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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
