Wed Mar 26 17:38:34 UTC 2025: ## Union Minister Defends Government’s Stance on Online Gaming Ban
**NEW DELHI, March 26, 2025** – Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated the central government’s position on online gaming regulation today, stating that betting and gambling fall under the purview of individual state governments. His response came during a Lok Sabha session in answer to DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s questioning.
Maran criticized the government’s approach, highlighting Tamil Nadu’s state-level ban on online gaming and questioning the delay in a nationwide ban. He also pointed out the government’s decision to increase GST on online gaming instead of implementing a blanket prohibition.
Vaishnaw defended the government’s actions, emphasizing India’s federal structure and the constitutional allocation of power to the states regarding such matters. He urged Maran to respect the federal system and cited Entry 34 of List 2 in the Constitution. The minister further revealed that 1,410 online gaming sites have been blocked following various complaints. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between state and central authority in regulating the rapidly growing online gaming industry.
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