Govt panel recommends regulatory body, new law for online gaming: Report

The Indian game industry with the current $1.5 billion market is estimated to grow to reach $5 billion by 2025. Experts believe that this much-awaited report will shape the future of the mobile gaming industry in India.

Updated on: Sep 15, 2022, 18:03:25 IST

By HT News Desk | Written by Singh Rahul Sunilkumar | Edited by Aryan Prakash

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A recent draft report from a government panel has recommended Centre to tighten the regulatory framework governing online games. It has advocated for a stricter stance on online gambling by creating a regulatory body to differentiate online games, those based on pure chance to others requiring skills and also bring rules to block prohibited formats, Reuters reported.

The draft report proposes Centre to consider enacting a separate law to regulate online gaming. (Shutterstock)

The Indian gaming industry worth $1.5 billion is set to grow and reach $5 billion by 2025. Experts hope that this much-awaited report will shape the future of the mobile gaming industry in India.

Here are some of the highlights of the proposed draft report:

1. The report says the Centre should consider enacting a separate law to regulate online gaming as a “long-term measure". As the formulation and enactment of new law will take time, until then the industry can be regulated through rules drafted under India’s existing IT law.

2. Online gaming, excluding e-sports (video games played under competition by professional players) and games of chance, would come under the Union IT ministry, the report proposes.

3. The draft report proposes that rules should apply to both real money and free games of skill, covering e-sports, online fantasy sports, card games and such diverse casual games that may impose serious impact.

4. Both, the Indian gaming companies and the one operating outside but targeting Indian users would come under the ambit of new rules.

5. It advocates for creation of a regulatory body for the online gaming industry, which will also monitor what meets as a game of skill, and certify various gaming formats.

6. It recommends for incorporation of provisions for a “Code of Ethics” for the gaming publishers; have due diligence of online gaming platforms, consisting of a powerful grievance redressal mechanism and binding know-your-customer norms.

7. Any online gaming platform offering real money online games to Indian users should have a legal entity incorporated under Indian law, the report suggests. It has also recommended blocking powers for the government to deal with unregistered online gaming platforms.

8. It proposes for a three-tier dispute resolution mechanism; gaming platform, self-regulatory organisations of gaming platforms and an oversight committee led by an applicable ministry.

(With inputs from Reuters)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Home/Technology/Govt Panel Recommends Regulatory Body, New Law For Online Gaming: Report