State Associations Divided On Legalising Betting And Gambling

Oct 3, 2017 at 1:22 PM

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State Associations Divided On Legalising Betting And Gambling

Legal betting in cricket has always been a matter of big debate. While legal betting is allowed in football, cricket is yet to take that route and perhaps that is the reason that the menace of spot-fixing has not been curbed from the game yet.

And to take a step forward in curbing the menace, the Law Commission of India had written to the state associations to seek their views on a recommendation from the Justice R M Lodha Committee on legalising betting and gambling. However, just like the previous times, the state associations have given divided opinions with some in its favour while some completely oppose it.

According to a report in The Indian Express, at least one association has warned against legalising betting few do not see anything wrong with it.

Sanjay Singh, member secretary, Law Commission of India, had written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its member bodies, making them aware that the Supreme Court has mandated the Commission to study the possibility of legalising betting in India.

“The recommendation made by the Commission that betting should be legalised by law involves the enactment of a law, which is a matter that may be examined by the Law Commission and the Government for such action as it may consider necessary in the facts and circumstances of the case,” stated that letter that was written on July 31.

“May I add here that keeping in view the intertwining nature of betting and gambling, the Commission has decided to consider examination of both, the betting and gambling. I would, therefore, request you to forward the views of your association on the matter to the Commission at the earliest, as we would like to submit our report in line with the directions of the Supreme Court, at an early date,” the latter added.

The news outlet further claimed that so far only Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has responded to the letter, expressing its reservation over the suggestion.

“It is our belief, as also our deep concern, that legalisation of betting will, both directly and indirectly, enhance and encourage the vice and the tendency of gambling in rather unrestricted manner,” SCA honorary joint secretary Madhukar Worah wrote.

“The temptation to earn easy money through betting will be very much detrimental to economically weaker as also illiterate sections of the society. Besides, this will also indirectly encourage the menace of match-fixing and other undesirable anti-social elements,” he added.

DDCA administrator Justice Vikramajit, while stating that he did not see anything wrong with the proposal, confirmed that the association had received the letter but not have replied yet.

“I don’t see anything wrong with it (legalising betting). I think it will make the whole game much cleaner. That is my personal opinion,” Justice Sen said.

On the other hand, another official said that legalising betting and gambling would not only curb match-fixing but would also the coffers of the government.

“Speaking on a personal basis, I feel this would be a fantastic thing, because all underhanded dealings — betting, gambling etc., — will completely go. It will also directly contribute to the central exchequer. Organisations like Ladbrokes will set up their offices here. And as everything will be official and registered, in case of spot-fixing, they can immediately find out the persons involved,” the official said.

“Maybe, in a country like India, betting regulations need to be stricter compared to the UK, for example,” the official said.

 

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