The Uttarakhand government in India has introduced the Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026, a new legislative proposal aimed at cracking down on illegal gambling and betting activities across the state. The bill seeks to replace outdated colonial-era legislation and introduce stricter penalties, expanded enforcement powers, and measures to target organised gambling networks.
Officials say the proposed law is designed to address the growing scale of gambling operations and provide stronger legal tools for law enforcement agencies.
The proposed bill will replace the Public Gambling Act, 1867, which continues to regulate gambling activities in many Indian states.
Authorities believe the existing law no longer reflects the realities of modern gambling networks. The penalties under the colonial law are relatively low, enforcement powers are limited, and the legislation does not address organised gambling operations that operate through structured networks.
The new bill seeks to modernise the legal framework by introducing tougher punishments and stronger policing powers.
Under the proposed law, individuals found gambling or facilitating gambling activities could face significant penalties.
“If Uttarakhand does an effective job of distinguishing between gambling and legitimate gaming eliminating the grey areas. It can not only strengthen enforcement, but also instills in India’s young burgeoning digital entertainment economy confidence.”
– Ananay Jain, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat
Punishments may include imprisonment ranging from three months to five years. In addition, offenders could be fined between ₹5,000 ($54.4) and ₹10 lakh ($10,890).
These penalties would apply not only to people participating in gambling activities but also to those who assist in organising or promoting such operations.
The bill also outlines specific penalties for gambling in public areas.
Public places include locations such as streets, lanes, parks, and other open spaces. If a person is caught gambling in these areas, they could face up to three months in jail, a fine of up to ₹5,000 ($54.4), or both.
Authorities say this provision is aimed at discouraging visible gambling activities that take place in public settings.
Running a gambling house or betting den will attract stricter punishment under the proposed legislation.
Operators of such establishments could face imprisonment of up to five years along with a fine of up to ₹1 lakh ($1,089). Officials say these measures are intended to target locations where gambling activities are organised on a regular basis.
The bill also addresses situations where gambling is organised within private homes. Individuals hosting gambling activities at their residence may face imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to ₹10,000 ($109).
This bill lands in a year when the regulatory landscape for online gaming is already being rewritten. The Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 bans real money online games and creates a powerful central regulator.
“Investors were already on alert after the government blocked over 1,400 illegal gambling sites and imposed a 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST). Uttarakhand’s decision strengthens the signal that India wants to clearly separate illegal betting from legitimate gaming,” said Ananay Jain, Partner & National Media & Entertainment Industry Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat.
“Investors look at signals and not separate policy pieces. With the RMG sector already dealing with a national ban, heavy enforcement, and higher taxes, funding there will stay slow,” Jain added.
Jain explained to SiGMA News that, the non-real money gaming (RMG) side becomes more appealing. “Stronger antigambling laws help clearly separate illegal betting from genuine esports, casual gaming, animation, visual effects (VFX), immersive content and game-tech categories now recognised under national rules. The new National Registry of certified games will further reassure investors by backing compliant studios.”
The legislation places special focus on organised gambling networks operating as gangs or syndicates.
If gambling is conducted as part of an organised operation, offenders could face imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines that may reach ₹10 lakh ($10,890).
Authorities say this provision aims to dismantle structured betting networks and address large-scale illegal gambling activities.
The Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026 has already received approval from the state cabinet. The next step is its introduction in the state legislative assembly.
If the bill is passed by the assembly, it will replace the existing law and become the primary legal framework governing gambling offences in Uttarakhand.
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