Online gambling given support by state government, while neighboring states banned it

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: All the southern states in the country have banned online gaming after realizing its threat. However, Kerala government have let the people of the state become victims to this.

In July, the law department had given a recommendation to the home department saying that online games must be banned just like how online gambling was banned. This recommendation has been put on hold by those deep in the government.

The government is inactive even after a bank manager, addicted to online rummy, misappropriated money worth crores from many bank deposits and government’s treasuries.

Chief Minister had promised in the legislative assembly to stop online games using money such as Rummy. Many persons have committed suicide due to online gaming and this made the government issue a notice banning online rummy. This notification was cancelled by the HC. Amendments must be done to override this law.

When the Madras High Court cancelled similar notification in Tamil Nadu, an ordinance was passed for amendment. While Karnataka government had approached the SC.

The games can be banned by amending the section 3 of Kerala Gaming Act. If it is violated one year sentencing will be there and Rs.10,000 as fine. The scam at Punjab National Bank was done by the accused, as he was addicted to online gaming. Also, in Vanchiyoor an accountant at the Treasury swindled off with Rs.2.7 crores. He too was addicted to online gaming.

20 persons have committed suicide due to online gambling.