In what is turning out to be an annual question, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a member of Parliament, raised the issue of online gaming regulation in the Rajya Sabha today, the future of which continues to be an unresolved topic in India. The question reflected a general concern over the lack of regulation in India regarding online gambling.
The controversy between games of skill and chance
Over the past two years, the growth of the online gaming market has been an undeniable trend. For this reason, in the most recent news regarding the topics addressed by the government, betting has been one of the most frequent.
Specifically, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a West Bengal MP and spokesperson for the INC, has raised the issue of advertising guidelines, especially for fantasy sports, an issue that currently appeals to the younger population.
This concern stems from the fact that there is a strong debate regarding whether certain games should be considered as “games of chance” (which are usually restricted under national gambling laws) or “games of skill” (which are usually exempt from such restrictions). Fantasy sports, for example, should enter the category of the latter.
At this point, it’s worth remembering that most people love to play online casino games because of the thrill, rewards and excitement associated with them, not necessarily because they wish to become professionals at them. Such is the case of the many online casino India that we can find in this list. Nevertheless, the big problem for Indian gamers is that no clarity exists on the legality of online gaming platforms.
Online gaming, a promise for the economy in India
Online gaming is a growing industry in India, with its potential to grow even more. However, some people are still opposed to it, mainly because of the moral grounds for gambling. Others believe that the government should address the issue of online betting and make it more regulated. It is unclear whether the current administration will take any action on this matter or not.
However, many new startups are linked to online games, which could be an opportunity for India’s economy to grow and offer more job opportunities to future generations. With the sector’s regulation, organizations such as the All India Gaming Federation maintain that players will be adequately educated and informed on protecting themselves from cyber fraud.
Currently, online betting is legal in Sikkim and the state of Nagaland. The Bengaluru-based online gaming company Nasch is regulated by the Sikkim government, while the Nagaland government licenses the Mumbai-based company Adda52.
With each new day, online games are becoming a trendy pastime for many people around the world, including India. However, this is not recent news. Online gaming has been a topic of controversy since its inception. Parents and politicians alike have often expressed concern and disapproval over it, but the industry is only growing. The question then becomes: if we can’t stop online gaming, should we at least regulate it?
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