments in near future. With that said, in India where the sports betting industry only exists online, it is certain to be a big business in spite legality issues.
The Legality of Sports Betting
Although online betting isn’t illegal in India, it still exists in a weird grey area. The country considers betting on sports as an unlawful activity with several street bookies arrested and charged as a result. However, there are no arrests in the country associated with online sports betting. You can bet online legally as long as the website’s main office is located outside of India.
The only federal gambling law of India is The Public Gambling Act of 1867. However, it only speaks on behalf of brick and mortar establishments. This law makes gambling illegal across the country but there are still a few exceptions, such as gorse racing. Many gambling aficionados think that other sports betting takes the same skills like horse racing betting so betting on other games should be legalized, too.
Grey Areas
Although betting on sports is illegal under the government ruling, India’s constitution gives each state the right to set their own laws around gambling. For example, the state of Sikkim has legalized real money betting on sports such as cricket as well as grants gambling licenses to newly formed brick and mortar establishments; the state of Goa legalizes slots machines in Five Star Hotels.
