Karnataka Government to table new Bill to regulate online gambling platforms
Proposed law to ban luck-based games; skill-based games to be allowed under licence
Bengaluru: In a move to curb the growing menace of online gambling, the Karnataka government is preparing to introduce a new legislation during the upcoming session of the State Legislature. The proposed bill will seek to ban all forms of online games that are based on luck, while allowing skill-based games to operate under a regulated licensing system.
According to sources familiar with the development, the government is looking to bring stringent measures to monitor and control online betting activities that have seen a sharp rise in recent years. The bill is expected to lay down clear distinctions between games of chance and games of skill, with only the latter permitted to operate legally under a strict licensing framework.
As part of the initiative, the state government will also establish a dedicated regulatory authority. This body will be tasked with classifying online games, issuing licences for approved platforms, and monitoring compliance with the law.
The bill also proposes strong punitive measures for violators. Engaging in or facilitating banned online gambling could result in imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of ₹5 lakh. Additionally, individuals or entities found promoting such platforms through advertisements may face up to six months of imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000.
Alongside enforcement, the government plans to run awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of online gambling and the financial and psychological harm it can cause.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
