Karnataka Govt Approves Ban On Online Gambling

BAN ON ONLINE GAMBLING IN KARNATAKA: Bill To Be Tabled On September 13

In a major setback for online gamblers, the Karnataka government headed by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has decided to ban online gambling in the State of Karnataka. The decision comes after a cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister Bommai concluded in the wee hours of Saturday. The government has made the decision in consultation with the Governor and the Opposition.

The Karnataka Cabinet sought to ban online gambling or betting by amending the Karnataka Police Act, 1963. The Karnataka Police Act has legal jurisdiction in the territorial boundaries of Karnataka and has recognition under the Indian Penal Code. This means that nobody will be able to indulge in online gambling or betting in the state of Karnataka.

The amended bill ban on online gambling will however not affect the lottery and horse race betting. Online lottery and Horse race betting in and outside the state boundaries will not be prohibited and continue as per the provisions. The amendment bill will be tabled at the upcoming session of the state legislature that is set to begin on 13th September. The ban will come with immediate effect after the bill is passed.

Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs JC Madhuswamy in his statement said that the state cabinet is amending the Karnataka Police Act with an intention to put an end to the malpractices of online gambling and betting with the Hon. High Court’s direction. The cabinet has approved the amendment and will soon be tabled in the legislature.

Adding to it, Madhuswamy mentioned that the Draft amendment bill mentions online games as every game involving wagering or betting, in the form of tokens, coins, electronic money transfer, or by means of any virtual currency. This surely means that the online gambling platforms will fail to operate in Karnataka.

 

How Will Ban On Online Gambling In Karnataka Affect The Users?

• Every online gambling or betting platform and website will be blocked by the state government as per DOT compliance.
• Anyone indulging in online gambling or betting in the State of Karnataka will have to go through criminal proceedings if caught by the police.
• If anyone is found indulging in online gambling activities and it is detected by Cybercrime, his/her bank account will be frozen by the state department.

The future of online gambling is uncertain in Karnataka. The complete information of the bill will be released after getting passed in the legislature.

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