Online rummy now illegal in Kerala, state government amends Gaming Act
Considering the plea, the High Court served notices to cricketer Virat Kohli, actors Tamannah Bhatia and Aju Varghese for being the brand ambassadors of various online rummy portals.
FollowThe Kerala government issued a notification on Saturday (February 27), declaring the online rummy game is now illegal. The notification was issued by amending the Kerala Gaming Act. The government has amended the existing law to include online rummy games for money.
The decision comes after the Kerala High Court directive that had urged the state government to take measures against the online rummy business.
Earlier, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Kerala High Court seeking control of online rummy in the state. The government had told the High Court that it would issue a notification to regulate online gambling through the rummy game. The PIL was filed by Pauly Vadakkan, a native of Thrissur.
Considering the plea, the High Court served notices to cricketer Virat Kohli, actors Tamannah Bhatia and Aju Varghese for being the brand ambassadors of various online rummy portals.
A complaint against online rummy was filed in the court after many people faced financial loss and one committed suicide. As per the present act, police can take action against playing rummy using cards and by pledging cash.
Kerala is not the first state in India that has banned online rummy. Earlier, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu have also amended existing laws or brought rules to declare online rummy gaming as illegal. Both Gujarat and Delhi High Court have also asked the respective governments to take a decision on the online betting business.
