Another state in India bans online gambling
Tamil Nadu has made online gaming a punishable offence with promoters facing up to two years in jail.
India.- The governor of Tamil Nadu, Banwarilal Purohit, has made good on his promise to ban online gambling in the state.
The new ordinance amends the Tamil Nadu Gaming act of 1930, the Chennai City Police Act 1888 and the Tamil Nadu District Police Act of 1859 to make online gambling a punishable offence.
Online rummy and similar games now carry legal consequences that range from fines of Rs5,000 (US$64.45) to six months imprisonment for violators of the ban.
Promotors of games and online gambling platforms could be fined Rs 10,000 (US$135) or receive up to two years in jail.
The electronic transfer of funds for wagering and distribution of the winnings has also been banned.
Gambling is a state-regulated activity in India, and a fierce debate has begun over online gambling after a series of suicides related to gambling problems.
Tamil Nadu Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said on social media recently that the government would pass new gambling legislation.
Andhra Pradesh made such a decision in September and recently blocked access to 132 gaming websites and apps.
Some jurisdictions, including Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha, have already banned real money card games.
