Tamil Nadu govt defends 'blank hour' ban on online gaming

STATE GOVT HAS ASSERTED THAT THE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN 'LARGER PUBLIC INTEREST'

- Ayesha Arvind

BENGALURU: The Tamil Nadu government has defended its regulation imposing a "blank hour" for online real money games between midnight and 5am when no login access is permitted, citing concerns over addiction, financial distress and the impact on young people.

In an affidavit filed before the Madras high court, the state argued that the prohibition during specific hours is rooted in scientific studies that highlight a correlation between continuous exposure to online gaming and behavioural as well as financial risks, particularly among young and vulnerable players.

The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by an online company, with the state demanding the dismissal of the plea assailing the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025, asserting that the restrictions are in the "larger public interest". The regulation, introduced under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022, aims to curb online gaming addiction and prevent financial ruin, which the government claims has led to suicides in the state.