Tamil Nadu gaming authority to stakeholders: Implement regulations or face criminal charges

It’s worth noting that in November 2023, the Madras High Court struck down the law banning online money games such as Rummy and Poker, declaring it "unconstitutional."

E-Gaming Federation on Tuesday met TNOGA officials Md. Nasimuddin and Dr. M.C. Sarangan to discuss issues pertaining to Tamil Nadu’s RMG regulations.

RMG industry divided over Tamil Nadu’s online gaming regulations

TNOGA regulations will primarily impact pay-to-play games such as Rummy and Poker. Multiple RMG federations and operators are evaluating how to implement the TNOGA regulations.

The gaming federations will seek six months of time for the implementation while some RMG operators believe a formal lawsuit should be filed immediately, others are hesitant.

TNOGA Regulations enforced, RMG operators face compliance challenges

At the previous hearing, the petitioners urged the court to declare certain sections of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act of 2022 unconstitutional.

The regulations took effect on the date of publication in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, leaving RMG (Real Money Gaming) operators scrambling to comply with the new rules or risk criminal liability.

Industry stakeholders seek govt action against illegal betting apps

The letter, written by CAIT's National President, B.C. Bhartia (a copy of which is with Storyboard18), highlights the rapid growth of opinion trading platforms, which have attracted over 50 million users in India.

A representation letter will also be sent to Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Finance, SEBI and ASCI on the need to prohibit opinion trading platforms in India.

EXCLUSIVE: Tamil Nadu regulates RMG, bans games from midnight till 5am

At the previous hearing, the petitioners urged the court to declare certain sections of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act of 2022 unconstitutional.

Caution messages must also be continuously displayed on the login pages of real-money gaming websites and apps, warning users with the statement: “ONLINE GAMING IS ADDICTIVE IN NATURE”.