Sikkim Amends Online Gaming Regulations Act to Curb Fraud, Protect Revenue

Principal Director of Sikkim State Lottery, Pawan Awasthi emphasized that after the implementation of the amended act, issues related to lottery fraud and revenue loss are expected to be eliminated

The Sikkim Assembly has passed an amendment to the Sikkim Online Gaming Regulations Act, aiming to crack down on fraudulent online gaming portals and protect the state’s revenue. The amendment was approved in the recently concluded session of the Sikkim Assembly.

Principal Director of Sikkim State Lottery, Pawan Awasthi, revealed that there are currently 48 online gaming sites operating illegally from outside the state. The new legislation includes provisions to prosecute these sites, marking a significant step towards curbing irregularities in the online lottery sector.

Speaking to Northeast Live, he said, “Sikkim Online Gaming Regulations Amendment Act was passed in the recently concluded Sikkim Assembly by the state government. It was brought to regulate fraudulent and fake online gaming portals. At present there are 48 sites which is being operated from outside of the state.”

Awasthi emphasized that after the implementation of the amended act, issues related to lottery fraud and revenue loss are expected to be eliminated. He further clarified that no company outside of Sikkim will be allowed to organize lotteries within the state, with the sole exception of Golden Gaming.

Golden Gaming, the only company permitted to conduct lotteries in Sikkim, is a geo-fenced entity with over 200 outlets across the state. The company’s operations are tightly regulated, ensuring compliance with the new legal framework designed to secure the state’s interests in the online gaming sector.

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