The state government of Andhra Pradesh declared a ban on online games including Poker and Rummy on September 3rd.
The state cabinet under the chairmanship of CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy declared a ban on all forms of online gambling on the grounds that these games were misleading the youth, said Perni Venkataramaiah, Information Minister.
Venkataramaiah further added that “Online gambling has become a vice that was damaging the youth by ‘misleading’ them. So we have decided to ban all such online gambling to protect the youth.”
However, the government also said that it will not block or ban any gambling apps and websites that offer stakes in online games likes poker, rummy, etc. Instead, it will make such activities a cognizable offence by amending the state’s 1974 Gaming Act. People will still be able to access these platforms and websites, but now they can be prosecuted if caught.
“These apps and websites will continue to offer their services. But we are asking out people not to indulge in them […] Once certain people are caught and sent to jail, the other will fear participating in these activities,” said Kumar Vishwajeet, principal secretary at the state home department.
As per the new laws “organisers” of online gambling activity could be jailed for a year, and for two years in case of repeated convictions. The players themselves can be jailed for six months if caught.