Shivam Mishra, Raipur. As per the instructions of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government has taken important steps to strictly ban gambling and betting, especially online gambling, in the state and take swift action against those involved. Under the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act 2022, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the State Economic Offenses Investigation (EOW) have now been given the right to investigate and take action.
After the publication of this notification, ACB and EOW will be able to take quick and effective action in cases of online gambling. Till now ACB and EOW used to investigate only cases of corruption and financial irregularities, but with this step their scope has increased further.
Investigation will be done in the same wing
With ACB and EOW getting the right to investigate and take action under the Gambling Act, these cases will be investigated under the same wing, which will make investigation easier and action faster. This will effectively crack down on gambling and betting in the state.
Online gambling has been included in the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act 2022. Under this, there is a provision of 7 years imprisonment and non-bailable sections if found guilty. The Act makes owning a gambling house, gambling, online gambling, violation of advertising prohibition and crime by the company as cognizable and non-bailable offences.
Online gambling platform term added to definition of gambling house
The new Act adds the term online gambling platform to the definition of gambling house and the term electronic record, device, mobile app, and electronic transfer of funds to the definition of equipment. The old Act did not have any provision for punishment for online gambling, but now separate punishment has been provided, which provides for a maximum of 3 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. Repeat offenders can be punished with a maximum of 7 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
This new move will ensure strict monitoring and action on online gambling and betting in the state, thereby minimising its negative impacts on society.
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