Online Gaming Firms Face Setback: Tamil Nadu Government Scores Legal Victory

The Madras High Court has dismissed petitions filed by online gaming companies challenging the Tamil Nadu government's regulations on real money gaming. The court ruled that the state has the authority to impose restrictions in the interest of public health.

The verdict upholds the key provisions notified by the Tamil Nadu Gaming Authority, including mandatory Aadhaar-based KYC verification to ensure only adults are allowed to play and the imposition of a daily 'blank hour' between 12 midnight and 5 a.m., during which users cannot access online real money games.

The petitioners had contested these provisions, arguing that such restrictions were excessive. However, the court maintained that the state's measures were justified on public health grounds and within its legislative powers.