Gaming apps block access to users in Karnataka following ban

Following a ban on online gaming imposed by the Karnataka government, several gaming start-up companies havestarted blocking access to users in the southern state.

The lawcame into being late on Tuesday. This legislation effectively puts a ban on online games that comprise wagering and betting, and “any act or risking money, or otherwise on the unknown result of an event including on a game of skill”.

The state ban has triggered apprehensions among industry stakeholders who believe that it will have a negative impacton the growing gaming segment in India. It should be pointed out that foreign investors have of lateshown keen interest in the Indian gaming segment,  investing in millions of dollars.

On Wednesday, users of Mobile Premier League (MPL)’s gaming app in Karnataka sawmessages like this one: “Sorry! The law in your state does not permit you to play Fantasy sports.”MPL is funded by Sequoia Capital.

The gaming app provides fantasy cricket and football games, letting users to indulge in real-money wagering.

Earlier, states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana clamped down on such games.

Roland Landers, chief executive of  All India Gaming Federation, has said that the gaming industry will take legal recourse in this regard.

The new law is meant to deal with violators with heavy fines and jail terms. There has of late been growing concerns about the adverse effects of online gaming platforms, including gambling.