Bengaluru, Nov. 20 -- The Karnataka government is preparing to introduce a bill that would permit licensed online betting on horse-racing events, a move the state says will expand the popularity of digital wagering at race clubs across India. The legislation, which amends the Karnataka Race Courses Licensing Act of 1952, is scheduled to be placed before the legislature during the winter session beginning December 8. State officials said the proposal follows practices already in place at race clubs in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and West Bengal. According to the government, the amendments are intended to align Karnataka with "the current trend of expanding exposure to racing events," while creating a legal framework for online wagering in the state. The finance department has argued that horse racing falls into a distinct category compared with other forms of online gaming. Officials cited judicial observations describing wagering on racing as an activity rooted in skill and knowledge. "Horse-race betting is driven largely by skill and knowledge, as the Supreme Court has noted, but it must be carried out only through authorised platforms," an official familiar with the department's proposals said. The department views the change as a potential source of additional state revenue by expanding regulated participation. The decision to pursue online racing amendments comes even as Karnataka prepares to challenge the federal government's Prohibition of Online Gambling Act before the Supreme Court. Senior officials said the state is "actively evaluating legal options" and expects to join pending petitions that argue the Union government has exceeded its constitutional authority. Betting and gambling fall squarely under the State List, officials noted, and they contend the Centre has encroached on powers reserved for state legislatures. "We support regulation, not prohibition, but the Union has no constitutional authority to legislate on betting and gambling," one senior official said....