Despite the police's repeated crackdowns on illegal gambling, Diwali has become synonymous with this activity in Guwahati
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With Diwali around the corner, the issue of gambling, both offline and online, has once again come to the fore in Assam, particularly in Guwahati. Despite efforts by the authorities, the tradition of gambling has become ingrained in the festivities, and attempts to curb this illegal activity have fallen short year after year. Recent developments in Kokrajhar and the state government's push to ban gambling reflect a wider concern, but Guwahati continues to struggle with it.
The state of Assam has long held a strict stance against gambling. The Assam Game and Betting Act of 1970 effectively outlawed all forms of gambling, including betting on horse races, lotteries, and other games of chance. Despite this, enforcement has often been lacking, particularly during the festive seasons when gambling becomes a widespread activity. The law itself reflects the state’s conservative position on gambling, but like many prohibitions, it has been challenging to implement effectively.
Adding to the complexity is the rise of online gambling, which has gained significant traction despite being illegal in Assam. Online platforms often operate from outside the state or even outside the country, making it difficult for authorities to crack down on them. While the government has tried to block access to these sites, the digital nature of the platforms allows them to reappear under new domains or apps almost instantaneously.
On October 19, the District Magistrate of Kokrajhar issued a formal notification prohibiting the conduct of lotteries, both offline and online, in response to directives from the Gauhati High Court. This followed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that raised concerns about the widespread illegal lottery operations across Assam. The court instructed the state government to ensure strict enforcement of the ban, making Kokrajhar one of the districts actively enforcing this prohibition. The move highlights Assam’s ongoing battle against illegal gambling, yet the situation in Guwahati remains more complex, particularly with the approach of Diwali.
In Kokrajhar, the ban covers traditional forms of gambling, as well as newer, tech-driven methods, reflecting the broader trend of states trying to control both physical and virtual gambling. This underscores the significant resources required to keep pace with modern gambling operations, which often operate in the shadows or online.
Despite the police's repeated crackdowns on illegal gambling, Diwali has become synonymous with this activity in Guwahati. Secluded areas, business establishments, private homes, and even Airbnbs across the city become hotspots for gambling. Although Guwahati Police have launched pre-Diwali drives against these activities, their efforts have often proven insufficient. Senior police officials emphasise that strict measures are in place, with informants monitoring various locations across the city, yet a large segment of the population still manages to indulge in this illicit practice.
One senior officer recently reiterated their stance: "We have been strict against gambling. Anyone found so will be penalised accordingly. We have informants across the city. Proactive measures will be taken." But despite these assurances, gambling activities persist, particularly among the elite sections of society, where police intervention seems minimal.
A major challenge in enforcing gambling bans in Guwahati, and indeed in Assam as a whole, is the question of privacy. Most of the gambling activities during Diwali take place in private homes or rented spaces, meaning that law enforcement would require strong evidence or probable cause to intervene. This makes it incredibly difficult for police to act unless there are explicit complaints or clear breaches of public order.
Additionally, Assam's laws concerning gambling are somewhat outdated, particularly when it comes to digital platforms. The absence of comprehensive regulation for online gambling allows individuals to easily access illegal betting sites without fear of prosecution. The state has struggled to keep up with technological advancements, and this has been one of the primary reasons for the failure to curb online gambling activities.
There is also the issue of societal acceptance. Although gambling is illegal, it is not necessarily seen as a serious crime by the public, especially during festive seasons like Diwali. Many participants view it as a harmless tradition, which complicates efforts to eradicate it. Law enforcement officials often find themselves balancing public expectations with legal obligations, leading to a more lenient approach during festive times.
Gambling during Diwali is not just an opportunistic venture but a deep-rooted cultural practice that has been carried forward for years. This periodic activity, which forms a part of the festive celebrations, often operates behind closed doors in private spaces, making it difficult for law enforcement to track. The festive atmosphere, coupled with the spirit of gambling, makes enforcement a significant challenge for the police.
While there are clear legal ramifications for being caught gambling, enforcement on the ground paints a different picture. Several reports suggest that very little action is taken against those caught gambling, particularly in elite circles. This dichotomy between the law and its enforcement magnifies the situation and allows gambling to thrive during the festival.
As traditional gambling dens come under more scrutiny, the rise of online gambling presents a newer, less regulated frontier for participants. While the state has laws against online betting, enforcement in the digital realm presents its own set of challenges. Websites hosted outside of India, untraceable payment methods, and the sheer volume of transactions make it nearly impossible to monitor all online gambling activities.
This new frontier has seen the number of people participating in illegal gambling spike in recent years. Guwahatians have taken to online platforms for their festive gambling, often bypassing local authorities altogether. These platforms, some of which are camouflaged as innocent gaming sites, make it easy for people to place bets and participate in games of chance without ever leaving their homes.
Every year, Guwahati Police announce rigorous measures to curb gambling, but enforcement remains inconsistent. While public gambling dens are often raided, the discreet nature of private gambling parties makes them harder to detect. These gatherings, frequently hosted by affluent members of society, are usually well-hidden from the prying eyes of law enforcement. The authorities, although aware, seem to have limited success in stamping it out entirely.
The anonymity provided by venues such as private homes or rented spaces through services like Airbnb further complicates matters. Despite the police’s commitment to crackdown efforts, such as during Diwali, there seems to be a lack of adequate monitoring resources to deal with the scale of the issue.
While bans like the one recently enforced in Kokrajhar show a strong legal stance, gambling during Diwali in cities like Guwahati points to a much deeper cultural acceptance. This is not an issue that can be addressed solely through legal measures or periodic police crackdowns. A broader societal shift, perhaps through awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement year-round, is necessary to curtail this ingrained practice.
At the same time, there is a need for greater transparency and consistency in law enforcement, particularly in ensuring that the elite, often protected by their privilege, are not above the law. Until such changes are made, gambling will continue to be a fixture of the festive season in Guwahati, with little fear of consequence.
As Diwali approaches, one can expect the usual uptick in gambling, despite the police’s best efforts. Guwahatians, for the most part, know the risks, yet the tradition persists. Whether this will change in the near future remains to be seen, but for now, the city’s relationship with gambling remains as strong as ever.