The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), a not-for-profit organisation, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to legalise sports betting in the country.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the AIGF stressed on the lack of funds with various sports governing bodies in the country, mainly non-cricketing sports, which has affected India's performance on the world stage, especially in the recently-held Rio Olympics, and thus, revenue generated by legalising betting in sports can help.
The organisation pointed out that the overall budget allocation for sports increased slightly in the 2016-17 fiscal year. A total of Rs. 1,592 crores were allocated to the Sports Ministry as compared to Rs.1, 541 in 2015, said an AIGF press release.
The objectives of AIGF include diffusion of useful knowledge and promotion of sporting and gaming activities as well as urging the central and state governments to regulate gaming/gambling activities and suggesting measures to prevent gambling addiction.
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