Andhra Pradesh government has banned online gaming, online betting and gambling within the state. To this end, AP government has requested the Centre to direct all internet service providers to block access to 132 websites and apps, including Paytm First Game, Mobile Premier League and Adda52.
In a letter dated October 27, 2020, AP chief minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed his concern over online gaming and online betting, which the government believes are a social evil as its getting the youth involved in vices like gambling and betting.
Along with its letter, the AP government has submitted a list of 132 websites and apps which are believed to be indulging in such activities.
The state has amended the AP Gaming Act 1974 “to include online gaming, online gambling and online betting as an offence. The amendment was introduced through Andhra Pradesh (Amendment) ordinance 2020 and notified on September 25, 2020.
The government has said that under the new act, those assisting the operation of online games are liable for punishment and the role of internet service providers can be termed as assisting these firms in case they do not take steps to block access of concerned websites and apps.
