Professional online gamers in Tamil Nadu have moved the Madras High Court against the state government’s ban on online gaming between 12 midnight and 5 am. The case is expected to be heard this week.
The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) recently introduced regulations to curb addiction and promote responsible gaming. These rules, under the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025, primarily target online real money games, where users deposit cash or assets in hopes of winnings.
The regulations prohibit minors from playing real money games, mandate Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, and require gaming platforms to display addiction warnings and pop-up messages after prolonged play. Players must also be given the option to set daily, weekly, and monthly spending limits. The eighth regulation enforces a “blank hours” ban from midnight to 5 am, preventing logins during these hours.
Vikram Kumar, a professional poker player, has challenged this restriction, arguing that it violates his fundamental right to practice his profession under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution. His petition also states that the ban deprives gamers of their livelihood, violating Article 21.
Additionally, Kumar points out that skill-based tournaments often run for extended periods and that the ban unfairly disadvantages Tamil Nadu players in global competitions. “The rest of the country plays freely, and international tournaments take place at night. Why should we be forced to sit out?” he questions.
(With inputs from agencies)
The regulations prohibit minors from playing real money games, mandate Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, and require gaming platforms to display addiction warnings and pop-up messages after prolonged play. Players must also be given the option to set daily, weekly, and monthly spending limits. The eighth regulation enforces a “blank hours” ban from midnight to 5 am, preventing logins during these hours.
Hey folks! I totally get why gamers in Tamil Nadu are pushing back — night-time is prime grind time for many of us. Games like Chicken Road IN really show how engaging gameplay can keep you hooked, especially when it’s a mix of old-school arcade fun and real rewards. These restrictions not only limit playtime but could seriously impact platforms that thrive on global, round-the-clock access. Curious how the courts will balance regulation and digital freedom in this case.