Skill gaming startups caught in Karnataka’s online gambling ban

For sectors like ‘online gaming’ and ‘cryptocurrency’, one word that best describes the present regulatory scenario is ‘ambiguous’.

Both sectors are booming in India, but governments have their concerns related to user safety.

This dilemma played out again recently, with Karnataka notifying a law to ban online gambling and betting.

The law provides for up to three years of imprisonment, or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

And here’s the confusing part…

The Karnataka law states that ‘games of chance’ like online casinos and betting websites should be banned. But additionally, it has said that ‘games of skill’ where there is a risk of the player losing money should also be banned.