The Public Gambling Act of
1867 forbids gambling in most of India. Nonetheless, under stringent legal
guidelines, several states permit horse racing and lotteries. On an individual
basis, the Central Government may approve some forms of gaming. Indian states
provide licences for legal gambling that brings in money for them, such as
online gaming, lotteries, and casinos.
The requirements for eligibility and the licencing
process change depending on the gaming laws and policies of each state. Prior
to granting gambling licences, a number of important factors are typically
examined, such as security clearances, creditworthiness, infrastructure and
labour availability, and the standing of the businesses submitting the
applications. Certain states automatically permit foreign direct investment in
casinos that hold a licence. Due to the stringent eligibility requirements, the
application and licence issuance fees can total several thousands or crores of
rupees. Each year, the licences are examined and renewed based on how well the
licence holders manage their gaming and gambling businesses. Terms that are
broken may result in fines, suspension, or cancellation of Indian gambling
licences.
Advantages of gambling Licenses:
- Legal Sanction: In
most states, operating a gambling or gaming business is illegal; but, obtaining
a licence grants legal sanction for such operations.
- Revenue Generation:
In a regulated area, licence holders can generate income from the profitable
legal gambling industry.
- Investor Funding:
The legitimacy that comes with holding a licence from the government helps
licence holders draw in investors and raise money.
- Tax perks: As a
means of encouraging travel and other related industries, licenced gaming
enterprises may enjoy tax breaks and perks.
- Advertising Rights:
Within the boundaries of permissible legal frameworks, licence holders have the
benefit of promoting their services to potential clients.
- Assistance with
Disputes: Because licensees are governed by the gaming regulators, they provide
assistance with dispute settlement in the event of disagreements.
- Property Rates: In
certain situations, states provide subsidised or reduced leases or rentals for
sites with gambling and/or casino licences.
- Travel
Inflow: When gaming is legalised, more people visit the area, which brings in
additional money for businesses that hold licences, such as hotels,
restaurants, and travel agencies.
