The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has welcomed the draft rules proposed by the Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) today to bring online gaming under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The draft rules propose that online gaming entities should display a registration mark on all online games registered by a self-regulatory body. They should inform users about policies related to withdrawals, refunds, distribution of winnings, fees and other charges payable along with KYC procedure for user account registration.
Meity said that the self regulatory bodies will also be registered with them and resolve complaints through a grievance redressal mechanism.
Speaking on the topic Roland Landers, CEO of AIGF, said, “As the oldest, largest, and most diverse industry body for online gaming, which had set up the first Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for the sector in India, we welcome the release of the amendments to Intermediary Guidelines Rules, which will now specifically also cover gaming intermediaries. We are grateful to the Government for acknowledging the long- standing need of the gamers and the online gaming industry.”
“We believe this is a great first step for comprehensive regulation for online gaming and will hopefully reduce the state-wise regulatory fragmentation that was a big challenge for the industry. These rules will go a long way in ensuring consumer interest while helping the industry grow responsibly and transparently. These rules will also be a start in curbing the menace of anti-national and illegal offshore gambling platforms,” he added.
“We are especially grateful that the Government has heard the industry and provided light- touch regulation, which will help in innovation and will boost Create in India and Brand India. We look forward to continuing the work we have been undertaking at the All-India Skill Games Council (AIGSC), the oldest and largest self-regulatory body for online gaming. The Government has maintained a very open and transparent approach, and we look forward to engaging further during the consultation period. AIGF is duty bound to provide utmost support to the government in making this sector a cornerstone of $1 trillion Digital Indian economy,” Landers concluded.
While announcing the draft rules Minister of State, Meity, Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that it is their job to prescribe the rules with an intention to ensure growth in the gaming sector. He also emphasized that they want more online gaming intermediaries but do not want them to allow any kind of wagering on the outcome of their games.
“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,” Rajeev added.
With the list of draft rules proposed, the online gaming sector in India has now moved another step forward after including esports as part of multi-sports events under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Meity as nodal ministry for online gaming.