In a significant move for India’s fast-growing digital economy, President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the much-awaited Online Gaming Bill, officially making it a law. The bill, which had been passed by both houses of Parliament earlier this month, aims to regulate online gaming, protect players, and curb illegal betting activities in the country.
What the Online Gaming Bill Means
The new law lays down clear guidelines for online gaming platforms, ensuring they operate in a transparent and responsible manner. It is expected to bring much-needed structure to the booming online gaming industry, which has witnessed rapid growth in recent years.
Key provisions include:
- Creation of a Central Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (COGRA)
- Mandatory registration and licensing of online gaming platforms
- Strict measures to prevent betting, gambling, and addiction
- Age verification and parental control features
- Penalties for non-compliance, including heavy fines and bans
Impact on Online Gaming Companies
With the law in place, online gaming firms in India will have to align their business models with new regulatory norms. Platforms offering skill-based games such as fantasy sports, e-sports, and card-based strategy games will be required to get mandatory approvals before continuing operations.
On the other hand, games involving pure chance, gambling, or betting will face prohibitions and stricter oversight.
Protecting Players and Young Users
One of the major focuses of the bill is user protection. The law introduces:
- Mandatory KYC (Know Your Customer) for players
- Spending and time-limit checks to avoid addiction
- Stricter rules for advertising and promotional campaigns
- Awareness campaigns about responsible gaming
This is expected to safeguard young players, who form a large part of India’s online gaming user base.
Industry Response
Industry bodies such as the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and major companies in the gaming ecosystem have welcomed the move, calling it a “landmark step towards a transparent gaming economy.” However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about compliance costs and strict penalties, urging the government to ensure a balanced approach.
What’s Next?
With the Online Gaming Bill now law, the government is likely to frame detailed rules and compliance mechanisms in the coming months. This could include guidelines on taxation, foreign investments in gaming companies, and cross-border operations of Indian platforms.
Conclusion
The Online Gaming Law marks a turning point for India’s digital gaming sector. By balancing innovation with regulation, it seeks to ensure a safe, transparent, and growth-friendly ecosystem. With the President’s assent, the gaming industry is now set for a new era of legal clarity and accountability.