In a move to curb excessive online gaming and its addictive nature, the Tamil Nadu

government has introduced stringent new regulations for real-money gaming (RMG)

platforms. South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, has been a significant market for skill-based

games like online rummy, but the state is now tightening its grip on the industry.

Key Restrictions Imposed on Real-Money Gaming Platforms By The Tamil Nadu Online

Gaming Authority

1. Blank Hours for Gaming

RMG platforms must enforce a mandatory blackout period from midnight to 5 AM, disabling

logins and gameplay during these hours. This aims to curb overnight gaming binges, which

have been linked to addiction and financial distress.

2. Protection of Minors & Spending Limits

Minors are strictly prohibited from engaging in real-money gaming.

Platforms must allow players to set daily, weekly, and monthly monetary limits to prevent

excessive spending.

3. Frequent Warning Messages & Playtime Alerts

Players gaming for over an hour will receive pop-up caution messages, which will then

appear every 30 minutes to remind them of their playtime.

RMG apps must prominently display warnings about the addictive nature of online gaming,

with the phrase "ONLINE GAMING IS ADDICTIVE IN NATURE" appearing on login pages.

4. Transparent Money Tracking

Whenever users deposit money, platforms must clearly display their spending limit and the

amount spent so far in bold text.

5. Stricter KYC & Aadhaar-Based Authentication

Mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) verification is required at account creation.

Aadhaar-based verification will be the first layer of authentication, followed by an OTP

verification sent to the phone number linked to the Aadhaar.

These measures follow growing concerns over the rise of gambling addiction, financial

losses, and suicides linked to real-money gaming. Tamil Nadu’s latest move is among the

strictest gaming regulations in India, signaling a broader crackdown on online gambling

across the country.

It remains to be seen how these guidelines will impact the booming RMG industry and

whether other states will follow Tamil Nadu’s lead.