Indian State Removes Jail Term for Gambling Offences

A Clear Break From Older Rules

The old law sent people to jail for one month for simple gambling offences. It also set fines as low as Rs 100. More serious cases could lead to six months in jail and much higher penalties. The new amendment — passed through the Odisha Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 — removes all jail terms and brings in a graded fine structure.

The new system starts with a Rs 5000 fine for basic violations. Serious offences may reach Rs 75000. Officials say fines may work better than short jail terms, which often fail to change long-term behavior. Changes include:

• Jail terms removed for all gambling offences

• Minimum fine raised to Rs 5000

• Higher fines added for more serious cases

This update follows the Union government’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025. That law supports e-sports and social gaming — while banning money-based online games and related financial activity.

Push to Modernise the Legal Framework

State leaders say older gambling rules no longer fit today’s conditions. Many small offences led to short jail terms that added to court delays. By moving to fines, the state hopes to ease this burden. Officials argue that money penalties are easier to enforce and may offer more consistent results.

India is also moving toward simpler criminal procedures. Hence, Odisha aims to align with national efforts that cut down on jail time for minor cases and reduce pressure on local jails. The state says the goal is a fair and modern legal system that matches current needs.

Opposition Raises Sharp Questions

Opposition members raised strong concerns. One senior leader said the timing appears risky, as the Union government is tightening rules on online games. He warned that removing jail terms may allow gambling to spread faster. He argued that earlier lawmakers used imprisonment to limit the activity, and paying a fine may reduce accountability.

Ruling Party Defends the Decision

The ruling party rejected the criticism and said the opposition is using the issue for political gain. Leaders noted that earlier governments talked about updating the law but never made changes. They believe higher fines will support cleaner enforcement — without adding pressure on courts.

Officials say the aim is simple — a legal approach that works for today’s social and economic realities. The impact of the new rules will become clearer in the months ahead.