The government of Karnataka is pushing for a key legislative reform, aiming to establish a new regulatory framework for skill-based real money games by amending the Karnataka Police Act, and to completely ban all luck-based online gambling activities.
The proposed new bill would establish the "Karnataka Online Gambling and Betting Regulatory Authority" (KOGBRA), an independent regulatory body composed of four members, responsible for issuing licenses to skill game platforms and overseeing industry compliance. This agency will also have the authority to define the legal boundaries between skill games and games of chance, handle complaints, investigate illegal platforms, and assist the technical department in blocking access to non-compliant websites.
According to the bill, all luck-based online gambling activities will be strictly prohibited, regardless of whether they use cash, virtual coins, or any form of digital payment methods. In contrast, skill games will be allowed to exist with government permission, but must implement responsible gaming mechanisms such as limits, time restrictions, and self-exclusion, and must apply for a license renewal every three years.
The bill also stipulates that individuals participating in unregistered platform operations or engaging in illegal gambling activities can be sentenced to up to three years in prison and fined up to 100,000 rupees. Actions promoting illegal gambling activities will also face six months in prison and a 10,000 rupee fine. At the same time, the government encourages the public to report non-compliant behavior, with informants receiving rewards.
IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge stated: "We are not suppressing technological innovation, but are establishing a responsible, fair, and sustainable digital gaming ecosystem." This bill is seen as an important step for Karnataka in protecting users and governing gambling risks in the digital age.
