In a key bureaucratic reshuffle, the Karnataka government has transferred Mr. Bhushan Gulabrao Borase, a 2009-batch IPS officer, from his role as Deputy Inspector General of Police (Cyber Crime and Narcotics) to Commissioner of Belagavi City. Mr. Borase had played a vital role in leading stakeholder consultations for the state’s upcoming regulatory framework for the online real money gaming (RMG) industry.
The transfer comes at a sensitive time as Karnataka is preparing to introduce India’s first whitelisting mechanism to distinguish legitimate RMG operators from illegal platforms. Despite the reshuffle, government officials have affirmed their commitment to rolling out the policy by the end of 2025. The initiative aims to modernize regulation, curb illegal betting, and ensure consumer protection through measures such as age-gating, grievance redressal, and licensing mechanisms.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Mr. Siddaramaiah has reiterated the urgency of tackling online betting, instructing Deputy Commissioners to take decisive action. Meanwhile, Ministers Mr. Priyank Kharge and Mr. H.K. Patil are in discussions over possible legislation, reflecting the government’s proactive stance. The regulatory framework, currently under drafting, may set a national precedent, with Maharashtra also developing its own policy.
The upcoming law seeks to create a clear legal distinction between skill-based gaming and gambling. It also aims to regulate offshore betting platforms, which are growing rapidly in India. A Digital India Foundation report revealed that four platforms—Parimatch, Stake, 1xBet, and Battery Bet—attracted 1.6 billion visits in just three months, with social media driving tens of millions of these interactions.
Industry bodies such as the All India Gaming Federation and E-Gaming Federation have expressed cautious optimism about Karnataka’s efforts, especially in light of the 2021 Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill, which was struck down by the High Court. A new, balanced legal framework could position Karnataka as a model for other states and boost investment in the Indian gaming industry.
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