Where to gamble legally in Karnataka
As is the case in many states in India, the laws governing Karnataka are not exactly friendly to gambling, but that has not stopped residents from finding ways to indulge in the activity.
The simple truth is that gambling is here to stay, especially with the advent of offshore sports betting and online casino sites.
The relationship between India and gambling is a very delicate one. The laws of the land are predominantly anti-gambling, stipulating fines, and prison terms for offenders, but the industry continues to thrive in the country. The Indian gambling industry is said to be worth over 60 billion dollars.
When it comes to revenue generation from gambling, Karnataka has got tremendous potential. It is the eighth largest state by population in India, boasting just over 60 million people. Bordered by the Arabian Sea and home to bubbly cities like Bangalore and Mangalore, Karnataka is a popular tourist destination. The state has the fourth biggest economy in the country. Unfortunately, its gambling potentials continue to be stifled by India’s archaic laws.
The central gambling law in India is the Public Gaming Act of 1867, which prohibits gambling in land-based gaming houses, but like many other laws in India, it says virtually nothing about online gambling.
According to the Indian constitution (1950), states are now allowed to formulate their own gambling laws. While some have stuck with the ancient central law, others, like Karnataka, have adjusted their gambling regulations. Gambling in Karnataka is governed by the Karnataka Police Act of 1963. The law shares many similarities with the Public Gaming Act, including its silence on online gambling.
Like the Public Gaming Act, the Karnataka Police Act prohibits wagering on games of chance but allows games of skill. The problem here is that a lot of games have elements of luck and skill. How do you distinguish between games of chance and games of skill? Why would horse racing, for example, be considered a game of skill, and not football or cricket? This remains an ongoing debate in India.
There is a lack of clarity in Indian gambling laws, a vagueness that has resulted in a number of court cases across the country over the years.
Back in 1995, Karnataka was involved in a case with M.J Sivani regarding the legality of Rummy. The Supreme Court eventually ruled that Rummy is a game of skill and not a game of chance; effectively legalizing the game.
Horse Racing was legalized in the 1970’s in Karnataka, which hosts two of the biggest racing clubs in the country- the Bangalore Turf Club and the Mysore Race Club. Poker has also been adjudged by many courts in India as a game of skill.
Karnataka capital, Bangalore is known for its nightlife and considered to be one of the main gambling hubs in India. The city is famous for its poker and rummy clubs, which attract players from all over the country. The Karnataka High Court passed an order in 2013 allowing recreational poker clubs to run with registered members.
If you want a more complete gambling experience without the fear of falling foul of the law, the place to go is online! Offshore companies are permitted to offer services to Indian players, as long as the casinos accept Indian Rupees. There are many great online casinos in India, most of them adorned with some fantastic casino games.
To find the best online casinos in India, we recommend checking out a comparison site like MyCasino.in
While you enjoy these games, remember to gamble responsibly. Gambling should be seen primarily as a source of entertainment, and not as a means of making quick money. If you enjoy the experience and play with the right attitude, maybe someday you will eventually hit the jackpot!
