India’s UP calls for new law to regulate online gaming and betting
In a significant move addressing the legal vacuum around digital gambling, the Allahabad High Court has directed the government of Indian state, Uttar Pradesh to form a high-level committee to explore the need for a law to regulate and monitor online gaming and betting. The court observed that the existing Public Gambling Act, 1867, is outdated and does not cover modern forms of online gambling.
Colonial-era law not fit for digital age
The court noted that the Public Gambling Act, 1867, was designed during British rule and only addresses traditional gambling such as card games and betting on dice, according to a local media. It does not account for technological developments like mobile gaming, online betting platforms, or cross-border digital transactions.
Justice Vinod Diwakar, in his order dated 12 May, highlighted that the Act does not mention digital platforms, servers, or virtual gambling environments. “Its enforcement is limited to physical gambling houses and has no jurisdiction over mobile phones, computers, or offshore servers,” the court said.
High-level committee to draft recommendations
To address this gap, the court has asked the state government to set up a high-powered committee led by Professor K.V. Raju, Economic Advisor to the Uttar Pradesh government. The panel may include the Principal Secretary (State Tax) as Member Secretary and other technical and legal experts.
The court directed that the committee’s collective input should be used to draft a comprehensive legislative framework for the regulation and monitoring of online gaming and betting in the state. The committee is expected to examine national and international best practices before submitting its recommendations.
Court acts suo motu amid rising online betting cases
The court took suo motu cognisance of the growing concern around unregulated online betting while hearing a petition filed by two individuals—Imran Khan and another—who were booked under the Public Gambling Act. The petitioners sought to quash the charges and trial proceedings against them.
According to the police, the accused were operating an online betting racket from their home in Agra and were allegedly earning crores of rupees. Police report also mentioned that many local residents were lured into gambling and lost their earnings through the illegal network.
Proceedings quashed, fresh probe allowed
In its ruling, the court quashed the ongoing proceedings against the accused, stating that the charges were filed under a law not suited for digital offences. However, the police have been granted the liberty to start a fresh investigation, provided it is done in compliance with the law.
Other states to also regulate online gambling
The Karnataka government is also drafting new legislation to regulate online gambling and betting platforms. The move aims to curb fraud, enhance user safety, and support the state’s fast-growing legal online gaming sector. The new law will be modelled on Chhattisgarh’s regulatory framework, which makes a clear distinction between games of skill and games of chance. While the government plans to prohibit chance-based gambling, it intends to support innovation and growth in skill-based online gaming.
While Haryana’s Assembly has already passed the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, introducing penalties for gambling, match-fixing, and organised betting. It aims to curb illegal gambling activities and ensure fair play in sports.
