The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) is intensifying its enforcement of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025, warning stakeholders to implement the rules or face criminal charges

This stringent stance follows the approval of new regulations on February 7, 2025, under Section 5(1) of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022. These regulations target real money online games, aiming to curb online gambling, prevent addiction and financial exploitation, and maintain public order.

Ban on Minors and Mandatory KYC
One of the most significant measures is the prohibition of individuals under 18 years of age from participating in real money online games. To ensure accountability and prevent fraudulent activity, Know Your Customer (KYC) verification has been made mandatory at the account creation stage. Players must authenticate their identity using Aadhaar verification, followed by a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number.

To promote responsible gaming, the regulations introduce restricted hours, prohibiting login between 12 AM and 5 AM IST. Monetary limits, including daily, weekly, and monthly caps, are also enforced, along with real-time alerts and pop-up warnings every 30 minutes for players exceeding an hour of continuous play. Additionally, caution messages about the addictive nature of online gaming must be continuously displayed on login pages.

Despite the clear directives from TNOGA, real money gaming (RMG) operators have yet to fully implement the regulations in Tamil Nadu, potentially exposing them to criminal liability. Industry sources indicate that implementing these changes requires significant technological adjustments, including modifications to KYC processes and the deployment of compliance updates, which necessitate thorough testing.

In a meeting with the E-Gaming Federation, TNOGA officials emphasized that the regulations must be implemented, with legal consequences for non-compliance. The gaming authority plans to engage with other stakeholders in the coming days to ensure comprehensive enforcement.

Conclusion
TNOGA’s strict enforcement of the new online gaming regulations underscores Tamil Nadu’s commitment to regulating the burgeoning online gaming sector. As stakeholders navigate these changes, the focus remains on protecting vulnerable players and ensuring a responsible gaming environment.

Key Highlights:

• TNOGA warns RMG operators to implement new regulations or face criminal charges.
• Key measures include a ban on minors, mandatory KYC verification, and restrictions on gaming hours.
• RMG operators face challenges in implementing the regulations due to required technological adjustments.
• TNOGA is committed to enforcing the regulations to protect players and ensure responsible gaming.