Bollywood Star Arrested for Illegal Gambling During COVID-19 Lockdown

Bollywood star Shaam has been arrested for illegal gambling during the COVID-19 lockdown in India. The 43-year-old was one of 12 men dragged down to the police station during a private poker game at his home.

It is believed that another actor who was a regular in the game tipped off the authorities after losing a hefty chunk of change.

Crackdown

The incident took place in Nungambakkam, an upmarket area of Chennai. Police claim to have information about a huge illegal gambling surge in this area during the pandemic.

“Many hotels are now being used to quarantine COVID-19 patients. However there have been reports that some rooms are being used for gambling. Once we get credible information, we will raid them.”

This is far from the only story of private poker games getting busted during 2020, but probably the most high-profile in the country. Shaam is a superstar in India and this news will no doubt hurt the push for full legalisation of poker throughout the nation.

Of course, it is possible that this bust will make those in power realise that poker is relatively a harmless pursuit enjoyed by people in all walks of society.

With a population of 1.3 billion people India is still a big hope for another poker boom. A properly regulated industry that isn’t ring-fenced would work wonders for stimulating the poker ecosystem.

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