Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to address rising concerns over online gaming addiction and its financial consequences in the state.
As online gaming becomes increasingly popular, especially among the youth, issues such as addiction, financial loss, and suicides linked to mounting debts have raised alarms. The meeting aimed to explore strategies to regulate and mitigate the negative impact of online gaming in Telangana.
Representatives from the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), CEOs of gaming platforms, internet and telecom service providers, and the department of telecommunications participated in the discussions.
TGCSB director Shikha Goel emphasised the application of the Telangana Gaming Act to online gaming platforms. Recently, the bureau issued notices to platforms linked to reported cases in the state, directing them to block access. “This coordinated effort is designed to foster a safer digital environment while ensuring adherence to state-specific gaming regulations,” Goel stated.
The meeting also discussed technological solutions, such as geofencing and stricter KYC norms, to prevent access to platforms violating local laws. Additionally, concerns were raised about unregulated offshore betting and gambling sites.
In response, the bureau submitted a letter to the Union home ministry, urging for a centralised regulatory framework to oversee both Indian and offshore online gaming platforms and ensure compliance with state-specific regulations. The bureau also urged parents and educators to remain vigilant regarding the risks associated with online gaming.
