Indian province bans online gambling

Telangana one of the 29 states in India, has banned online gambling and betting in a measure titled Telangana Gaming (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 promulgated by state governor ESL Narasimhan.

The move comes a week after state lawmakers advised the Hyderabad High Court of their intention to legislate a ban in response to public complaints regarding online gambling. At the time the court was hearing views on a petition filed by gambling companies nationwide and challenging earlier legislative moves against online gambling in the state.

The Telangana Gaming (Second Amendment) Ordinance makes both players and providers of online gambling and betting services liable for prosecution. The ban embraces casino games, betting, poker and rummy.

Poker and rummy companies have fought against bans, claiming the games are skill-based and not entirely dependent on chance.

Earlier this year Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari explained that the provincial government wished to ban gambling in all forms, saying:

“We want to eliminate gambling in all forms. So the Gaming Act would be amended, banning online gambling. The cyber police will track online gambling and act against violators.”

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