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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TN CM Vijay calls fuel price hike ‘unacceptable’, seeks rollback
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday slammed the increase of Rs 3 per litre in petrol and diesel prices, calling it "unacceptable", and demanded its immediate rollback, claiming the revision would affect various sections of society.
He said oil marketing companies do not reduce prices in line with global crude price trends and "take the profits".
"Union government oil marketing companies have increased the price of petrol and diesel by Rs 3 per litre. This is not acceptable," Vijay said in a statement.
The hike has been effected after the "five-state polls" (four states and one union territory), he added.
This price rise will largely affect the income of the poor and middle class using two-wheelers and small vehicles, as well as others dependent on vehicles for their livelihood, the CM said.
It will ultimately result in an increase in the prices of daily commodities and also "affect the purchasing power of the poor," he added.
Citing the chain effect of the price revision, such as increased input costs for small units, he said it could lead to a "slowdown" in the market and exports.
"Therefore, I urge the union government to immediately roll back the price hike that will affect the poor and middle-class people and SMEs," Vijay added.
Global crude oil prices have surged more than 50 per cent since US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, which disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments.
Petrol and diesel prices are now at their highest level since May 2022.
