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Haryana Government Revamps Online Gaming Laws

The Haryana Government has taken a significant step toward modernizing gambling laws to tackle contemporary challenges like match-fixing and online betting. The Goverment plays to replace the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867 with the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, 

With stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to seven years, the bill reflects a firm stance against illegal gambling operations. Its implementation could play a crucial role in preserving sports integrity, particularly in cricket, which has faced multiple fixing scandals over the years.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Match-Fixing and Spot-Fixing Penalties: The bill defines match-fixing as any deliberate attempt to manipulate game outcomes, including sharing insider information or underperforming for financial gain. Offenders will face a minimum imprisonment of three years, extendable up to five years, along with a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. Repeat offenders will face a prison term of at least five years, extendable to seven years, and a fine of no less than ₹7 lakh.

• Regulation of Betting and Gambling: The bill distinguishes between “games of skill,” where outcomes depend primarily on a player’s expertise, and “games of chance,” which rely on luck. The state government will have the authority to classify specific games under these categories.

• Crackdown on Gambling Networks: The bill imposes strict penalties on individuals operating illegal gambling houses or participating in gambling syndicates. Law enforcement agencies will have the power to seize assets and properties linked to gambling-related offenses.

• Enforcement and Search Powers: Executive magistrates and gazetted police officers will be authorized to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests without warrants based on credible information about illegal gambling activities.

• Expanded Accountability in Sports: The bill extends liability beyond players to include officials, referees, coaches, and ground staff involved in match-fixing or gambling-related offenses.

• Definition of Betting and Gambling: The bill broadens the legal scope of gambling by including online betting and gambling platforms. The definition of a “common gaming house” now encompasses digital platforms, such as computer networks, mobile apps, and online systems used for betting, ensuring stricter enforcement against illegal online gambling activities.

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Haryana currently lacks dedicated legal provisions to combat match-fixing. The proposed bill aims to bridge this gap by introducing stricter regulations while reinforcing broader efforts to safeguard the public from fraud and financial exploitation linked to illegal betting.

Additionally, the bill incorporates measures under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to seize or forfeit properties associated with gambling offenses. It grants authorities the power to take decisive action against individuals and organizations violating gambling laws.

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As Haryana advances with these reforms, the legislation’s impact on the sports and betting industries will be closely observed. The proposed law is set to influence future regulatory policies and enforcement strategies aimed at effectively tackling illegal betting and match-fixing.

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