Gurugram: The Haryana government is bringing a law providing stringent punishment for match-fixing, spot-fixing and gambling in sports or elections. It introduced the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, in the state assembly Wednesday.
The bill proposes a minimum of three years’ imprisonment for match-fixing and spot-fixing, extendable up to five years. Additionally, there is a provision for a fine of at least Rs 5 lakh. For repeat offenders, the punishment increases to a minimum of five years, extendable to seven years, along with a fine of up to Rs 7 lakh.
The Law Commission of India had earlier recommended repeal of the Public Gambling Act of 1867, terming the central legislation obsolete. Given that gambling laws fall under the State List, Haryana has the authority to legislate on this matter.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Haryana gambling bill says majority of gambling laws in India have become outdated because there has been a sea change in how people gamble, considering how technology has advanced.
It added that betting syndicates are playing havoc with the finances of the general public as the legislation has not yet been updated. “It has become necessary to introduce stringent punishment for those involved in organising gambling.”
The Statement further says that the bill aims to curb organised gambling, prevent match-fixing and betting in sports or elections, and protect citizens from fraud.
Notably, the existing law on gambling, the Public Gambling Act, 1867, provides for a fine not exceeding Rs 200 or imprisonment of up to three months for anyone who owns, operates, or manages a gaming house. The same applies to individuals who permit their premises to be used for gambling or finance gambling activities.
Individuals found playing or present for gambling in such gaming houses face a fine of up to Rs 100 or imprisonment for up to one month. Mere presence during gaming activities creates a presumption of intent to gamble, says the existing law.
For subsequent offenses under Sections 3 or 4, the punishment is doubled. However, the fine cannot exceed Rs 600, and imprisonment cannot exceed one year, according to the 1857 Act.
Currently, Haryana lacks specific provisions to deal with match-fixing. The bill defines match-fixing as any act or omission intended to provide undue advantage to an individual or a team, including instances where players underperform for financial gains, share insider information, or alter field conditions for benefits, a senior officer of the Home Department told ThePrint.
It covers all individuals involved in organising sports, such as officials, coaches, referees, and ground staff.
The bill also includes provisions to penalise those involved in gambling activities, operating gambling syndicates, and running common gaming houses. It grants powers to executive magistrates or gazetted police officers to conduct searches, seize property, and make arrests without a warrant.
Additionally, any property acquired through gambling offenses will be subject to confiscation under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The bill distinguishes between games of skill and games of chance, allowing the state government to notify games that fall under either category.
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)
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