Mahabharata era (circa 3100 BCE to 1300 BCE): In the epic Mahabharata, there are several instances of gambling and betting, including the famous game of dice between the Pandavas and Kauravas that led to the exile of the former.
Colonial era (16th century to mid-20th century): During the British colonial period, betting was prevalent among the British officials and soldiers in India. Horse racing and cricket were the most popular sports for betting.
Independent India (1947 to present): After India gained independence, the government took steps to regulate and control betting activities. The Public Gambling Act of 1867, which was enacted during British rule, was retained and amended to include various provisions. However, certain types of betting, such as horse racing, were exempted from the act and allowed to continue.
1980s to 1990s: The 1980s and 1990s saw a rise in illegal betting and match-fixing in cricket, which led to several high-profile scandals. The government formed a commission to investigate the issue and take corrective measures.
Present situation: Currently, betting remains illegal in most parts of India, with a few exceptions such as horse racing and lotteries. However, the rise of online betting platforms and the increasing popularity of sports such as cricket and football have led to a demand for legalising and regulating betting. Several states have taken steps towards legalizing betting, and there have been discussions about a possible nationwide framework for sports betting.