Government to regulate online betting, gaming sectors

Home minister G Parameshwara announced on Wednesday that a committee comprising senior officials and industry stakeholders has been formed to draft the proposed law. “I chaired a meeting regarding online betting and gambling along with the IT Minister. Representatives from the industry were called. There is nothing to regulate them so far. They have agreed to the introduction of a licence system and a regulation as per law,” Parameshwara told reporters in Mandya. The committee has been given a month to submit the draft bill.

Once the draft is ready, the government plans to bring in a new law that draws on regulatory models like that of Chhattisgarh, which differentiates between gambling and skill-based gaming, he said.

IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge, who has been closely involved in the drafting process, said the proposed law is designed to prohibit games of chance while supporting innovation and the growth of skill-based online gaming. He said the intention is to protect users from financial fraud and exploitation while ensuring the legitimate gaming industry continues to thrive.