A recent study by the Pahle India Foundation has shed light on the adverse effects of government restrictions on lotteries in the digital era. The research, revealed on Friday, highlights not only a significant loss of revenue for state governments but also the absence of legal protection for Indian players seeking online alternatives.
As reported by The Week, according to the findings, if properly regulated and legalized, lotteries could contribute over Rs. 91,000 crore annually to the treasury. The foundation, led by former NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar, conducted a comprehensive year-long research to arrive at these conclusions.
With lottery legality limited to just 10 Indian states, the study reveals a surge in online alternatives provided by offshore entities, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the government. Moreover, this trend exposes players to various fraudulent activities, compounded by the lack of legal recourse in the underground sector.
Ravi Pokharna, Executive Director of Pahle India Foundation, emphasized the necessity of reassessing bans in favor of effective regulation to safeguard consumer interests. He noted, “If people continue to engage in lottery despite the ban, as is evident in India, governments must prioritize implementing regulations to ensure consumer protection.”
Furthermore, the study underscores the outdated nature of existing regulations, which date back around 25 years and fall short of global standards promoting player safety, responsible gaming, and transparency.
