The concept of responsible gaming has evolved significantly in the online skill gaming community in India over the past decade.
With the penetration of internet and rise in popularity of online skill gaming platforms, there has been a growing concern about the potential for addiction and harm that can result from excessive gaming. Politicians and social sector organisations have seen this sector as a taboo with social stigma attached to professional players.
Initially, responsible gaming was not a major focus in the Indian online skill gaming industry, with many gaming companies focusing solely on maximizing profits. However, with the increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with gaming, many real money gaming companies have started to take a more proactive approach to promote responsible gaming practices.
One of the major steps taken by the online skill gaming industry in India was the establishment of self-regulatory bodies such as the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and The Online Rummy Federation (ORF). These organizations have developed codes of conduct and guidelines for responsible gaming, which member operators are expected to follow.
In addition, many online skill gaming platforms have implemented various responsible gaming features and tools. These include self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and session limits, which allow players to control their gaming behavior and prevent excessive gaming. Online rummy platform A23 launched a campaign featuring Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan to create awareness around responsible gaming.
Another significant development in the evolution of responsible gaming in India is the increased focus on player education. Many operators now provide information and resources on responsible gaming, such as tips for safe gaming, warning signs of problem gambling, and contact information for organizations that provide support for players who may be experiencing problems.
Furthermore, the Indian government has also taken steps to promote responsible gaming practices. In 2018, the Law Commission of India recommended that online gambling be legalized and regulated, with a focus on responsible gaming measures. Recently, the government has notified draft online gaming rules that impose significant responsibilities for online gaming platforms.
Overall, the evolution of responsible gaming in the online skill gaming community in India has been positive, with the industry taking steps to promote safe and responsible gaming practices, in addition to government policies. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that players are protected and that the risks associated with gaming are minimized.