Online poker has been outlawed in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, despite a recent court order proposing regulation of the industry as a viable alternative to prohibition.

Following a ruling by the Madras High Court, the government of Tamil Nadu has made online poker illegal in the state. (Image: India.com/ANI)

The status of online poker in the region has been under scrutiny for some time. Petitions to ban online gambling have been the subject of debate inside Madras High Court for almost a decade.

Delays and postponements have dragged the debate on for longer than necessary. However, things came to a head recently after two men, reportedly, committed suicide because of gambling debts. As such, Madras High Court pushed the agenda earlier this month.