Centre Blocks 1,410 Online Gaming Sites Amid Concerns Raised in Lok Sabha

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Union Minister for Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the government has blocked 1,410 online gaming sites due to rising concerns over gaming addiction and its impact. However, he clarified that the regulation of gaming and betting falls under the jurisdiction of state governments as per the State List of the Indian Constitution.

According to a report by The Indian Express, several MPs from different states raised concerns about the negative effects of online gaming, including addiction and financial losses. Congress MP Amar Singh stated that online gaming algorithms are designed to create addiction, drawing users into betting. He questioned the Centre on its actions to curb the influence of online gaming platforms.

In response, Vaishnaw reiterated that betting and gambling are part of entry 34 of the State List, granting state assemblies the authority to frame laws regulating these activities. He said, “State governments have the power to make a legislative framework for the same. Some states have also taken steps for it. In the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, action can also be taken on this under section 112. As many as 1,410 gaming sites have already been blocked.”

The discussion also led to a sharp exchange between Vaishnaw and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran. Maran questioned whether the Centre was avoiding its responsibility by only increasing GST on online gaming instead of banning all gaming sites. Vaishnaw responded, “The honourable member has no right to question the moral authority of the central government. This country functions on the federal structure defined by the Constitution of India. The Constitution of India places the moral authority and the legal authority as per the three lists. I request the honourable member to respect the federal structure.”

During Zero Hour, YSR Congress Party MP Gurumoorthy Maddela from Tirupati also raised concerns over the financial losses caused by online gambling and betting apps. He stated that several individuals have suffered severe consequences due to these platforms and called for a national campaign to eliminate such operations.

Additionally, Speaker Om Birla addressed the concerns raised by multiple MPs regarding the number of individuals affected by online gaming. He remarked that it was difficult to quantify the exact number of children, youth, and workers engaged in gaming. The discussion underscored the growing urgency to tackle online gaming issues and prevent further exploitation of users.

The Centre maintains that while it has taken steps to block harmful gaming platforms, state governments hold the authority to impose regulations or bans as required. The issue continues to be a matter of debate, with growing calls for stricter action against online gaming in India.

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