Chance and Skil: Studying Ludo Supreme

Abstract

Humans have been gambling from the Stone Age, yet it is considered to be a pernicious activity. Gambling in India has been barred since 1867 and continues to be barred under the same law, and several state legislation. Traditionally, the questions around what constitutes gambling and what does not have been determined by answering whether that game is a “game of skill” or a “game of chance”? A game of skill is allowed by law, whereas a game of chance that involves money is gambling and is barred. The Internet has brought a paradigm shift in the way games operate. Several states have brought specialized legislation to ban online gambling. The question of Ludo being a game of chance or a game of skill has now cropped up before the Bombay High Court. This article will go through what constitutes a game of skill and a game of chance, especially in the realm of online games. Consequentially, we will try to answer whether Ludo is a game of skill or a game of chance and whether it could be contravening the provisions of Maharashtra Prevention of the Gambling Act, 1887.