Law Commission of India Chairman Justice B S Chauhan is calling for an in-depth study of whether the country should legalize sports betting.
Chauhan wants the study to look at the social, economic and moral implications of sports betting and address myths about sports betting.
“Individual freedom was the basic right which we all look up to but the vulnerable sections of the society need protection at the same time,” Chauhan said in an address at the first India Gaming Conclave.
“While those in favor of legalizing betting believe in the need to protect individual autonomy and minimum state interference, those disfavoring it believe that preserving societal order and morality was also important,” he said. “Therefore, there was a need for reforms that aim at flexibility while ensuring freedom of choice for the consumers. Hence, there was a need to strike a balance between freedom and choice.”
Chauhan also said that the socio-economic impact of legalizing gambling must be addressed.
“There was a grave risk that legalizing this activity might adversely affect the social fabric of India. There were chances that people in a bid to earn quick money through gambling might resort to unlawful means,” he said. “A comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic circumstances in light of the constitutional guidelines was thereby essential before framing an umbrella legislation that legalizes gambling.
“The second problem relates to the social repercussions that are a direct consequence of gambling,” he said. “One fallout could be increased crime, loan sharking, worsening of the living standards of the poor and lower middle class and changes in behavioral norms and social ethics.”
