Betting on online games such as Online Rummy, Bet365, Betway, Casumo are quite common in the country and has seen a significant increase in the past few years. In the wake of several incidents of people in Tamil Nadu ending their lives in the recent past due to huge unpaid debts stemming from online gambling, the state has issued an ordinance to ban online rummy and other web-based games involving betting and wagering to save the lives of youngsters.
The state government in an ordinance published on November 21 said that they have amended the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930, the Chennai City Police Act, 1888 and the Tamil Nadu District Police Act, 1859 to ban such online games and that this ban has come into immediate effect. "Hence, the Government of Tamil Nadu hereby informs the public that persons who are found playing online games involving betting or wagering and the people who open/keep common gaming house are punishable with fine and imprisonment. Realising the evil effects of online games like Online Rummy, etc. which involve betting and wagering, the public is requested not to indulge in such games, as it has already been banned by the Government of Tamil Nadu." an official announcement by the TN chief minister stated.
The TN government had earlier said that it will ban online rummy and bring in legal changes to arrest its organisers and players as they had received numerous complaints. The announcement too emphasises on the same, stating, "Use of computer and any communication devices for online gaming and transfer of funds through electronic mode for betting and wagering in online gaming are banned. The companies which conduct online gaming are also liable for punishment."
According to several news reports, persons who are found playing such online games are liable to be fined with Rs 5,000 and six months of imprisonment, while people who are found operating these games hey can face two years of imprisonment and Rs 10,000 fine.
This decision had been pending for quite some time and now it comes amid a series of suicides across the state by individuals who are unable to pay their debts after indulging in such online games. In Coimbatore, two men — 28 and 32 years, committed suicide within two days at the start of November, while across Tamil Nadu about a dozen have killed themselves so far.
