Question : Legalisation of Betting

(a) whether the Law Commission has recently presented its report to the Government suggesting for legalizing betting and gambling in sports and if so, the details thereof along with the other recommendations/suggestions made by the Commission;
(b) the reaction of the Government on these recommendations/suggestions;
(c) whether the Government proposes to enact a model law for regulating gambling and betting in sports including cricket as regulated activities taxable under the direct and indirect tax regimes and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government is also planning to allow casinos in the country with FDI investments and if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether it is also true that the panel wanted the Government to introduce a cap on the number of gambling transactions for each individual and if so, the details thereof;
(f) whether the commissions’ recommendation had made a distinction between proper betting and small gambling and if so, the details thereof; and
(g) whether the Government would ensure proper protection for the vulnerable sections of society, if the recommendation of the Law commission is accepted and if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

(SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

(a),(e) & (f): The Law Commission of India submitted its 276th report titled “Legal Framework: Gambling and Sports Betting including in Cricket in India” to Government on 05.07.2018. In its 276th report the Law Commission of India has recommended that legalising betting and gambling in India in the present scenario is not desirable , and that a complete ban on unlawful betting and gambling must be ensured. The Report along with Recommendations is available on the official website of Law Commission of India.(lawcommissionofindia.nic.in). The Law Commission has also issued a Press Note clarifying the matter. A copy of this Press Note is also available on the aforesaid website.

(b) to (d) & (g) The 276th report of Law Commission of India is under consideration of the Government.

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