The Government of Uttarakhand on May 11, 2026, issued the Uttarakhand Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2026 to provide for provisions of punishment and prevention of public gambling, operating of common gambling house, betting in sports in the State of Uttarakhand.
It shall come into force on such date, as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoints.
The Act defines that terms not specified will carry meanings from the Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, 2000. It empowers Executive Magistrates and Gazetted Police Officers to authorize searches of suspected gambling premises, allowing police officers (not below Assistant Sub-Inspector rank) to enter, search, arrest without warrant, and seize gambling materials and money.
Strict penalties are prescribed:
Gambling in public places may lead to imprisonment up to 3 months or a fine up to ₹5,000.
Gambling in a common gambling house is punishable with imprisonment up to 2 years and/or fine up to ₹10,000.
Owners, operators, or financiers of gambling houses face harsher punishment up to 5 years imprisonment and fine up to ₹1 lakh.
Repeat offenders are subject to double penalties.
The Act introduces presumptions against persons found in gambling houses and regarding seized gambling instruments, including liability for organized gambling syndicates with stringent penalties (3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh). Offences are cognizable and triable by Magistrates.
Additional provisions include punishment for giving false identity, procedures for disposal of seized property, attachment and forfeiture of proceeds, and recovery of fines. The Act protects actions taken in good faith by public servants, allows the State Government to exempt certain activities, and empowers it to frame rules and remove difficulties.
Finally, the Act repeals the Public Gambling Act, 1867 in its application to Uttarakhand, while preserving actions taken under the repealed law.
[Notification No. 163/XXXVI(3)/2026/34(1)/2026]
