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Polity & Governance GS 2 In the news 7 times

Seventh Schedule

State Legislative Power over Betting and Gambling

The Constitution's Seventh Schedule distributes legislative authority between Parliament and State Legislatures. Entry 34 of List II (State List) assigns "betting and gambling" exclusively to state legislatures, meaning states have plenary power to legislate on the subject. Entry 33 of List II covers sports, entertainments, and amusements. Parliament has no direct legislative competence over betting and gambling except through constitutional amendment or to the extent such activities intersect with subjects in List I (Union List) or List III (Concurrent List).

Key details
  • Entry 34, List II (State List): "Betting and gambling" — exclusive state competence
  • Entry 33, List II: "Sports, entertainments and amusements" — also state subject
  • States that enacted online gaming restrictions include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu Gaming and Police Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021: amended the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930 to cover online games with stakes; struck down by Madras HC, now restored by Supreme Court
  • Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021: amended the Karnataka Police Act, 1963; struck down by Karnataka HC, now restored by Supreme Court
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Tracked since March 01, 2026 · last seen May 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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