RAIPUR,CG: Government of Chhattisgarh has issued a formal notification stating that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the State Economic Offenses Investigation (EOW) has been given the authority to investigation and take action under all the sections of the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act 2022.

The government hopes that with ACB and EOW getting the power, faster investigation and effective action will be taken in online gambling cases also.

The ACB and EOW have till now been investigating only cases related to corruption and economic irregularities. With the publication of the notification, the scope of investigation and action has further increased.  

Online gambling has been included in the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act and in this case, a provision of 7 years' imprisonment and non-bailable sections were included if found guilty.

Making strict provisions for action in the Act, owning a gambling house, offering gambling, offering online gambling, violation of advertising ban and crimes by a company have been made cognizable and non-bailable offences.

The term online gambling platform has been added to the definition of gambling house in the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act 2022. The words electronic record, device, mobile app, electronic transfer of funds have been added to the definition of device.

There was no provision for punishment for online gambling in the old Act. Now a provision for separate punishment has been made. In which there is a provision of maximum jail of 3 years and fine up to Rs 5 lakh. For repeat offences, the punishment can be a maximum of 7 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.