Tamil Nadu approves ordinance banning online rummy and poker for stakes

What the ordinance does

The ordinance bans online games of chance played for stakes. The definition covers games combining chance and skill, and is borrowed from the UK Gambling Act.

Local operators may be licensed to offer certain online games. Non-local operators are fully prohibited and must geo-block the state and warn users about the ban. Offering these games can lead to up to three years' imprisonment.

Status

This is the state's second attempt: an earlier law was struck down by the Madras High Court as unconstitutional. An ordinance lasts six months and must be passed by the state legislature to become permanent law.