AIGF insists on legalising sports betting in India

The objectives of AIGF include diffusion of useful knowledge and promotion of sporting in the Asian country.

India.- The All India Gaming Federation, AIGF has appealed to the Prime Minister to legalise sports betting in the country. In the letter sent to the PM, AIGF has stressed how the lack of funds available to various sports governing bodies in the country has affected India’s performance on the world stage, the most recent example being the Rio Olympics. Revenue generated by legalising betting in sports may turn the tables.

AIGF is a not-for-profit organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in Mumbai and was launched last month in Delhi. AIGF’s objectives are the diffusion of useful knowledge and promotion of sporting and gaming activities, urging the state and central governments to regulate gaming/gambling activities and suggesting measures to prevent gambling addiction.

“It is important to note that various industry bodies and jurists like Justice Lodha have recommended legalising sports betting as an important measure to improve sporting facilities and eliminate fraud/betting in sports,” reads the letter.

In addition, the AIGF suggests organising a sports lottery under the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998, the proceeds of which can be pumped into sports infrastructure and welfare of sports persons in India.