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Punjab bans sale of all types of online lottery schemes

The issue surrounding online rummy, online poker and gaming industry still persists. The year started with the Maharashtrian government banning online lotteries in other states for the loss of revenues. It shouldn’t be surprising that Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday decided to ban the sale of all types of online lottery schemes in the state.

Under section 5 of the Lotteries (Regulation) Act 1998, the Punjab government banned online lotteries operated by Indian or foreign sellers. After a cabinet meeting, a spokesperson said that this will not only help in checking illegal lottery business but also boosts the state’s tax and non-tax revenues.

The Punjab government gave the approval to prohibit the sale of computerized and online lotteries marketed and operated through electronic machines, vending machines as well as online schemes tickets sold, organized, conducted or promoted through the internet by any state within the Indian or by foreign territory. Considering the decision, the government of the region will only allow the sale of paper lottery tickets. Last month, Maharashtra government also shifted their focus to reintroduce paper-based lottery which will be generating a proper collection of taxes.

Back in the year 2015, the Punjab government asserted its intent to start online lottery schemes in a bid to generate revenue for various welfare schemes. And 6 years down the lane that the state decided to go back on its decision by banning all types of lottery schemes.

Lotteries are allowed in other states of India including Goa, Kerala, Mizoram, Punjab, Sikkim, Nagaland, West Bengal, Bodoland Territorial Council region (BTC). In December 2019, Home Minister James K. Sangma declared the introduction of both paper and online lottery in Meghalaya to facilitate participation by enthusiasts from all over India wherever the lottery is legal.

The Directorate of Lotteries has been asked to liaise with the police authorities to curb the illegal lotteries in the State of Punjab, and ADGP (Law and Order) has been appointed as a nodal officer to initiate action against these illegal lotteries. For the latest updates on the gaming industry and poker tournaments around the world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com and stay tuned!

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