The Government of India recently made a revolutionary decision by recognizing esports under the category of multi sports events. Following this, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) has now announced an e-gaming policy under which players’ verification has been made mandatory. Apart from this, MEITY has also proposed self regulations to safeguard players from potential harms. The online gaming platforms are expected to abide with the rules and regulations, including laws related to gambling or betting. The notice mentioned “With the user base of online games growing in India, need has been felt to ensure that such games be offered in conformity with Indian laws and that the users of such games be safeguarded against potential harm.” Here’s everything you need to know about the e-gaming policy: -

E-gaming Policy

The Government of India has allocated matters related to online gaming to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY). The following draft amendments to the IT Act are being placed:

1. Due diligence: Online gaming intermediaries shall exercise due diligence to ensure that online games with gambling, betting are not permitted.

2. Withdrawals or refunds: Online gaming intermediaries shall inform users of policy for withdrawal or refund of deposit, distribution of winnings, applicable fees

3. Registration: Self-regulatory bodies will be registered with the MeitY.

4. Online games: Self-regulatory bodies may register online games of intermediaries that are members and meet prescribed criteria.

5. Complaints' redressal: Self-regulatory bodies will resolve complaints through a grievance redressal mechanism.

The draft amendments have been placed in the public for suggestions and feedback till January 17, 2023. Talking about the same, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar said “Online gaming intermediaries will be permitted but if they tend to transgress into betting, they will not be permitted. Our intent is to restrict intermediaries from advertising without permission. Our job is to regulate the Internet.”

Satyam Rastogi, Founder and CEO of Khiladi Adda reacts to e-gaming policy

Online gaming Industry expert Satyam Rastogi gave his opinion to draft amendments placed to the IT Act. He said “The government’s latest announcement to allow Online Gaming companies to self-regulate themselves has been received positively by the Gaming Companies. The move is a welcoming one, given the fact that the industry has been demanding the same for a long time now. The onus of self-regulating our companies is an important task which we aim to adhere to responsibly. The principles of responsible gaming will now be even deeper embedded within the industry, thus also segregating the good apples from the bad ones. The recognition by the government is also a testament to the authorities’ support of the industry and its efforts to boost the sector.”