The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has moved the Madras High Court against the recent online gaming ban imposed by the Tamil Nadu government. The AIGF, which represents several online gaming companies in India, has challenged the constitutional validity of the Tamil Nadu Gaming and Police Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, which came into force in November 2021.
The ordinance prohibits all forms of online gaming, including rummy, poker, and other skill-based games, in the state of Tamil Nadu. The AIGF has argued that the ordinance is arbitrary, violates the fundamental rights of citizens, and is against the spirit of the Supreme Court’s ruling that games of skill cannot be considered gambling.
The AIGF’s move comes after several online gaming companies, including Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Paytm First Games, filed similar petitions challenging the ban in the Madras High Court. The court has ordered a stay on the ban until further notice.
The online gaming industry in India has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with a growing number of players participating in skill-based games. The industry has been under regulatory scrutiny, with several states imposing restrictions or outright bans on online gaming. The AIGF has been advocating for a legal and regulatory framework for online gaming in India, which it believes will protect the interests of players and operators alike.
The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has moved the Madras High Court challenging Tamil Nadu’s new law banning online gaming. The AIGF, which represents online skill gaming companies, has argued that the law violates the rights of businesses and consumers, and has sought a stay on its implementation. The Tamil Nadu government passed the Online Gaming Act in February 2021, which banned online gaming involving betting or wagering, including online rummy and poker. The law also imposed penalties on violators, including imprisonment and fines. The AIGF has claimed that the law is vague and unclear and could harm the online gaming industry in the state. The Madras High Court has yet to hear the case.