Tamil Nadu Government’s Ban on Online Games Can Be Fought in Court by A23, Games24x7, and Junglee Games

The Tamil Nadu Government Regulations, 2025 have been challenged in a major court case by A23, Games24x7, and Junglee Games. They asked the Madras High Court to throw out the regulations. The petition questions several act rules, especially the controversial “blank hour” rule that says you can’t play online games from midnight to 5 AM.

Why Does the Tamil Nadu Government Want to Work with Gaming Companies?

The applicants say that Sections 5 and 14 of the Tamil Nadu Government Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022 are unfair, illegal, and against the constitution when it comes to skill games. What bothers them most is:

• Business Rights Violation: The gaming sites say that their right to run a legal business is being harmed here.
• Player Rights Are at Risk: Skill-based games for money are being cheated out of their rights.

The petitioners argue that the law goes against past Tamil Nadu Government decisions that stated games like poker in India and rummy were not gambling but rather skill-based.

Who Are the Parties in the Case?

In response to the report, the following people are named:

• Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA)
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Previous Attempts to Control Online Gaming in Tamil Nadu Government

Tamil Nadu has tried to control online games where you can win real money before. In November 2023, the Madras High Court said that the previous ban on online poker in India and rummy was illegal. The court made it clear that the state can regulate online games, but it can’t completely ban games of skill.

What It Means for the Indian Online Game Market

What happens in this court case will have a big impact on India’s ₹16,000 crore ($2 billion) online gaming business. If the judge rules in favour of the state, it could lead to stricter gaming laws across all of India. On the other hand, if the judge rules against the petitioners, it could help show the difference between skill games and gambling.

Finally

As the fight between gambling companies and the Tamil Nadu government intensifies, the industry keeps a close eye on it. Indian rules for real-money gambling will take shape after the Madras High Court’s decision. Will Tamil Nadu’s limited rules hold up, or will gaming companies be able to defend their right to make money?

Stay updated with Poker India for the latest news about this continuing story.

Sources:

• Storyboard18: A23, Games24x7, Junglee Games take Tamil Nadu govt to court
• Storyboard18: Tamil Nadu’s gaming law violates right to livelihood, EPWA files petition
• Inc42: TN Gaming Rules: Games24x7, Junglee & A23 Move Madras HC