BENGALURU: The gambling scene in the city has been rather quiet since November 8, according to top police sources. Police have not received any major tip-offs this week in connection with gambling activities, they said.
There are five to ten raids conducted by the police against gamblers every week following tip-offs, said a top cop. “Night raids are particularly effective, all the more now due to the extension of night life deadline in the city up to 1 am,” he said.
The police have not received news of gambling activity anywhere this week. “This makes us infer that the demonetisation has played a clear role in keeping cash availability in check,” a police official said. Many recreation clubs where legalised gambling generally takes place have also reported a major slump in business this week, he added.
When asked why payments could not be deferred among a known set of individuals, the cop said, “No one in the gambling business trusts anyone. The right hand does not trust the left hand, so there is no question of any payment based on trust.”
Asked about the gambling scene in the city, Police Commissioner S Megharikh, said, “It is logical that when money is out of circulation, gambling activities come to a halt as it is based only on hard cash. However, we cannot quantify the extent to which it has come down this week.”
Gambling activities are not always organised, he added. “It can take place even between friends. It is not possible to maintain a record.” The city is a hub for gambling with many betting activities taking place in a large number of so-called recreation clubs.