Monday was the Centre’s Monday proposal for an online gaming self-regulatory body that would be registered with Ministry of Electronics and IT as part of the IT Intermediary Rules and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021.
Ministry notice: “The proposed amendments are aimed to address the said need while enabling growth of the online gambling industry in a responsible way,” it said.
The government invites public comments by January 17 on draft rules for online gaming.
“Bets on the outcome will be prohibited as per the rules.” All online gaming companies must register with the self regulatory body, which will decide what action is required as per the rules,” Rajeev Chaudrasekhar (Minister of State for Electronics and IT) said.
Minister expects the online gaming rules will be in place by next month.
Sameer Barde, CEO E–Gaming Federation said that the selfregulating body would ensure a robust and time-bound grievance resolution mechanism, registration and regulation of online gaming intermediaries. Responsible gaming will be promoted through age verification and rigorous KYC processes. There will also be safeguard measures to prevent addiction and financial distress.
Barde stated that, “Overall we believe, these moves will eventually help government establish a controlled and sustainable industry while also promoting responsible gambling.”
MeitY, the nodal ministry responsible for regulating online gambling and intermediaries was appointed last month.
“We are grateful for the government’s recognition of the long-standing needs of gamers and the online gambling industry. Roland Landers, CEO at All India Gaming Federation said that this is a major step toward comprehensive regulation for online gambling.
These rules will ensure consumer interest and help the industry grow responsibly, he stated.
Landers said that the rules would also help to curb the threat of illegal offshore gambling sites and anti-national threats.