In a move to regulate the online gaming industry, the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) has rolled out stringent new guidelines aimed at controlling addiction and ensuring responsible gaming. The latest guidelines mandate Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, including Aadhaar-based authentication, for all players registering on real-money gaming (RMG) platforms. Additionally, minors under 18 are officially barred from playing these games, and a "blackout period" from midnight to 5 AM has been imposed to curb excessive gaming habits.

Tamil Nadu’s battle against online real-money gaming has been nothing short of a legal rollercoaster. The state has repeatedly tried to ban RMG, categorizing games like rummy and poker under the "games of chance" label. However, each time, the courts have largely ruled in favor of gaming companies, emphasizing the distinction between games of skill and outright gambling. In November 2023, the Madras High Court ruled that while Tamil Nadu could ban games of chance, skill-based games like rummy and poker should remain legal. 

New Rules: What Changes for Gamers?

1. Mandatory KYC Verification – No more anonymous gaming. Players must authenticate their identity through Aadhaar-based KYC verification. A one-time password (OTP) sent to the linked phone number will be required for login.

2. No Minors Allowed – If you're under 18, real-money gaming is officially off-limits.

3. Blackout Hours from Midnight to 5 AM – No RMG access during these hours, a move that has sparked backlash from gaming companies arguing for digital freedom.

4. Regular Pop-Up Warnings – If you’ve been playing for more than an hour, expect frequent caution messages reminding you of your playtime.

5. Caution Labels on Login Pages – Every RMG app and website must prominently display a warning: "ONLINE GAMING IS ADDICTIVE IN NATURE."

Gaming companies, predictably, are not thrilled. A spokesperson from a leading RMG platform argued that restrictions like blackout hours "contradict the fundamental principles of a free and digital-first economy." The industry claims it already implements responsible gaming measures like time limits, spending caps, and Aadhaar verification, and that further regulations could stifle innovation.

On the other hand, TNOGA insists that these regulations are necessary, citing a survey that suggests 20% of students in Tamil Nadu are addicted to online gaming. The authority has gone as far as labeling gaming addiction a "mental disorder" and has linked excessive gaming to rising gambling-related suicides. The government maintains that regulation is essential to protect vulnerable users and prevent financial ruin caused by unchecked online betting.