Government Notifies Online Gaming Rules

To ensure user well-being and safety, the government has introduced new regulations for online gaming in India. These rules protect users from financial risks and addiction associated with online gaming platforms.

Role of Self-Regulatory Bodies

To implement protective measures, self-regulatory bodies will play a critical role in verifying game wagering and safeguarding users against various forms of harm.

Protecting Against Harm

The primary objective of self-regulatory bodies is to establish robust safeguards that prevent self-harm, psychological harm and harm to children. They will develop and enforce guidelines to mitigate risks and promote a healthy online environment.

Restricting Harmful Content

Strict policies will be created to prohibit disseminating or promoting harmful practices. Self-regulatory bodies will prioritise removing or restricting such content from platforms and online communities.

Safeguarding Children

Special attention will be given to safeguarding children in the digital realm. Self-regulatory bodies will work with technology companies and content creators to develop age-appropriate guidelines, age-verification mechanisms and enhanced parental controls.

Registration and Verification Process

Online gaming platforms will be categorised as “online gaming intermediaries” and must register their games with a designated self-regulatory body. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will register these regulatory bodies upon application.

Composition of Self-Regulatory Bodies

The self-regulatory bodies will comprise individuals from various fields, including online gaming, sports or entertainment, psychology, medicine or consumer education and public policy, administration, law enforcement or public finance. The Central government will nominate these individuals.

Verification Process and Responsibilities

Multiple online gaming self-regulatory bodies will be appointed to verify the permissibility of online real-money games. Gaming intermediaries providing access to permissible games must display a visible mark of verification by an online gaming self-regulatory body for each verified game.

Policies and Compliance

Gaming intermediaries must have policies related to the withdrawal or refund of deposits, determination and distribution of winnings, and fees and charges payable by users. Non-compliance with the rules may lead to suspension or revocation of verification.

Framework for Verification

Self-regulatory bodies are responsible for establishing a framework to verify online real-money games. This framework includes measures to protect India’s sovereignty and integrity, safeguards against user harm, measures to safeguard children and parental controls and measures to address gaming addiction, financial loss and fraud.