Govt proposes self regulation for online gaming cos, gamers’ verification; forbids betting


The government has proposed a self-regulatory body for online gaming companies operating in India in a draft amendment to IT regulations, but will not allow gambling.

Draft online gaming rules published on Monday propose measures to verify users and protect them from gaming addiction and the risk of financial loss.

In a briefing on the proposed rule, State Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said self-regulatory bodies would develop the filters and tests needed to determine acceptable games.

“…the intermediary must obtain confirmation from the online gaming intermediary and from the relevant self-regulatory body before hosting, publishing or promoting an online game for consideration,” the draft rule states. says.

The Draft Amendment would require online game intermediaries to exercise their obligations, including to make reasonable efforts not to host, display, upload, publish, transmit, or share online games with users that do not comply with the Rules. We expect you to comply with the due diligence required under the Rules while doing so. Indian law, including gambling or gambling laws. Chandrasekhar said online gaming companies would not be allowed to bet on the outcome of games under the principles set out in the draft regulations.

“Betting on the outcome of the game is not permitted in accordance with the principles laid down under the Rules. All online gaming companies are required to register with a self-regulatory body that determines necessary actions in accordance with the rules.

“If you bet on the outcome of a game, it is prohibited. Self-regulatory organizations will develop the filters and tests necessary to determine what games are acceptable, be they games of chance or games of skill. There are other things, too.”

The Draft Rules would require all online games registered by self-regulatory organizations (SROs) to display a registration mark and inform users of the policies, decisions, and distribution methods related to deposit withdrawals or refunds. , suggests additional due diligence on companies. his KYC procedures for the payment of winnings, commissions and other charges, and user account registration;

On the child verification requirements, the minister said details would be revealed after consultations were concluded. Also appoint a key manager or senior employee (who must be a resident of India) of the gaming company as Chief Compliance Officer to ensure that the online gaming platform does not provide a physical contact address in India on its website or mobile. I would also suggest making it public. base application.

The Ministry of Electronics, Information and Communication is inviting comments on the draft by 17 January.

Chandrasekhar also said that 40-45% of gamers are women and the feedback received by the government indicates that a significant amount of work needs to be done to make online gaming safe for women. said he knew there was He said the draft proposes a self-regulatory mechanism to regulate the content of online games in the future and ensure that games do not contain violent, addictive or sexual content.

Responding to questions about the impact of regulations on laws passed in some states, the minister said the center hopes online gaming will grow without conflicting with local or state laws.

“We are not policing. Online gaming is a $200 billion industry. India has so much potential in terms of startups and investments. More and more investments will be made and startups in the gaming segment will grow.

“We hope that 2023 will be the year that online gaming explodes rapidly and expands with investments and new platform developments,” Chandrasekhar said.

He said even casual gaming entities would have to register with the SRO as per the draft rules, but the final call would be based on feedback during the consultation process.

Chandrasekhar said: “We hope to have a final rule by early February.

WinZO Games co-founder Saumya Singh Rathore said in response to the draft rules that the central framework would also suspend blanket state bans. “A more predictable environment will attract increased investment, create jobs and spawn a new generation of export industries from India. We are awaiting clarification.There are over 1,000 companies in the sector that are less than 24 months old and in the early stages of revenue,” said Singh.

Sameer Barde, CEO of the E-Gaming Federation, said the proposed amendments emphasize the composition of self-regulatory bodies focused on light-touch regulation. “The SRO will ensure a time-bound grievance mechanism, online gaming intermediary registration, age verification to promote responsible gaming, rigorous KYC processes, and safeguards against addiction, financial distress, etc. Overall. As we feel, these moves will ultimately help governments establish regulated and sustainable industries while promoting responsible gaming.

(This article is not edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


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