Arbaaz Khan-IPL Betting Case: List of Countries Where Gambling on Cricket is Legalised

Mumbai, June 2: In a sensational crackdown by the Thane Police's Anti-Extortion Cell, renowned Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan was summoned in connection to a high-profile IPL betting racket. In the interrogation earlier in the day, Arbaaz confessed to have placed bets on cricket matches for the past six years.

"6 accused have been arrested in cricket betting racket. Arbaaz Khan's name came up in the case during interrogation of Sonu Jalan. Arbaaz's statement has been recorded. Some new names have cropped up, action will be taken against them," DCP (Crime) Abhishek Trimukhe said.

While speaking to media reporters, Arbaaz confirmed the confession of his crime. "My statement has been recorded. Police asked whatever they needed in this investigation and I answered them. I will continue to cooperate with them," he added.

List of Countries Where Gambling on Cricket is Legalised:

• Australia: According to a survey, nearly 80 per cent of Australian youths are into gambling. In order to regulate the betting industry, the government had legalised betting in 1998 -- subject to certain laws and restrictions. Cricket Australia (CA) has been authorised to monitor betting activities both online and offline.
• South Africa: Betting on cricket and other sports was illegal in South Africa till 2004.  Fourteen years ago, however, a legislation was passed with removed the ban on betting. The law - National Gambling Act of 2004 - permitted gambling, subjecting it to certain regulations. However, a provincial or national license is essential to participate in the gambling.
• New Zealand: The Gambling Act of 2003 made betting legalised in New Zealand. Although the gambling on sports was partially permitted in the country since 1990, under the Casino Control Act, a clarity in law and regulation came after 2003.
• Sri Lanka: Betting was legalised in the island nation in 2010. Two popular games on which gambling is permitted are: horse-racing and cricket.
• United Kingdom: At the home of cricket, gambling got approved post the passage of the Gambling Act 2005. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) maintains strict checks and balances, clearly demarcating the legal form of cricket betting from the illegal ones.

Betting, according to experts, is on cards to become legal in India as well. The Law Commission of India, on the directions of the Supreme Court, conducted a study in 2017 to ascertain whether betting should be legalised. The panel, in its report to the Centre, recommended legalising the betting on cricket matches, while subjecting it to certain regulations. However, the government and the apex court are yet to decide on the proposed law.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 02, 2018 04:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).