Tamil Nadu tightens online gaming checks for AI, payment methods, and user safety

Tamil Nadu has enhanced its regulatory framework for online gaming by revising the registration requirements for operators through the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA).

The updated application form now mandates that companies disclose detailed information regarding their game functionalities, payment processing mechanisms, and the safeguards in place for player protection. This includes specifics on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), bots, or random number generators (RNGs), along with the payment methods accepted and responsible gaming features like playtime limits and self-exclusion tools.

Companies must also provide details on their platform infrastructure, including data center locations and security audits. The disclosures extend to game categories, supported platforms, age restrictions, and payment gateway certifications, aiming for a more comprehensive oversight of the online gaming ecosystem.

These stricter measures are being implemented as India's central government also begins its own registration process for online games, though certain procedural ambiguities persist. The move by Tamil Nadu highlights an ongoing debate regarding regulatory authority over online gaming, with both states and the central government asserting control.