OPINION: Regulation of games of skill under a central legislative regime is the need of the hour OPINION: Regulation of games of skill under a central legislative regime is the need of the hour Pixabay Constitution of India, the Public Gambling Act, 1867 (“Gambling Act”), was the central law governing gambling in India. However, under Entry 34 of List II of Schedule VII of the Constitution of India, the state legislatures are the competent legislatures to make laws governing “betting and gambling”. Since the Gambling Act, at the time of its enactment was enacted by the competent legislature, it continues to operate in the territories mentioned therein, having been saved under Article 372 of the Constitution. Since the states are now seized with the power to make laws on “betting and gambling,” the states having jurisdiction over such territories may amend/repeal the Gambling Act. Most states in India have, however, adopted the Gambling Act with certain amendments. Few states have enacted their own laws to regulate and govern gambling.