Chennai: The state government on Thursday introduced a bill, replacing an ordinance, to amend Tamil Nadu Gaming and Police Laws, to ban online games involving wagering or betting in cyberspace. The state had promulgated an ordinance in November against the backdrop of a series of suicides and complaints from the public about online games and cyber betting. Deputy CM O Panneerselvam introduced the bill.
The bill’s statement of objects and reasons mentioned the addictive nature of online betting games such as rummy, poker, their increased incidence, cases of innocent people being cheated and suicides. Whoever wagers or bets in cyberspace using any communication device or any other instrument of gaming by playing rummy, poker or any other game or facilitates or organises such wager, will face up to two years in jail or with fine not exceeding Rs 10,000.
Bills were also introduced replacing ordinances to amend municipal laws, extending the term of the special officers in rural local bodies for another six months.
