Editorial Simplified – Should Gambling be Legalized

SHOULD GAMBLING BE LEGALIZED?

Important points to be noted in this article are as follows :

Gambling is ubiquitous in Indian society: people bet on animal fights on streets, they make bets while playing cards and before cricket matches. Gambling is a principle inherent in human nature.

Public Gambling Act, 1867

While societal attitudes towards gambling have changed in the last century, with gambling now seen as a legitimate form of recreation, Indian laws have not kept pace with the times. Although gambling and betting is a State subject, the primary law on which States have framed their gambling legislation is an archaic, British-era law called the Public Gambling Act, 1867. Ironically, while India follows a British-era prohibitionist statute, the U.K. legalised and regulated various forms of gambling and betting many decades ago.

Why Legalize Gambling?

The reasons to look at legalising and regulating gambling are manifold.

  • RAMPANT :Gambling is already happening in a massive way. Law enforcement authorities are not able to stop it.
  • BLACK MONEY :Legalising the activity will not only help curtail an important source of black money that is used by criminal syndicates.
  • REVENUE :The size of the gambling market in India is estimated to be about $60 billion or even higher. Government could earn tens of thousands of crores as tax revenue by legalising sports betting. If online gambling and casinos are also permitted, the estimated tax revenue would be much higher.
  • EMPLOYMENT : In addition to revenue generation, a legal and regulated gambling sector will also help in creating large-scale employment opportunities. Globally, wherever gambling is regulated, it has created a massive avenue for employment generation.

Way forward

  • There are numerous instances of people losing their livelihoods and committing suicide due to unchecked gambling.A robust regulatory framework governing the gaming sector will ensure that people do not fall prey to the excesses of gambling.
  • Awareness campaigns should educate people about the perils of excessive gambling.
  • Minors, habitual gamblers and vulnerable sections should be excluded from having access to gaming facilities; and
  • Limits must be imposed on the amounts that can be wagered, based on a person’s financial capabilities.

Relevance  : GS 2, 4

 

Try this probable Mains question

Discuss the ethical aspects of practising gambling. Can legalising gambling prove beneficial for Indian economy. Comment. [ 200 words]

 

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