Rogue Betting: Threats to National Security and Economy

A report by the Rashtriya Raksha University's The Security and Scientific Technical Research Association reveals that illegal online betting and gambling are conduits for money laundering and terrorist financing in India. The report suggests implementing IT Rules 2021 strictly, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework, and collaborating with bodies like ASCI to curb these illegal activities.

An alarming report from the Rashtriya Raksha University's Security and Scientific Technical Research Association emphasizes illegal online betting and gambling as prime channels for money laundering and terrorist financing. The IT Rules 2021 differentiate between permissible real money gaming and illegal practices, yet a registration system to whitelist legitimate platforms is recommended.

The report underscores risks to Indian digital users from cybersecurity threats and unsafe online environments posed by these illegal activities. Highlighting the market's gravity, a 2017 International Center for Sports Security report estimated its worth at nearly $150 billion, or Rs 10 lakh crore.

To mitigate these threats, the report advocates for stricter implementation of IT Rules 2021, inter-ministerial reviews, and a robust legislative framework to outlaw illegal betting and gambling. It also calls for collaboration with ASCI to develop focused guidelines against surrogate online gambling ads.

(With inputs from agencies.)