Karnataka Set to Table Bill Allowing Online Betting on Horse Racing
Racing fraternity welcomes move as a progressive step towards transparency and modernization
The Karnataka State Government has infused fresh optimism into the horse racing community with its decision to introduce a long-awaited bill permitting online betting on horse racing events. The bill—already drafted and vetted—is scheduled to be placed before the legislature during the upcoming winter session beginning on December 8 in Belagavi.
Government sources confirmed that the move reflects a conscious effort to align with contemporary trends in the sport, where online wagering has become a standard feature across several premier racing centres in India. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Karnataka Race Course Licensing Act, 1952 (Karnataka Act 7 of 1952) to grant explicit permission for regulated online betting.
Modernisation in Line With National Practice
The government’s decision was shaped significantly by developments in other states. Online betting platforms already operate legally in neighbouring racing jurisdictions such as Telangana and Tamil Nadu, as well as at major clubs like the Royal Western India Turf Club (Mumbai) and the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (Kolkata). Recognising the widening gap and the growing appetite for digital wagering, Karnataka deemed it necessary to modernise its own framework.
The Department of Parliamentary Affairs has reviewed and endorsed the proposed amendments, clearing the way for the bill to be tabled. The initiative gained further traction after the Finance Department suggested revisions enabling online wagering under a formal licensing structure.
Racing Classified as a Skill-Based Activity
Significantly, finance department officials emphasized that horse racing does not fall under the controversial category of online gaming. Citing Supreme Court observations, they reiterated that betting on horse racing is considered a game of skill, driven by knowledge, study, and analysis rather than pure chance.
“Betting in racing is mainly skill and knowledge-based, as observed by the Supreme Court. However, it should be done through a licensed platform,” senior finance department officials stated, justifying the proposed regulatory changes.
BTC Lauds the Government’s Progressive Step
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm across the racing fraternity, particularly at the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC), which has long advocated for modernization in wagering systems.
BTC Chairman Shivashankar, expressing delight over the government’s intent, described the move as both timely and transformative.
“This is excellent news for racing. Online betting will generate substantial revenue for the government and the club,” he said. “More importantly, it will curb the operations of numerous illegal offshore apps that have been siphoning off Indian punters. These unregulated platforms have proliferated, and this legislation will help cleanse the system.”
He added that legitimate, licensed online betting would not only increase transparency but also restore discipline and integrity in the wagering ecosystem.
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