The recent news of 2-3 Indian states banning online real-money games came as a huge blow for the Indian real-money gaming platforms pertaining to the rummy, poker and fantasy sports space. The actions taken by the respective State governments have substantially scared off potential investors from India & abroad from investing in this booming industry.

The fact that India doesn’t have a regulatory organisation in place for the online gaming industry has become a massive problem. State governments who have full control over allowing or banning these games have taken decisions as per their perspective towards the industry.

While some state governments have allowed these games to operate, there are others who have imposed a ban on them. The imposition of these contradictory regulations in different Indian states has confused companies as well as investors who are looking to invest in this promising space.

Speaking on the ban imposed in Tamil Nadu, CEO of All India Gaming Federation Roland Landers said, “While the Tamil Nadu ordinance is still being studied to understand the implications and seek appropriate recourse, it will nonetheless have an impact on the overall business and the gaming ecosystem.”

“Instead of banning online gaming, state governments should seek to devise a regulatory framework… Regulating this sunrise sector can boost investment trends in states, create jobs and contribute economically,” he further said.