The Karnataka government has appointed Mr. Bhushan Gulabrao Borase, a 2009-batch IPS officer, as the new Commissioner of Belagavi City, transferring him from his previous role as Deputy Inspector General of Police (Cyber Crime and Narcotics).
Mr. Borase played a pivotal role in shaping Karnataka’s upcoming regulatory framework for the online real-money gaming (RMG) industry, spearheading stakeholder consultations. His reassignment comes at a crucial juncture as the state prepares to implement India’s first whitelisting mechanism to differentiate legal gaming platforms from illegal ones.
Despite the bureaucratic reshuffle, state officials have reaffirmed their commitment to launching the policy by 2025. The framework aims to modernize regulations, curb illegal betting, and enhance consumer safeguards through measures like age verification, grievance redressal systems, and licensing protocols.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has emphasized the need for urgent action against online betting, directing Deputy Commissioners to enforce strict measures. Meanwhile, Ministers Priyank Kharge and H.K. Patil are deliberating potential legislation, signaling the government’s proactive approach. Karnataka’s regulatory model could set a national precedent, with Maharashtra also drafting a similar policy.
The proposed law seeks to clearly distinguish skill-based gaming from gambling while regulating offshore betting platforms, which have seen explosive growth in India. A Digital India Foundation report highlighted that four platforms—Parimatch, Stake, 1xBet, and Battery Bet—recorded 1.6 billion visits in just three months, with social media contributing significantly to their reach.
Industry stakeholders, including the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), have welcomed Karnataka’s efforts, particularly after the 2021 Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill was overturned by the High Court. A well-balanced legal framework could position Karnataka as a model for other states and attract greater investment in India’s gaming sector.
