Online Gaming Bill: No Punishment For Players?

As we had reported already the cabinet, had to clear the bill for the reconstruction of the online gaming bill. The new bill would impose restrictions on online gaming culture in India by cracking down on the surface providers and advertisers.

In this context, there were several reports on whether even players and victims of this online chemical culture would be held responsible and adequate punishment.

However, the latest developments are suggesting that the changes that are being made to the bill, do not necessarily concern the players or victims associated with the same.

The Online Gaming Bill introduced in India, which exempts players and victims from punishment while targeting service providers, advertisers, and financial backers of online games, a shift from previous regulatory approaches.

This bill also regulates financial institutions and banks from processing the transactions related to online gaming activities.

This legislative move aligns with a growing global trend to regulate digital platforms rather than users, supported by a 2023 UNESCO report indicating that 60% of online gaming regulations worldwide now prioritize corporate responsibility to curb exploitation, potentially impacting India's $2.3 billion gaming market.

The bill's emphasis on banning harmful money games while promoting e-sports reflects India's response to rising gaming addiction concerns, with a 2021 Lancet study reporting a 20% increase in problem gaming among Indian youth.