India’s Haryana proposes 5-year jail term, $6000 fine for sports fixing
The Indian state of Haryana has proposed one of the strictest anti-gambling laws in the country, proposing a minimum three-year prison sentence, extendable to five years, along with a ₹5 lakh ($6,000 approx.) fine for individuals found guilty of match-fixing or spot-fixing in sports. Repeat offenders could face up to seven years in prison and higher fines, making it one of the toughest penalties for sports-related corruption in India.
The provisions, part of the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, aim to combat illegal betting syndicates and modernise gambling laws that date back to British colonial rule. The bill also criminalises betting on sports and elections, as well as online and electronic gambling.
The harshest punishments yet for sports corruption
The legislation defines match-fixing as any act where a player, coach, official, or any individual involved in a sporting event deliberately manipulates the outcome for financial gain. This includes:
- Players intentionally underperforming in exchange for money.
- Coaches or referees influencing game results.
- Leaking insider information, such as team line-ups or playing conditions, to betting syndicates.
- Altering field conditions or gameplay to benefit gamblers.
Sports betting remains a massive underground industry in India, with estimates suggesting billions of dollars flow through unregulated channels. By introducing criminal penalties specifically for match-fixing, Haryana’s new law sets a legal precedent in the country’s fight against sports corruption.
Tougher penalties for repeat offenders
For individuals caught engaging in match-fixing more than once, the penalties become even more severe:
- A prison term of five to seven years.
- A minimum fine of ₹7 lakh ($8,400).
This is significantly harsher than current Indian laws, which often fail to differentiate between first-time offenders and habitual fixers. Haryana’s approach mirrors international anti-corruption measures, with countries like Australia and the UK already enforcing stringent sports integrity laws.
Crackdown on sports and election betting
The bill does not stop at match-fixing. It also introduces heavy punishments for illegal betting in sports and elections, a practice that has historically influenced results in both fields. Key measures include:
- Three to five years in prison for individuals operating illegal betting rings.
- Fines of up to ₹1 lakh ($1,200) for those financing gambling operations.
- Up to one year in jail and ₹10,000 ($120) in fines for individuals caught gambling in public places.
Haryana’s move aligns with global trends, where countries such as Singapore, the UK, and the US have implemented strict betting laws to combat fraud and money laundering in gambling.
Modernising India’s gambling laws
India’s gambling laws remain largely outdated, governed by the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which fails to address online betting and digital fraud. Haryana’s new bill explicitly includes online and electronic gambling, closing loopholes that have allowed betting syndicates to operate through offshore platforms.
“Betting syndicates have been manipulating sports for years, and our existing laws have been insufficient. This bill introduces real deterrents,” said Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini while presenting the legislation.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies will have enhanced powers to:
- Conduct raids on suspected illegal gambling dens without prior warrants.
- Seize financial records, mobile devices, and electronic evidence.
Presume guilt in cases where gambling instruments are found at a location, unless proven otherwise.
Could this be a blueprint for other Indian states?
Haryana’s decision to modernise gambling laws could push other Indian states to follow suit. With the Indian Supreme Court and various regulatory bodies debating how to regulate betting, this bill could serve as a model for national gambling reform.
With illegal sports betting estimated to be worth billions annually, Haryana’s crackdown on match-fixing is a major step toward protecting sports integrity. However, experts argue that enforcement will be key as illegal gambling networks continue to adapt to digital platforms and offshore operations.
The Haryana Vidhan Sabha is set to debate the bill in the coming weeks, with expectations that it will pass into law soon. If enacted, it will be one of the most comprehensive anti-gambling laws in India, setting a new standard for sports fraud prevention in the country.
