Skill over chance – Authorities must create an environment for healthy online games

Source: The post is based on the article “Close trade ties with France and Italy will promote Indian exports” published in the Livemint on 13th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.

Relevance: About Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act.

News: Recently, the Tamil Nadu governor has given assent to a Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill. This Act aims to prohibit online gambling and regulate online games in the State.

About the passage of the Bill

Earlier the Governor returned the Bill, on the grounds that the State Assembly had “no legislative competence” to enact such a law.

But by the time the House re-adopted and sent the Bill, the Centre has clarified that “betting and gambling” was in the State List (Entry 34). The government also clarified in Parliament that online gambling will come under the jurisdiction of States.

What should be done to ensure proper enforcement of online games?

As the Centre has notified the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, there should be no confusion as far as enforcing the law is concerned. The enforcement has to be done in conjunction with the IT Act, 2000.

The proposed Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority should ensure a balance. Further, there should be no restrictions on online games permitted under the Act as well as monitoring of online game providers. It is in the interests of all to create an environment for healthy online games.