Tamil Nadu Governor promulgates Ordinance to "Ban Online Gaming"

In view of the spate of suicides in the State owing to losses incurred playing online games, Governor of Tamil Nadu Banwarilal Purohit on Friday promulgated an ordinance to "ban online gaming.".A statement issued by the Raj Bhavan on Friday reads that the state government had submitted a proposal to amend by ordinance the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930; the Chennai City Police Act, 1888; and the Tamil Nadu District Police Act, 1859 in order to protect innocent people from the evils of online gaming..It was proposed that the Ordinance provides for the following:Ban on wagering or betting in cyberspace using computers or any communication device or resource.Persons found so gaming would be punishable with a fine of Rs 5,000 and six months' imprisonment. Ban on the "electronic transfer of funds” used for wagering or betting, distributing the winnings, prize money.People who open/keep a common gaming house would be punished with a fine amount of Rs.10,000 and two years' imprisonment.Persons found running a company conducting online gaming by wagering and betting would be punished..Communicating that he has assented to the proposal, the statement reads,"The Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu Thiru Banwarilal Purohit, has promulgated the Ordinance to facilitate to 'Ban Online Gaming.'".Read the Statement:.The move comes days after the Madras High Court was informed that the government is in the process of introducing a law to ban online gambling, with the State pointing out that a statement to this effect has already been issued by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. .TN govt mulling law to ban/regulate online gambling; Madras High Court voices concern over "hero worship" of celebrities endorsing online games.The Madurai Bench of the Court is dealing with two PILs filed on allied issues, one being to ban online games and another which also seeks action against celebrities endorsing online games. .[Online Gambling] 30 persons have died by suicide in TN, Madras High Court observes; posts PIL against celebs endorsing online games to Dec 10