Gaming Federation Dissatisfied with Tamil Nadu Government's Ordinance

 Indian gaming Federations have asked the state government to rethink its decision to ban online skill games. Such bans will only push people, the very population the seeks to protect, towards illegal offshore websites.  

The fact that the State administration has already challenged the Madras High Court's ruling and that the Supreme Court has just sent notices on the matter is also remarkable. They appear to have made another unconstitutional decision that would ultimately only benefit internet gambling businesses. 

According to the All-India Gaming Federation, the restriction could negatively impact the State and drive more people to shady offshore websites. According to industry estimates, India spends $6–10 billion annually on illegal online betting and gambling, ranging from 50,000–75,000 crore. 

"We are startled and dismayed at the Ordinance released by the Tamil Nadu government, which categorizes Rummy as a game of chance," stated Sameer Barde, CEO of the E Gaming Federation. The Supreme Court has determined that Rummy is a game of skill and a protected trade under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. 

The State of Tamil Nadu's inclusion of Rummy as a game of chance, according to Mr. Barde, clearly contradicts Supreme Court rulings and a recent High Court of Madras decision that invalidated a statute that forbade playing online games like Rummy. Mr. Badre (CEO, E Gaming Federation) added, "We are reviewing the ordinance and will be taking appropriate action in due course." 

The Indian gaming market, estimated at $2.2 billion, is anticipated to grow to $7 billion by 2026. Online gaming is a popular mode of entertainment in the country, with about 420 million gamers. Global VC groups like Sequoia, Kalaari, Lumikai and Tiger Global recently invested in some Indian gaming companies. The need for regulatory bodies is growing exponentially in the Indian online gaming sector. 

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