Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reached out to Bollywood celebrities and influential figures in Mumbai, urging them to refrain from endorsing online gaming apps that have proven to be addictive. Fadnavis’s appeal follows a query raised by independent MLA Bachhu Kadu during the State Assembly session, focusing on the issue of an online Rummy gaming app.
During the question hour, MLA Bachhu Kadu expressed concern about the influence of prominent personalities in Maharashtra promoting online gaming, particularly games like rummy. He highlighted the potential risks associated with common people who tend to imitate and follow their favorite stars, leading to increased susceptibility to deception while playing online games. Kadu inquired about the possibility of Maharashtra imposing a ban on such addictive online gaming apps, considering that some states have already implemented such measures.
In response to the query, Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the challenges stating that, “The union government can enact laws and impose restrictions on online gaming apps because these apps operate internationally. Some are registered in one country but operate from another, making it difficult to trace them. It is true that stars and iconic figures advertise these apps for financial gain. I hope that these stars refrain from promoting addictive gaming apps and request them not to endorse such apps through advertisements.”Fadnavis also assured the state assembly that his government would explore provisions under the law to regulate such gaming apps.