Fri Mar 14 12:42:53 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Gamers Challenge New Real Money Gaming Restrictions in Court
**Chennai, March 14, 2025** – The Esports Players Welfare Association (EPWA) and a coalition of professional gamers have filed a legal challenge against Tamil Nadu’s newly implemented Real Money Gaming regulations, arguing the restrictions unfairly target the state’s gaming community.
The regulations, enacted in 2025, place limitations on nighttime gaming, a key concern for professional gamers who compete in international tournaments often held outside of India’s daytime hours. Gamers argue this effectively prevents them from participating at a global level and jeopardizes their livelihoods.
Vikram Kumar Lungi, winner of the 2017 Asian Poker Tour (APT) Hyperturbo Championship, voiced his concern, stating, “It feels like Tamil Nadu gamers are being unfairly singled out. Gaming is my career, and I shouldn’t have to sacrifice my livelihood due to outdated policies.” P.S. Rathanvel, a chess prodigy, added that restricting nighttime gaming is comparable to limiting an athlete’s training hours during peak competition.
The EPWA and the coalition contend that the regulations threaten India’s burgeoning real money gaming industry and its international standing. Their legal challenge in the Madras High Court seeks to protect not only professional gamers but also the thousands who depend on online gaming for income. The case highlights the growing tension between government regulation and the rapidly expanding esports industry in India.
First Piper 