Expressnews
The Tamil Nadu government’s recent decision to impose a ban on real-money online gaming between midnight and 5 a.m., under the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) Regulations 2025, has sparked significant debate. While the policy aims to curb gaming addiction and financial losses, critics argue it is arbitrary, overreaching, and counterproductive, raising concerns about its effectiveness and impact on the gaming industry.
The government justifies the ban as a preventive measure to address gaming addiction, particularly among younger players, citing concerns over impulsive behavior, sleep deprivation, and financial harm. However, the policy’s adhoc implementation overlooks critical nuances. (19.1.G). For gaming platforms, this 24*7 engagement provides a seamless and inclusive experience for users worldwide. A blanket ban on gaming during specific hours disrupts this ecosystem, not only affecting casual players but also professional gamers who depend on gaming as a legitimate and primary source of income. As Vikram Kumar Lungi, an APT Champion, noted, “Gaming is my profession. Why should I be restricted when others can compete freely?”
Ironically, the ban risks driving players toward unregulated offshore platforms, which operate outside Tamil Nadu’s / country’s jurisdiction. These platforms lack consumer protections and oversight, exposing users to greater risks. Instead of curbing illegal gambling, the policy may inadvertently exacerbate the problem by pushing players toward unregulated alternatives.
Tamil Nadu’s workforce, including manufacturing, technology, and tech economy workers, often operates late shifts or non-traditional hours. For many, the midnight to 5 a.m. window is their only opportunity to unwind. The ban denies this demographic access to legitimate entertainment, potentially pushing them toward unregulated gambling sites.
The policy also threatens the economic benefits of online gaming, which has become a significant contributor to state and national tax revenues. GST collections from the sector surged by over 400% last year. By reducing engagement on regulated platforms, the ban risks encouraging migration to offshore sites, undermining tax revenues and economic growth.
The ban reflects a paternalistic approach that assumes citizens, particularly younger generations, are incapable of responsible decision-making. In an era where Millennials and Gen Alpha are increasingly financially literate and tech-savvy, such restrictions undermine autonomy. Instead of blanket bans, the government should focus on empowering users through education, self-regulation, and robust age verification mechanisms.
Key questions remain unanswered: How will TNOGA combat illegal offshore gambling? What evidence supports the ban’s effectiveness? How will revenue losses be mitigated? Why restrict online skill-based games while offline versions remain unregulated? And how enforceable is the ban given the ease of bypassing geo-restrictions?
In conclusion, while the ‘dark hours’ ban may have been well-intentioned, its implementation is flawed and risks unintended consequences. Tamil Nadu should take knowledge from South Korea, the only known history of implementing dark hours for minors and then repealing it because of its ineffectiveness. Empowering users and targeting illegal gambling would be more effective than arbitrary restrictions.
