A growing number of court petitions in Karnataka show that the blanket ban on real-money games left thousands of companies and professional players without their income. Misguided attempts to protect the youth need rethinking, industry studies show.
Heavy-Handed Approach Damages Livelihoods and Economy
The Karnataka online gaming ban is barely a couple of months old, yet mounting proof of its legal and economic inefficiency is regularly reported by mass media outlets. Local residents and tech companies agree on one thing – the rash and unbalanced decree deprives them of basic economic and legal rights.
On one hand, game studios and online casinos had enjoyed their time in the sun as the booming online gaming industry was a fantastic chance for entrepreneurs offering engineering, animation, online marketing and other related digital services. Bengaluru has a global reputation of being a tech startup hub for a reason, and thousands of small and medium businesses are now forced to rethink their strategy or even register offshore.
On the other hand, while players around India can get access to Powerball lotteries and other legal online platforms, Karnataka residents are banned from a list of games that have always been legitimate. Many had built their livelihoods – or at least supplemental incomes – around fantasy sports, skill games and casual gaming with prize pools.
A group of players have petitioned the Karnataka High Court for relief with such motivations, having been caught off-guard by the ban after having set up much of their lives and income streams around professional or semi-professional online gaming.
Impacting the Wrong Group of People
The ban on all games for real money came into effect in early October, listing classic skill games like Fantasy and eSports among online games that cannot involve any kind of digital payment or prizes. The authorities’ concern for young people and other vulnerable consumers is well justified. However, it strikes many as a paradox that lotteries – as the biggest form of gambling in India – are open to almost anyone.
Indeed, the new laws end up targeting all the wrong people and businesses, with game developers and professional players impacted instantly while problem gamers, the top priority of such legislation, remain unattended and unprotected from offshore sites and black gambling markets.
The rise of popularity that fantasy sports and esports platforms have seen in recent years convinced thousands of desi users to turn to gaming and become pros or semi-pros. Lakhs of people share the concern of the court petitioners in lamenting years of preparation and skill training. Many have bought expensive equipment, others have invested in gaming enterprises or dedicated their career to digital support services.
Restricting access to skill games while leaving State lottery monopolies unaffected is arguably unproductive. The former are a constitutionally legitimate activity, as industry bodies and Supreme Court decisions remind. Efforts are better spent in establishing Responsible Gaming requirements and regulations – like age, play-time and spending limits. Such policies have proven effective in helping problem gamers and restricting the social impact of black and offshore gaming platforms.
![gain Rise in Gold Rate in India After Falling Rs 21,200/24K; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop on 28 March? By Harshika Yadav Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:55 [IST] preference Add as a preferred source on Google Gold rates in India witnessed a modest recovery on March 27, 2026, after a sharp fall in the previous session, indicating a cautious stabilisation in the bullion market. The yellow metal had dropped by Rs 212 per gram (or Rs 21,200 per 100 grams) of 24 Karat (24K) earlier, but managed to regain some ground. Gold Price Updates as US-Iran Tensions Ease; Pakistan, Turkiye & Egypt Step Up Mediation Efforts The rise in yellow metal follows easing geopolitical concerns after US President Donald Trump signalled a delay in potential military action against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6. This development, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, has helped support safe-haven demand. gold Rate Today Further adding to market sentiment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions. Countries like Türkiye and Egypt are also reportedly supporting the mediation process, offering some relief to global financial markets. Gold Rate in India: Check Latest 22K, 24K & 18K Gold Prices Per Gram 24 Karat Gold Rate Today in India In the 24 Karat segment, at the time of writing, the rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,471, rising by Rs 16 from Rs 14,455. For 8 grams, the price increased to Rs 1,15,768, up by Rs 128. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,44,710, reflecting a gain of Rs 160, while 100 grams of 24 Karat gold were priced at Rs 14,47,100, marking an increase of Rs 1,600. 22 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The price of one gram of 22K stood at Rs 13,265, gaining Rs 15 from the previous session. For 8 grams, the rate rose to Rs 1,06,120, registering an increase of Rs 120. The cost of 10 grams advanced to Rs 1,32,650, up by Rs 150, while 100 grams were priced at Rs 13,26,500, reflecting a gain of Rs 1,500. 18 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The rate for one gram of 18K stood at Rs 10,853, up by Rs 12. For 8 grams, the price moved up to Rs 86,824, marking a gain of Rs 96. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,08,530, increasing by Rs 120, while 100 grams were valued at Rs 10,85,300, reflecting an uptick of Rs 1,200. Latest MCX Gold Price In the domestic futures market, gold on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) held firm above the Rs 1,44,500 level as per latest trading record, supported largely by the weakness in the Indian rupee, which continues to cushion local prices despite global volatility. Latest Spot Gold Rate The rebound in domestic gold rates comes alongside a recovery in international markets, where gold moved above the $4,400 per ounce mark. What Lies Ahead for Gold Prices? Check Gold Rate Prediction Jateen Trivedi, VP - Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency), LKP Securities, said, "Gold remained slightly positive, trading above $4,425 with highs near $4,475, supported by initial optimism around US-Iran talks. However, the sharp rise in crude continues to signal underlying market stress and inflation risks." From a technical perspective, he explained, "Technically, support is seen near Rs 1,42,000, while resistance is placed around Rs 1,46,500. Overall, gold is expected to remain volatile with limited upside unless clarity emerges on inflation and geopolitics."](https://keralanews247.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rupee-and-dollar-scaled-120x86.png)
