The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday invited public to give their views on banning online gambling. Public can send their views to [email protected] within August 12. A press release in this regard was addressed to parents, students, teachers, activists, and psychologists.
The report of the Justice K. Chandru Committee on gambling and it’s affects submitted on June 27, has highlighted how gambling addiction could impact human lives — at the individual, family and societal levels.
The report said the relationship between gambling and suicide was well-established. At the individual level, gambling addiction often led to serious effects, including loss of jobs, failed relationship and a severe debt. It could cause mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming tendencies.
It is worth noting that political parties across the spectrum have lambasted the ruling DMK for delaying a ban ordinance even after a favourable report by Justice Chandru Committee.
Claiming that online rummy is responsible for several suicides, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss last month recalled the assurance made by Chief Minister MK Stalin on the day he had led an agitation in Chennai demanding an immediate ban on online rummy, and wondered, “Did the cabinet meeting approve an ordinance to ban online gambing? If yes, was the ordinance sent for Governor’s assent? If it was not approved by the cabinet, what was the reason for it? What action will the state government initiate on the expert committee report? Government should clarify to the state people? But, the government is maintaining silence.”
Recently, the self regulatory gaming body AIGF has urged the Tamil Nadu governor to not approve the proposed ordinance. AIGF said a complete prohibition or ban on online skill-based games has been held to be arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional by the Hon’ble Madras High Court in a judgment of a division bench of the court dated 3rd August, 2021 in Junglee Games India Private Limited v. State of Tamil Nadu & Others.