HYDERABAD: The Central government clarified in the Lok Sabha that the responsibility to formulate laws related to online gaming, betting, and gambling lies with the states. Responding to a question raised by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that, according to the Constitution, these subjects fall under the jurisdiction of state governments.
During the question hour in the Lok Sabha, Dayanidhi Maran questioned the government on why it had not taken specific action to ban online gaming sites. He pointed out that the Tamil Nadu government had already banned online gaming and urged the Centre to take strict measures in this regard.
Responding to this, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that betting and gambling are part of List II (State List) under the Constitution, and thus the authority to legislate on these matters lies with the states. He urged members to “study the Constitution and respect the federal structure of the country.”
He further stated that action had already been taken against 1,410 online gaming sites, and they had been banned. While the Central government is also taking measures in this direction, the legal responsibility to regulate such activities within their territories remains with the respective state governments.
The minister also mentioned that action against online gaming and betting can be taken under Section 112 of the Indian Justice Code.
