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The Goa police have arrested three individuals for their alleged involvement in illegal betting activities related to the ongoing World Cup cricket match between India and Afghanistan.
According to a senior police official, the illicit betting operations were traced to a bungalow located in the Porvorim area – which is situated on the outskirts of the state capital, Panaji.
The individuals, all hailing from Karnataka and aged between 32 and 46, were apprehended by the Porvorim police on Wednesday.
The police seized pieces of evidence from the accused persons, which included mobile phones, a laptop, a Wi-Fi router and other items with an estimated worth of Rs 1 lakh ($1,202).
The individuals have been detained under the provisions of the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by Indian authorities in curbing illicit betting, particularly in the context of recent developments in the country’s gambling and gaming industry.
In July 2023, the Goods and Service Tax Council in India decided to impose a 28% goods and service tax on online gaming, horseracing and casinos, without differentiation between skill-based and chance-based games.
Furthermore, Goa, often regarded as a hub for tourism and entertainment, had recently allowed its casinos to reopen, offering relief to the industry that contributes to the state’s revenue.
The government’s average annual income from gambling license fees alone exceeds Rs 320 crore ($43.4m).
