The Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act
The Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act
The Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act is a state-level legislation designed to curb illegal betting and wagering activities. It defines "gaming" to include most forms of betting on chance, while explicitly excluding games of "mere skill" and specific licensed horse or dog racing. The Act empowers police to enter, search, and seize property from premises suspected of being "common gaming-houses"—places used for profit-based gambling. It also prohibits gambling in public streets. For the ordinary citizen, this law distinguishes between casual social play and organized, profit-driven gambling operations, ensuring that public order is maintained and illegal betting syndicates are prosecuted.
- 1. Short title, Extent.
- 2. [Repeal of enactments]
- 3. "Gaming" defined.
- 4. Keeping common gaming-house.
- 5. Gaming in common gaming-house.
- 6. Entry, search, etc., by police officers in gaming-houses.
- 7. Presumptive proof of keeping or gaming in common gaming-house.
- 8. On conviction for keeping or gaming in common gaming-house, instruments of gaming may be destroyed.
- 9. Proof of playing for money not required for conviction.
- 10. Indemnification of certain witnesses.
- 11. Payment of portion of fine to informer.
- 12. Power to arrest without warrant for gaming and setting birds and animals to fight in public streets. Seizer and destruction of instruments found.
- 13. Saving of games of mere skill.
- 14. Repeal and savings.
PDF: pending for this language.