Goa, one of the two states where gambling has been legalised, is estimated to have received over Rs. 100 crore each year just from casino taxes and entry fees. In such a small state, where tourism is essential to its income, this now regulated industry is a massive boost to the economy. Likewise, estimates put the revenue received by Sikkim, the other state in which gambling is legal, at over Rs. 50 crore.
The gambling industry is a potentially huge one, and the benefits are not only to be seen in the financial sector; a large proportion of organised crime in India is funded by illegal gambling rings, but if gambling were decriminalised, these underground organisations would quickly become obsolete. Perhaps as importantly, if gambling were legal then a huge chunk of money that, at the moment circulates only round the black market, would quickly become available. It is estimated that India's gambling industry is worth US $60 billion.
As well as reducing crime and stimulating the economy, gambling would also bring in tourism. This has already been seen in Goa and Sikkim, where punters from the Arabian peninsula flock to play in one of the famous offshore casinos. The Goa Department of Tourism claims that last year, over 2.5 million people made trips to the state, which is well more than double the figure for the year 2000.
If the legalisation of gambling offers so many potential benefits, why hasn't it happened across the nation yet? A major reason is how politically charged the situation is. In the official view of the government, and the mind of the traditionally raised Indian, gambling is linked with corruption and immorality. This means that every politician who wants to legalise gambling must weigh it up against the traditional public feeling against it.
Depending on the political situation, a group can feel very differently about the issue. BJP, when in opposition in Goa, wasted no time in publicising gambling's immoral nature. This is the same government that, once in power, was happy to allow casinos in the area.
If the public's feelings on gambling never changed, then it would never be legalised because, while the benefits are obvious, it would be an unpopular decision and most politicians want to stay in power. There is, however, a growing section of the population which has no objection to gambing. Young and affluent, and generally not bound by the religious strictures, these people see gambling not as immoral but as a symbol of status.
What this means is that gambling may one day be supported by a majority of the population. When this happens, the issue will lose all political firepower - the only thing keeping it illegal is the conflict between public opinion and economics.
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