In a bold attempt to update colonial-era gambling laws, the Haryana government has introduced the Haryana Gambling Bill 2025, sparking intense debate among developers and users of opinion trading platforms.

While the bill primarily targets unregulated betting and gambling, its broad definition of “betting” covers any wager on uncertain outcomes made through electronic platforms. Platforms where users predict results of events like elections, sports, or finance could be classified as gambling and potentially banned.

This development on opinion trading ban in Haryana raises a larger national question: Will opinion trading be banned in India? In this post, we will break down what the Haryana bill really says, how it affects platforms that promote opinion-based predictions, and whether this could be the beginning of a nationwide crackdown.

What is the Haryana Gambling Bill 2025?

The Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025, was enacted to address the evolving landscape of gambling and betting, particularly in the digital realm. The legislation was introduced in response to growing concerns over online platforms facilitating betting under the pretext of opinion trading apps.

The bill was introduced after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, asking the government to act against these platforms. The court issued notices to the central and state governments, highlighting the urgency of regulating these emerging forms of gambling.

The Bill is More About Betting than Opinion Trading

The bill is not introduced to specifically ban opinion trading in Haryana. The Act defines a “bet” broadly, encompassing any agreement—oral or written—on the occurrence or non-occurrence of an uncertain event, where incorrect predictions lead to the loss or payment of a stake. This expansive definition aims to encompass various forms of betting, including those facilitated through electronic means.

Key provisions of the Act include severe penalties for spot-fixing in sports, with imprisonment ranging from three to seven years and fines starting from ₹5 lakh. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, underlining the state’s commitment to curbing gambling-related malpractices.

How Does the Bill Impact Opinion Trading Platforms?

The Haryana Gambling Bill 2025 has significant implications for opinion trading platforms, which allow users to predict outcomes of events such as sports matches, elections, and financial markets. By categorizing these prediction-based activities as betting, the Act brings such platforms under its regulatory ambit.

This move has led to immediate consequences; for instance, MPL Opinio stopped operating in Haryana ahead of the law’s notification. However, other platforms like Probo and SportsBaazi continue to operate, albeit under increased scrutiny.

The Future of Opinion Trading in India

The broad definition of betting by legislation raises concerns about the future of opinion trading in India. Legal experts suggest that the lack of explicit guidelines for newer formats like opinion trading creates ambiguity, leaving room for judicial interpretation. The Act’s impact extends beyond Haryana, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow suit in regulating or banning such platforms.

Previously, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had clarified that opinion trading platforms fall outside its regulatory purview, further complicating the regulatory landscape. Despite the legal challenges, the opinion trading industry remains robust, with over 50 million users and transactions worth nearly ₹50,000 crore, according to industry estimates.

However, the Haryana Gambling Bill 2025 marks a significant step towards stricter regulation of online betting activities, signaling a potential shift in how such platforms operate across India.

Opinion Trading vs. Gambling: What’s the Difference?

As the Haryana Gambling Bill 2025 brings opinion trading apps under legal scrutiny, a key debate has resurfaced: Is opinion trading the same as gambling? While platforms argue that they are offering a skill-based gaming environment and a knowledge-driven product, regulators and lawmakers view them differently.

Aspect	Opinion Trading	Traditional Gambling
Core Mechanism	Users predict outcomes of real-world events (e.g., elections, sports, finance)	Users wager money on games of chance (e.g., cards, slots, betting)
Skill vs. Chance	Claimed to be skill-based (research, trends, probability)	Mostly chance-based (random outcomes or fixed odds)
User Intent	Engage in predictions and earn based on accuracy	Win or lose money purely by luck or odds
Regulatory Standing	Often operates in legal grey zones	Clearly defined under gambling laws
Nature of Event	Based on public events, not games or private competitions	Usually tied to private gaming platforms or casino-type environments

Can You Still Use Opinion Trading Apps in Haryana After the Ban?

With the Haryana Gambling Bill 2025 now in effect, one of the most pressing questions among users is: “Can I still use apps like Probo, MPL Opinio, or SportsBaazi in Haryana?” or “are opinion trading apps banned in Haryana?”

The new legislation broadly defines gambling on uncertain outcomes with real money as gambling, placing opinion trading apps in a legal grey area. This means that users in Haryana risk facing legal consequences if they participate in such platforms, especially as enforcement of the ban intensifies.

In short, while some opinion trading apps are no longer accessible in Haryana, others remain available but carry potential legal risks. Users should stay informed and exercise caution when using these apps in the state.