The Indian government has issued regulations to oversee the online gaming industry, aimed at prohibiting betting with real money.
The government plans to establish three self-regulatory organisations (SROs) entrusted with the responsibility of approving games that comply with the country’s operational guidelines.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and IT, said that online games considered acceptable were those that neither involved betting nor contained content that could potentially harm or cause addiction among children.
The SROs, comprising industry representatives, gamers and other stakeholders, will assume the role of regulating the online gaming landscape in India, with the aim of promoting responsible and safe practices.
According to the newly introduced regulations, the SROs must include an educator, a mental health specialist and someone experienced in safeguarding children’s rights. Chandrasekhar said this framework presented an opportunity to foster the growth of the online gaming sector in India, providing a conducive environment for its expansion.
The regulations were introduced as an amendment to the IT Rules of 2021. As per the amendment, the SRO will determine the permissibility of online real money games, permitting those that do not involve betting on outcomes.
Chandrasekhar said any SRO allowing online games that enabled betting on cricket match outcomes, including the popular Indian Premier League, would be in violation of the rules and subsequently lose its designation.
