India considers new law to regulate online betting, gambling and gaming
According to a report quoting sources, the ?is considering introducing a central law to regulate online gaming, gambling, betting, and lotteries.
As , a senior government official stated that top officials recently discussed the matter at the Home Ministry. The meeting, attended by officials from various agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau, led to the decision to direct the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to prepare a report on the multiple aspects of online gaming, gambling, betting, and lotteries.
It has been decided that MHAs Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) will prepare a report based on the discussions regarding the need for a new law to regulate online gaming, gambling, betting, and lotteries. Since these activities are expanding rapidly, a decision will be made once the report is submitted,” the official said.
I4C focuses on tackling all the issues related to Cybercrime for the citizens, which includes improving coordination between various Law Enforcement Agencies and the stakeholders, driving change in India’s overall capability to tackle Cybercrime, and improving citizen satisfaction levels.
Currently, online gaming is regulated by the under the , framed under the Information Technology Act, 2000. These rules impose obligations on intermediaries, including online gaming platforms. If they fail to observe due diligence, they lose their exemption from liability for third-party content.
As per the sources, the idea of a new central law is being considered to ensure that all, including celebrities, who endorse such online activities are to be brought under a legal framework. Since betting and lotteries are primarily luck-based and require no skill, the Indian government is considering stricter regulations.
The referred law is under consideration due to concerns that online betting and gambling platforms manipulate results, causing financial losses for users. Officials also suspect that the money generated through these activities is laundered and transferred in small amounts via payment gateways.
