Indian gaming industry leaders on Tuesday took to social media to heap praise on the Indian government's decision to appoint the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as the nodal agency for online gaming-related matters. This move follows the recommendation of an inter-ministerial task force set up by the MeitY in October, which proposed the creation of a central regulatory body for the online gaming sector to clearly define games of skill and chance.
The CEO of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Roland Landers, welcomed the decision saying, "We welcome the appointment of MeitY as a nodal ministry for online gaming. A uniform central regulation for online skill gaming has been a long-standing demand of the industry and this step will hopefully lead to a progressive regulatory framework underpinned by consumer welfare."
Appointment of @GoI_MeitY as nodal ministry for online gaming will bring in progressive uniform regulation underpinned by consumer welfare & will help grow the industry.
— AIGF (@AIGFofficial) December 27, 2022
We look forward to the guidance & support of @AshwiniVaishnaw ji & @Rajeev_GoI ji.https://t.co/sWI4K3TfTO
The Director General of the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), Joy Bhattacharjya, also praised the appointment of MeitY as the central regulatory authority, stating that it will provide clarity and certainty to various stakeholders in the Indian gaming space.
"The decision is in line with the government’s initiative to push for the growth of the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comic) sector and make India a global hub for online gaming. We are sure that the online gaming industry will grow responsibly under MeitY’s guidance and the industry is looking forward to working with MeitY in creating a well-balanced regulatory framework," Bhattacharjya said.
In addition to MeitY's appointment as the nodal agency for online gaming, the industry also welcomed the government's decision to have the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) regulate esports as part of multi-sports events. This is expected to lead to the recognition of an India Esports Federation, better rules and procedures for selecting Indian teams for international events such as the Asian Games, and improved opportunities and facilities for esports players.
The decision to appoint @GoI_MeitY as the nodal ministry to regulate the online gaming sector will bring about regulatory certainty and growth to the industry. @Rajeev_GoI,@AshwiniVaishnaw,@FinMinIndia,@PIB_India
— Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) (@FIFS_Official) December 27, 2022
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The Indian mobile gaming industry is predicted to generate revenue of over $1.5 billion in 2022 and reach $5 billion by 2025. Earlier this month, the Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, indicated in a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha that rules on online gaming regulation are already in place. These rules require intermediaries, including those offering online games, to observe diligence and stipulate that if they fail to do so, they will no longer be exempt from liability under the law for third-party information, data, or communication links hosted by them.