We have also identified aspects that could be clarified by MeitY through FAQs. In this hotline, we will cover some of the key features of the Amendments in terms of their applicability, key obligations for gaming operators and self-regulatory bodies, and forecast their implications on the industry. On the downside, some of the provisions of Amendments are vague, as discussed later. The Amendments dilute / relax certain obligations for online gaming intermediaries (“ OGI”) than the earlier draft suggested by MeitY in January (“ Proposed Amendments”) However, certain obligations the industry had objected to under the Proposed Amendments, such as rigorous KYC norms, have been retained. The Amendments propose a light-touch, co-regulatory framework between MeitY and registered self-regulatory bodies (“ SRB”), in line with the Government’s overall objective of reducing prescriptive laws and enhancing ease of doing business in India.

Hence, State-wise action may continue notwithstanding the Amendments. While the Amendments provide Central-level regulations, they do not replace the State-wise anti-gambling laws. The Amendments signal a watershed moment for India’s online real money gaming industry that has long sought central regulations in lieu of State-wise laws.

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules”), are amended to include these regulations (“ Amendments”) 1.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (“ MeitY”) has introduced regulations primarily for online real money games, effective April 6, 2023.

Public Services, Infrastructure, Transportation.

Laws about online games