Karnataka govt discussing law against online betting: CM Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: The government is discussing the possibility of enacting a law against online betting, which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said is consuming the lives of youngsters in the state.

Speaking after concluding a two-day review meeting with all deputy commissioners and Zilla Panchayat chief executives, Siddaramaiah said IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge and Law Minister H K Patil were discussing ways to tackle online betting.

“We are discussing if a law should be introduced. We will arrive at a conclusion soon,” Siddaramaiah said.

In a statement, Siddaramaiah said youngsters are “falling prey” to the “cricket betting business”.

During his review meeting, Siddaramaiah directed deputy commissioners to regulate betting as well as ispit, matka and OC, which are different forms of gambling. “Indiscriminate action should be taken without succumbing to any pressure. DCs are fully responsible for this,” Siddaramaiah said.

The police have booked 897 cases against online betting -- 492 in 2023, 382 in 2024 and 23 until March this year.

In March, Home Minister G Parameshwara told the Assembly that active online games in Karnataka such as Rummyculture, Karnataka Rummy Game, Dream11, Zupee and A23 Rummy were “illegal” and had no permission.

In 2021, the previous BJP government had prohibited and criminalised playing games of skill, including online games, by risking money or otherwise. This was struck down by the High Court in 2022. The government has challenged this before the Supreme Court.

'Drugs-free state'

Asserting that his government wants to make Karnataka a drugs-free state, Siddaramaiah instructed officials to amend existing laws so that licences of shops and other centres selling narcotics can be cancelled.

In 2023, a total of 6,767 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. In 2024, there were 4,188 cases. Up to April this year, there have been 1,793 cases.

“DCs and police superintendents should take effective steps to curb drug trafficking in the districts," Siddaramaiah said. “The government is ready to amend the law in order to strengthen it,” he said, adding that officials should monitor drug peddling near schools and colleges.

Law against hate speech?

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also said his government is “seriously considering” a law against hate speech. At a review meeting Saturday, Siddaramaiah directed deputy commissioners to act against anyone making hate speeches. “Indiscriminate action must be taken irrespective of how influential the accused person is,” he said. He also questioned officials on why no action is being taken against hate speech in districts despite the clear Supreme Court directions.