Uttarakhand cabinet approves Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026 to curb illegal gambling
Uttarakhand approved a new bill with stricter penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines, to combat illegal gambling.Summary
The Uttarakhand cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026, aiming to replace the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867 with more stringent measures against illegal gambling. The new legislation introduces penalties ranging from three months to five years imprisonment and fines from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10 lakh for individuals involved in gambling or operating gambling dens. Specifically, gambling in public places could result in up to three months imprisonment or a Rs 5,000 fine, while running a gambling den could lead to five years imprisonment and a Rs 1 lakh fine. Organized gambling operations face imprisonment of three to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. The bill is expected to be presented in the upcoming session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly and is intended to act as a strong deterrent against gambling activities in the state.
(Source：The Economic Times)