In a landmark move to cleanse sports and public life of corruption, the Haryana government introduced the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025 in the state assembly on March 19, 2025. The legislation hailed as a “zero-tolerance manifesto” against organized crime, prescribes stringent penalties for match-fixing, spot-fixing, and election gambling, with jail terms ranging from 3 to 7 years and fines up to ₹7 lakh.
Key Provisions: A Legal Earthquake
The bill defines match-fixing as any act to manipulate sports outcomes for undue advantage, including underperformance, insider leaks, or altering field conditions. Coaches, referees, and even ground staff fall under its ambit. First-time offenders face a minimum 3-year imprisonment (extendable to 5 years) and ₹5 lakh fines. Repeat violators risk 5–7 years behind bars.
For election gambling, the bill criminalizes betting on electoral outcomes, a rampant practice influencing voter behavior. Additionally, operating “common gaming houses” or gambling syndicates invites asset confiscation under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Tech-Driven Gambling: A Legal Blind Spot Addressed
The 1867 Public Gambling Act, designed for Victorian-era dice games, is ill-equipped for today’s encrypted betting apps and cryptocurrency transactions. The new bill empowers magistrates and police to conduct warrantless searches, seize digital devices, and freeze illicit assets. Home Department officials confirm that games of skill (e.g., poker, fantasy leagues) will be exempt, pending state notification.
Industry Reactions: Praise and Skepticism
Former Indian Premier League integrity officer Neeraj Kumar lauded the bill as “a deterrent against syndicates exploiting young athletes.” However, legal experts like Advocate Ramesh Gupta warn of enforcement challenges: “Proving match-fixing requires forensic audits of bank trails and insider testimonies—resources our police lack.”
With Haryana hosting 30% of India’s sports academies, this bill could set a nationwide precedent. As the Rohtak Rhinos cricket coach remarked, “Clean sports begin with fear of consequences.”