The internet gambling prohibition bill that was re-adopted by the state parliament in March received the approval of Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Monday, April 10.

The Approval

On Monday, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi passed the bill to outlaw internet gambling, including stakes-based online rummy and poker, in the state, striking a blow to the budding but quickly expanding gaming industry.

As per NDTV reports, this action was taken a short time after the Tamil Nadu government, which Chief Minister MK Stalin leads, once again enacted a bill on March 23 to outlaw these games in the state.

When the assembly passed the measure for the second time, legal experts said the governor was obligated to sign it.

On March 8, the previous draft was returned by Governor RN Ravi, who stated that the state administration lacked legislative competence to enforce the law.

The New Law

According to the ordinance, the state will create a body called the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority, which will have the legitimacy to control online gaming, grant registrations, monitor the operation of regional online gaming providers, determine which games of chance should be suspended, and address any complaints or grievances brought against any gaming provider.

In Tamil Nadu, 41 people have reportedly committed suicide after losing significant sums of money online gambling and other chance-based games. Although the previous AIADMK administration had passed a law regulating internet gaming, a court had struck it down. After assuming power, the DMK drafted the bill based on the suggestions of a committee that had been primarily formed and was chaired by retired Justice K Chandru.