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Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday told the Legislative Assembly that the state government is committed to regulating the online gaming sector. He said a decision will be made based on the recommendations of a committee headed by IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, which is expected to submit its report in September.
The minister was replying to a question raised by senior BJP MLA Suresh Kumar during the Question Hour.
"Online games are a concern for the society at large, especially the youth, as it destroys their future. Online games were more dangerous than drugs," Parameshwara said.
IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge said, the online gaming business will go from USD 4.5 billion to USD 9 billion in three years. There are close to around 590 million gamers in India, and 140 million are paid gamers, Kharge noted.
JP MLA C N Ashwath Narayan said the government should not allow betting even in games of skill.