Haryana Govt introduces new Gambling Bill, exempts game of skill, proposes penalties for match-fixing

Prepend to the content

The Haryana government has introduced the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, aimed at curbing match-fixing, spot-fixing, and illegal gambling in sports. The bill proposes stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to seven years and substantial fines for offenders.

According to the Bill and as reported by The Tribune, it seeks to repeal the Public Gambling Act, 1867, which the Law Commission of India had deemed obsolete in its 249th report. The proposed legislation aims to regulate betting in sports and elections while addressing fraudulent activities related to match-fixing and gambling.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Match-Fixing and Spot-Fixing Penalties: The bill defines match-fixing as any deliberate act to influence game outcomes, including insider information sharing or underperformance for financial gain. Offenders will face a minimum jail term of three years, extendable to five years, with a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. Repeat offenders will face a minimum of five years in prison, extendable to seven years, along with a fine of at least ₹7 lakh.
• Regulation of Betting and Gambling: The bill differentiates between “games of skill,” where skill plays a predominant role, and “games of chance,” which rely on chance or luck. A game of skill is one where the outcome is determined largely by a player’s knowledge, judgment, and expertise rather than chance. The state government will have the authority to classify specific games under these categories. 
• Crackdown on Gambling Networks: The bill includes provisions to penalize individuals operating illegal gambling houses or participating in gambling syndicates. It grants law enforcement officials the power to seize property and assets linked to gambling-related offenses.
• Enforcement and Search Powers: Executive magistrates and gazetted police officers will have the authority to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests without warrants if credible information about illegal gambling activities is received.
• Expanded Accountability in Sports: The bill extends beyond players, holding officials, referees, coaches, and ground staff accountable if they are found engaging in match-fixing or gambling activities.
• Definition of Betting and Gambling: The bill broadens the scope of gambling laws by including online gambling and betting in its framework. The definition of “common gaming house” has been expanded to cover digital platforms, incorporating computer networks, mobile applications, and other online systems used for betting and wagering. This change ensures that illegal online betting operations are subjected to strict enforcement measures.

Strengthening Gambling Laws in Haryana

Previously, on March 13, 2025, the Haryana government introduced the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, to strengthen gambling regulations. It proposed penalties, including up to one year in jail and fines of ₹10,000 for first-time offenders. Repeat violators could face harsher sentences of up to seven years and fines reaching ₹5 lakh. The bill also allowed law enforcement to take action against gambling establishments and confiscate related assets.

Currently, Haryana lacks specific provisions to address match-fixing. The bill seeks to fill this legal gap by implementing stricter regulations. It also aligns with broader efforts to protect the public from fraud and financial exploitation related to illegal betting activities.

The bill includes measures to attach or forfeit properties linked to gambling offenses under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). It empowers authorities to take decisive action against individuals and organizations violating gambling laws.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated, “Gambling laws in India are outdated, and technological advancements have changed betting practices. This legislation will safeguard the public from fraudulent betting syndicates. It is essential to create a regulatory framework that evolves with emerging challenges in online betting. By enforcing stricter measures, we aim to protect both players and the integrity of sports in Haryana.”

As Haryana moves toward implementing these reforms, the impact of this legislation on the sports and betting industries will be closely monitored. The proposed law is expected to shape future regulatory policies and enforcement strategies to combat illegal betting and match-fixing effectively.

The post Haryana Govt introduces new Gambling Bill, exempts game of skill, proposes penalties for match-fixing appeared first on G2G News.