Karnataka proposes bill to ban online betting except for ‘games of skill’

Bengaluru: The state government is planning a total ban on all forms of online betting, wagering and gambling involving “games of chance,” where defaulting individuals and entities can face imprisonment up to three years and be fined up to Rs 1 lakh, according to a new draft law proposed by the home department.

“All forms of online betting, wagering, or gambling involving games of chance, including the use of money, tokens, virtual currency, or electronic funds, are prohibited,” the draft Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill, 2025, states. The bill is expected to be tabled in the upcoming session of the legislature.