Karnataka ban on online betting games comes into force

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has notified the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021, banning all formats of online games involving wagering, betting and gambling of all nature and forms in the state.

Soon after the notification on Tuesday, several gaming apps began sending messages to users that law in the state does not permit such games.

Under the amended act, online gaming is considered a non-bailable offence with fines up to Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment of up to 3 years.

Aside from banning games of skill, the government has banned online games that use “electronic means and virtual currency, electronic transfer of funds in connection with any game of chance”.