248 gambling cases registered from January 2026 till Aug. 12; Rs. 34,08,778 seized
By A. Ganesh
Mysuru: Mysuru district has witnessed a sharp rise in gambling activities, prompting Police to invoke externment orders against habitual offenders. So far, three persons have been externed from the district.
From January 2026 to Aug. 12, as many as 248 gambling cases have been registered across 23 Police Stations under Mysuru district jurisdiction. The Police have arrested 1,487 persons and seized Rs. 34,08,778 in cash.
Despite several instances of families being ruined after people lost huge sums of money in gambling, the practice continues to attract people, with many falling into the trap of quick & easy money.
The rapid growth of technology has opened new avenues for gambling. Certain private companies introduced online gambling apps and what initially attracted only a small section of people soon gained popularity through advertising campaigns, particularly among the youth.
Several school and college students, lured by the promise of quick returns, borrow money without the knowledge of their families to participate in online games.
Many were pushed into debt, while some tragic cases even resulted in loss of life. Parents subsequently raised concerns and lodged complaints against online gambling platforms.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu banned online gambling, including games involving stakes, citing concerns over their impact on society. The issue was challenged before the Supreme Court, which upheld the State laws prohibiting online games played for stakes, and held that betting is not a fundamental right.
Gambling dens shift to fields
Gambling has existed in India since ancient times and was once largely confined to festive occasions as a form of entertainment. Over the years, however, it turned into an addiction for many.
With increased surveillance on clubs and online gambling platforms, gamblers have now shifted to rural areas, using agricultural fields, plantations and other isolated open spaces.
While villagers traditionally gathered in open spaces for such activities, the Police Department has stepped up surveillance in these areas. Acting on specific information, District Police have raided several such locations and disrupted gambling operations.
The Police are also taking stricter action against repeat offenders. Externment orders are being used to keep habitual gamblers out of the district.
The externment of three habitual offenders is being seen as a stern warning to others involved in gambling activities.
Gambling in fields, farmlands and plantations has been a common practice for a long time. Police teams have launched special operations to curb such activities and are registering cases against those involved. We have already externed habitual offenders who were repeatedly caught gambling. Going forward, we will convene a meeting with those involved in such activities and take up the issue collectively.
—Mallikarjun Baladandi, Superintendent of Police, Mysuru district
Cases in 23 Police Stations from January to August 2026
| Antharasanthe | 2 |
| Bannur | 19 |
| Bettadapura | 4 |
| Biligere | 5 |
| Bilikere | 29 |
| Bylakuppe | 2 |
| H.D. Kote | 8 |
| Hullahalli | 7 |
| Hunsur Rural | 7 |
| Hunsur Town | 3 |
| Jayapura | 4 |
| K.R. Nagar | 4 |
| Kowlande | 12 |
| Mysuru South | 18 |
| Nanjangud Rural | 41 |
| Nanjangud Town | 3 |
| Periyapatna | 10 |
| Saligrama | 14 |
| Saragur | 11 |
| T. Narasipur | 11 |
| Talakadu | 7 |
| Varuna | 16 |
| Yelwal | 11 |
This post was published on August 14, 2026 7:30 pm