New Delhi, Nov 20 (Media Release): Amid the ongoing discussion about legalising online betting in India, union sports minister KIren Rijiju has stated that the government is not considering any move regarding this and there might be awhile before the government comes out with any statement or decision regarding this. He, however, noted that the government might consider introducing lottery (online and offline) to fund sports programs and promote them in the remotest parts of India.
While stating that there are several other means to raise funds for sports apart from lottery, he noted, “Lottery is a good system. Like the UK, many countries have this system and it has generated a lot of money… I have to discuss the matter with the Prime Minister. Things are at an early stage, and lottery is one of the options that we are looking at as a source of funding for future. But lottery should be thought about in a professional way, not for gambling, stated a report at https://www.betrallyindia.com”
This statement comes at a time when there is an increased demand from all sections for legalising online betting. After a number of cases surfaced in Tamil Nadu Premier League regarding players accepting money to influence the results of matches, chief of BCCI ACU (anti-corruption unit) stated that the government should consider legalising betting to check corruption practices and make sports more popular among the masses. He had also mentioned that legalising betting will also ensure that the government earns millions in taxes paid by individuals betting on various sports.
Along with BCCI ACU chief, former supreme court judge mentioned the same and stated that the government needs to look at it progressively as a number of countries have legalised betting despite opposing it for so many years. Online betting is a huge source of income for the governments and authorities in countries like the United States, United Kingdom and Australia and if it is introduced with a proper mechanism in India, this could do wonders for both the government and sport fans.