India’s Telangana mulls classifying online poker, rummy as gambling

Online poker and rummy may soon be classified as gambling in one of India’s states.

The government of Telangana is reportedly looking to place the two card games, which are currently considered as skill games in the country, with other forms of gambling and betting.

According to local media outlets, the Telangana Gaming Act, 9174 may be amended with an ordinance from the state government, while a new definition of “cyber space” will also be inserted in the gaming act.

Under the amended gaming act, playing online matka, sports betting, poker and rummy will incur criminal penalties that could range from a fine of INR5,000 (US$77) for the first offense to an imprisonment and higher fine for a second offense.