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Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Strict Anti-Gambling Bill with Hefty Fines

The Uttarakhand cabinet has approved the Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026, introducing stringent penalties to combat illegal gambling. The new law proposes imprisonment from three months to five years and fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10 lakh for various gambling offenses. It aims to replace the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867, which currently imposes only minor penalties. The bill will now be presented in the state legislative assembly for enactment.

Key Points: Uttarakhand Approves Strict Public Gambling Prevention Bill

  • Up to 5 years jail for running dens
  • Fines from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10 lakh
  • Replaces 1867 colonial-era law
  • Targets organized syndicate gambling
2 min read

Uttarakhand cabinet approves Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026 to curb illegal gambling

Uttarakhand cabinet approves new gambling bill with up to 5 years jail & Rs 10 lakh fine to replace 1867 law and curb illegal betting.

"stricter action will be taken against gambling and betting activities in the state - State Government"

Dehradun, March 7

The Government of Uttarakhand will now take strict legal action against people involved in gambling at public places and those running gambling dens in the state, following the cabinet's approval of the Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026.

Under the proposed legislation, any individual found guilty of gambling or facilitating gambling activities may face imprisonment ranging from a minimum of three months to a maximum of five years, along with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10 lakh.

The bill, approved by the state cabinet on Friday, will now be presented in the upcoming session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly as the Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026.

At present, the state follows the Public Gambling Act of 1867, enacted by the Central Government, which provides only minor penalties for gambling in public places and for operating gambling houses. However, once the new Public Gambling Prevention law comes into force, stricter action will be taken against gambling and betting activities in the state.

According to the provisions of the proposed law, gambling in public places such as streets or lanes may lead to simple imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of Rs 5,000, or both. Organising gambling inside a house can result in up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 10,000. Running a gambling den may lead to up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of Rs 1 lakh or both.

Additionally, operating gambling or betting activities in an organised or syndicate-like manner may lead to imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

The bill aims to replace the outdated colonial-era legislation with stricter provisions to effectively curb gambling activities in the state.

The new legislation is expected to act as a strong deterrent against public gambling and organised betting operations in Uttarakhand.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While curbing illegal gambling is important, I hope the enforcement is smart and doesn't unfairly target poor people playing small-stakes games. The focus should be on the organised rings and online betting apps that cause real harm.
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Priya S
Good move by the government. In my colony, these gambling activities near parks create a nuisance. Families can't even send children out to play in peace. Strict laws are required for public safety and order.
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Vikram M
The punishment seems quite harsh for someone just playing cards in their own house (up to 2 years!). The law should differentiate between casual social gambling among friends and organised crime. This needs a rethink.
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Aman W
Finally getting rid of a British-era law! But the real test is implementation. Will the police actually act, or will it just lead to more bribes? The government must ensure proper monitoring.
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Nikhil C
This is good for society's moral fabric. Gambling addiction destroys lives and leads to debt and crime. The focus on 'syndicate-like' operations is key. Hope it also cracks down on those illegal cricket betting networks.

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