Key Moments:
- The Crime in India 2023 report listed Goa with the highest gambling-related crime rate in the nation at 42.7 per 100,000 residents
- Goa registered 673 cases under the Gambling Act in 2023, leading states such as Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
- Law enforcement in Goa intensified actions against both traditional and online gambling, including operations targeting matka bookies and blocking illegal websites
Goa Registers the Highest Gambling Crime Rate
According to recent data from the Crime in India 2023 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Goa has recorded the highest rate of gambling-related offenses in India. The state’s rate reached 42.7 per 100,000 population, far exceeding the national average of 11.9. In 2023, law enforcement registered 673 cases under the Gambling Act, placing Goa ahead of larger states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Comparative Crime Figures Across Major States
Goa’s estimated population in 2023 stood at 1,577,000, and the state’s gambling crime rate of 42.7 per 100,000 was the highest recorded. In comparison, Madhya Pradesh, with a population of 86,923,000, logged 27,997 cases for a rate of 32.2, while Maharashtra, whose population reached 126,710,000, recorded 32,824 cases at a rate of 25.9. The NCRB has emphasized that evaluating cases per 100,000 residents offers a clearer picture of criminal activity unaffected by total population size.
| State | 2023 Population | Registered Gambling Cases | Crime Rate (per 100,000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goa | 1,577,000 | 673 | 42.7 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 86,923,000 | 27,997 | 32.2 |
| Maharashtra | 126,710,000 | 32,824 | 25.9 |
Police Initiatives to Combat Gambling
Authorities in Goa have increased their campaign against illegal gambling, targeting both traditional formats like matka, teen patti, and andar bahar, as well as digital forms such as online betting on cricket and other sports. In May 2023, the crime branch identified and investigated 12 matka agents and three key operators connected to several First Information Reports (FIRs). This operation resulted in the apprehension of 12 matka bookies in separate cases.
Earlier in January 2023, the cybercrime division in Ribandar blocked access to 61 matka websites associated with illegal gambling activities and financial fraud. Authorities stated these sites were facilitating unauthorized gaming and financial misconduct.
Online Gambling and Cybercrime: Ongoing Risks
Officials have expressed concern about the increasing impact of online gambling, noting a rise in cases related to cyber fraud and financial losses. The ease of access and anonymity associated with digital gambling platforms complicate enforcement efforts. The Goa Police have sought to disrupt these networks by blocking illicit websites and pursuing organizers operating in the online space. Collaboration between state and central cybercrime units remains crucial due to the challenges of digital enforcement.
Broader National Impact and Considerations
Although Goa recorded the highest rate of gambling offenses, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra reported the most cases in absolute terms. Experts have attributed discrepancies in crime rates and total cases to local enforcement practices and differences in state populations.
The NCRB findings highlighted the necessity for consistent enforcement and policy updates to address the evolving landscape of both offline and online gambling. With the growth of digital betting across various regions, authorities now face increased challenges in regulating both traditional establishments and cyber-enabled gambling operations.
- Author
Daniel Williams
