'Moral position of gambling unclear'

There is a need for an overhaul of both legislation and the paradigms concerning gambling if any corrective or regulatory measures are to be taken with regard to the spot fixing controversies that have dogged the Indian Premier League. The fundamental of the problem, however, lies in the lack of clarity over the moral position of gambling, according to an Issue Brief released by The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy on Thursday.

The recently launched think tank has called for detailed studies on various aspects of gambling and its impact on society. These were part of the observations and analyses that were part of the first public policy document released by the Centre.

The Issue Brief addressed four clearly delineated aspects of the gambling conundrum in chapters titled ‘The Moral Greyness of Gambling’, ‘Legal Framework of Gambling & Sports-Betting in India’, ‘Not Cricket’ and ‘Regulation of Gambling in Other Countries’. The Issue Brief was jointly authored by Rajgopal Saikumar and Harsimran Kalra, public policy scholars with The Hindu Centre, and Abhishek Mukherjee, Digital Content Coordinator of the Centre.  “There is a need for clarity on how gambling is different in nature from other crimes. Only then can we evolve a proper strategy to regulate it. The moral paternalism being displayed by judiciary towards gambling does not aid the process of understanding and regulating it,” said Rajgopal.

Even as there is a need for clear and contemporary legislation to address gambling, more understanding is required on factors surrounding the issue, said Kalra. The authors also recommended that the law needs to take a measured view of dealing with gambling, instead of blanket solutions.

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