Online gambling in India is gaining momentum and sparking heated debates

Today, millions of people in India play on online platforms, and the size of this market is estimated at billions of dollars. Recently, the authorities adopted a strict law that is supposed to completely ban online gambling across the country. However, the question remains: will the ban really solve the problems of addiction and money outflow, or should India pay attention to the experience of other countries, such as the United Kingdom, where online gambling is regulated? In this article, we will analyze why India chose the path of prohibition, how the British model of control works, and which scenarios may be more beneficial for the country.

Why India chooses prohibition and what concerns drive the authorities

The recently adopted law in India bans almost all forms of online gambling, including the organization, financing, and promotion of such platforms. Serious penalties are provided for violations, up to imprisonment. The main arguments of the supporters of the ban boil down to three points:

• Protecting families from debt and gambling addiction, which often accompany participation in gambling.
• Combating aggressive marketing, especially towards youth and vulnerable groups.
• Preventing the outflow of huge sums of money abroad, which undermines the country’s economic stability.

However, the reality is that even in regions with strict restrictions, it has not been possible to completely eliminate online gambling. Users simply switch to foreign sites that operate outside the control of Indian authorities. The ban often drives the problem underground, making it less visible but no less dangerous.

Information campaigns as a way out of the crisis

Many players, especially in rural regions of the country, often simply do not realize the full danger of their hobby. In addition, poverty often stimulates them to place bets. The example of other countries shows that conducting information campaigns is an effective tool in the fight against gambling addiction. Greater responsibility in this matter falls on operators.

Online bookmakers with an international license must post information on their website about the risks and possible consequences of participating in gambling. We decided to check whether they actually do this. Contacting representatives of sites with reviews of such bookmakers gave the expected result: major bookmakers comply with all ethical requirements. The authors of the site that covers Telangana IPL betting apps note that they themselves inform visitors about the negative consequences of betting. These are the requirements of the law, which no one seeks to violate.

Of course, an information campaign by itself will not be that effective. It works best as part of a comprehensive approach to the problem, especially together with legalization.

How the British system turns the market into a transparent and controlled sphere

In the United Kingdom, online gambling is allowed, but its development is strictly controlled by a single state body — the Gambling Commission. All companies that want to operate in the British market are required to obtain a license. Licensing is the process of checking a company for compliance with legal requirements and safety standards.

The regulator requires operators to undergo reliability checks, comply with anti-money laundering rules, and ensure player protection. An important element has become self-exclusion programs, which allow a player to temporarily or permanently block their own access to betting. Platforms are required to implement deposit limits and provide transparent mechanisms for filing complaints.

This approach makes the market transparent. Consumers can choose between licensed brands, and the state can monitor compliance with the rules. On popular portals such as Hityah.com, players can compare the conditions of different operators and make informed decisions.

What economic and social benefits regulation brings in the United Kingdom

Regulation allows not only to protect players, but also to turn gambling into a source of income for the budget. Operators pay taxes, which are directed to:

• Funding programs for addiction treatment.
• Conducting information campaigns about the risks of gambling.
• Strengthening control and the work of supervisory authorities.

Legal companies receive the right to advertise within the established rules, can sponsor sports events, enter into commercial contracts, and create jobs. All this contributes to the development of the economy and an increase in revenues to the treasury.

For comparison, in India a significant part of the income goes to offshore sites that do not pay taxes and do not comply with local laws. As a result, the state loses control, and players lose protection.

The advantages of regulation for society and the state can be singled out in a separate list:

• Growth of tax revenues.
• Protection of vulnerable groups and combating addiction.
• Reduction of the scale of the illegal market.
• Increased transparency and accountability of operators.

Why even advanced regulation does not solve all problems

Even in the United Kingdom, where the control system is considered one of the most advanced, certain difficulties remain. Some operators violate the rules and do not sufficiently protect vulnerable players. There are debates in society about the admissibility of checking solvency and storing clients’ personal data.

Gambling advertising in sports sparks heated discussions, and certain loopholes in the law allow new forms of risk to emerge. Critics note that regulation does not always keep up with the development of technology and companies’ marketing strategies.

Among the weak points of the regulated system, the following can be singled out:

• Insufficient protection of certain categories of players.
• Difficulties in controlling advertising, especially on the Internet.
• The possibility of circumventing rules through new products and platforms.

What steps India can take to create its own effective system

The legal and cultural situation in India is very different from the British one. The country has a complex system of division of powers between the center and the states, and attitudes towards gambling are often determined by traditions and economic priorities.

Nevertheless, India can develop its own model of regulation, taking into account its characteristics. Possible elements of such a system include:

• Introduction of licensing for certain types of games and operators.
• Mandatory identification and verification of players to prevent the participation of minors.
• Establishment of clear advertising rules limiting the impact on youth.
• Use of tax revenues to fund social and medical programs.

Experts and industry representatives note that regulation allows the state to control the market, protect citizens, and gain economic benefits. Public organizations emphasize the importance of transparency and operator accountability.

What the choice between prohibition and regulation may mean for India’s future

India faces a difficult dilemma. Prohibition deprives the state of control tools and does not solve the problem of the shadow market. Regulation, on the contrary, gives the opportunity to track money flows, protect players, and use revenues for the benefit of society.

What will bring India long-term success — strict restriction or a flexible control system? Perhaps the country should openly discuss which path will lead to a better balance between economic interests and the protection of citizens.