Online Real Money Games – Restrictions of Time, Monetary Limit, Age Restriction or Aadhar verification
Regulation of 2025 framed under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022
The State Government has ample powers to protect the public health, particularly when there are reports in the State of Tamil Nadu on the impact that online real money games had on the people including reports of suicide and other adverse health issues.
A few wins in the start may entice the player to play with more money and naturally becomes addictive which may eventually allow himself to be lost in the game The dopamine rush may trigger him to play with his money again and again thereby unaware of the financial loss he is prone to.
In the eyes of the Court, the submission of the State is not restricted to just paternalism but goes a step beyond in ensuring the physical, mental and financial well being of its citizens which is its incumbent duty to protect.
This ruling sets a strong precedent. Online gaming platforms must now follow strict rules on who can play, how much money can be bet, how long games can be played, and how they advertise. They must also use Aadhaar verification to prevent misuse or addiction. This marks a shift towards stricter, more localised control of the online gaming industry.
Judgment dated 3.6.2025 of the High Court of Madras in W.P.Nos.6784 of 2025 of Play Games 24×7 Private Limited and another Vs. State of Tamil Nadu and others with connected matters
