The Haryana government has officially banned opinion trading platforms such as Probo, Sportsbaazi and MPL Opinio. According to media reports, the ban has come into effect from April. The government has implemented this ban after a PIL and the intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
This has happened under the new Public Gambling Prevention Act- 2025. MPL Opinio has stopped operations in Haryana earlier this week. The new law makes the operation of these apps inside Haryana a crime. It also classifies them as public gambling activities.
The Public Gambling Prevention Act, 2025 exempts only games of skill, but does not explicitly include fantasy sports or opinion trading. This has created a situation of legal uncertainty.
Read here what are the provisions in the Act..
1. 3 years jail for match-spot fixing
The Act has taken strict measures to deal with match fixing and spot fixing especially in sports. There is a minimum sentence of 3 years, which can be increased to 5 years. There is also a fine, which starts from Rs 5 lakh. Not only this, repeat offenders can be jailed for up to 7 years.
2. Separate definition for betting
Betting is broadly defined in the Haryana Act as any kind of agreement, oral, written or implied. An agreement that is based on the outcome of uncertain events and where financial or material loss occurs if predictions fail. Opinion trading apps are also within the scope.
Chhattisgarh High Court has also issued instructions
Earlier, the Chhattisgarh High Court had also issued a similar instruction to Haryana, making geo-blocking of such platforms mandatory within the state. Investors have shown great interest in platforms like Probo. Probo has received investments from Peak XV Partners, Elevation Capital and The Fundamental Partnership.