Indian Gaming Industry at the Point of Transformation

According to KPMG, the Indian online gaming sector is on the verge of a revolution, with a growth trajectory of more than $3.9 billion by 2025. During the extraordinary period of the epidemic, the online gambling business was one of the fastest-growing industries, attracting major investments totalling $500 million.

Online gaming has developed as a significant outlet nowadays as a result of a number of favourable circumstances such as a youthful and tech-savvy population, the inexpensive availability of feature-packed smartphones, improved internet access, and greater awareness and development. As a result, the domestic industry has the potential to grow fast and become a significant contributor.

With the passage of the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill 2021, the gaming sector has reached a fork in the road. The progressive road, on the one hand, fosters innovation, scientific temper, and change in a weakly regulated policy ecosystem, whereas the regressive path, on the other hand, discourages progress and change. This route suggests that these prohibitions are easier to execute than developing solutions that would allow India to dominate the gaming industry worldwide. However, industry participants are certain that the appropriate rules would result in improved outcomes for the business.

The majority of India's unicorns are headquartered in Bengaluru, which offers progressive start-up regulations, regulatory stability, and a youthful and competent workforce. As a result, the Karnataka government may jeopardize Bangalore's reputation, as well as the country's entire gaming ecosystem, by enacting legislation that does not restrict online real money skill gaming in its state.

Skill-based gaming can never be compared with gambling

Skill-based gaming cannot be equated to gambling, and outright prohibition is not a solution. Extending on this, Justice Vikramajit Sen, a former Supreme Court judge and former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, stated that the Indian regulatory system clearly distinguishes between games of skill and games of chance. Because skill games may have an admission fee, they are not considered gambling. Games of chance are considered gambling since they use luck rather than talent, and so they are specifically forbidden by law, whereas games of skill are lawful in most places, even digital and online.

State governments must assist the industry in order to encourage measures toward responsible gaming and acceptance of the AIGF's Self-regulation Framework. The AIGF and its advisory members are looking forward to the chance to engage stakeholders within the state government in order to make an industry representation on the issue.

With significant worries emerging over the Karnataka Government's plan to prohibit online gaming, PK Misra, President Players' Association – AIGF and former senior IAS, stated that the action will have an impact on the online skill-based gaming sector, effectively ending players' right to make a living. There is no agreement on the scope of this legislation.

Around 10-12 percent of India's gaming community is situated in Karnataka, and many of these foreign gamers are concerned about not just their livelihoods but also their ability to pursue their ambitions of becoming professional players on worldwide platforms. He surely hopes that the state government distinguishes between gambling and skill games. Since 1957, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed games of skill as a legitimate enterprise protected by Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution, a position shared by the Karnataka High Court in a number of decisions.

Muskan Sethi expressed her views

Everyone in the business must work together to ensure that they are nourished while also providing gamers with an enriching and unique experience. Muskan Sethi, Responsible Gaming Ambassador of the All India Gaming Federation, expressed her thoughts, saying that every professional gamer invests time and effort in developing their abilities and games in order to perform better at any domestic or worldwide gaming competitions.

Now, as the decision to ban online skill gaming across the state of Karnataka may have an impact on the livelihoods and income of these gamers living in that state, as a player she would suggest that the government seek to devise a regulatory framework in consultation with industry stakeholders so that it encourages professional gameplay and controls the market.

According to a FICCI statement, a restriction on skill games will result in a significant loss of income, employment, and chances for players to enhance their abilities, in addition to being unconstitutional. According to the statement, if the bill prohibits online skill games, law-abiding Indian firms would leave the market, and consumers will gravitate to hazardous offshore and betting applications, which are destructive and dangerous.

Other major offshore and Indian gaming companies are now operating in Karnataka, despite the fact that they are banned. Some of them are supported by prominent Indian celebrities, and they are widely advertised, and after the skill gaming platforms close, even more players will flock to these websites and apps.

READ MORE GAMING NEWS HERE:

Suresh Raina to be the Brand Ambassador of Fantasy Sports Platform Howzat

Ultimate Battle Launches Subscription Model with Unlimited Benefits

Global Esports Federation Annouces Details of Global Esports Tour