Hyderabad: The Union Cabinet approved the Online Gaming Bill and declared online betting a serious crime. The Central Government confirmed that the bill carries strict punishments and heavy fines for betting on digital platforms. The legislation will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
From now on, the Centre will directly monitor online gaming platforms. Officials said the bill aims to block digital betting apps from operating freely. Online betting addiction has already claimed hundreds of lives across the country.
Growing online betting menace across sectors
Betting apps first lure users with offers such as Rs. 2000 for Rs. 100 or Rs. 3000 for Rs. 1000. Once trapped, users develop addictions. What began with a small group of youth has now spread to government staff, policemen, engineers, bankers, and others. Nearly 95 per cent of participants lose money, and many take extreme steps, including suicide.
In Telangana, despite a state ban, four new betting apps appear every day. Ads run openly on YouTube, social media, and websites. Police usually step in only after major incidents, which critics say allows operators to expand. Operators constantly change names and pay commissions to existing users who bring in new players, fueling the spread of online gambling.
The Central Government plans to use the Online Gaming Bill to tighten control and curb these activities nationwide.