New Gaming Bill proposes, no punishment for players of online money games, action against service providers

NEW DELHI: In the just-introduced Bill to regulate online gaming in India, there will be no punishment for those playing online money games; it is only the service providers, advertisers, promoters, and those who financially support such games will face the consequences, said sources.

“No punishment for those playing online games. No punishment to victims. Only punishment for service providers, advertisers, promoters and who support financially to such games”, a source said on Wednesday.

The Online Gaming Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday encourages e-sports and online social games while prohibiting harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions related to them. The Bill seeks to completely ban on offering, operating, or facilitating online money games, irrespective of whether based on skill, chance, or both, the government said.

Through this legislation, the government aims to promote e-sports and give them legal recognition. This bill will help in providing legal support to e-sports. Earlier, there was no legal backing for e-sports, sources said. “We have interacted with the 3rd segment of the online gaming industry. We tried to impose GST also, but the challenge continued. We had no option but to choose society for the welfare of people”, the source said.

For the promotion of e-sports, which has been recognised as a legitimate form of competitive sport in India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will establish a dedicated framework. Online social games will also be promoted by the government.

It is the online money game, according to sources, that is a big problem for society. Several reports of suicide, violent attacks and other challenges were reported, the sources added. “Fraud and cheating are happening through these games and several families are ruined.”

The government believes that the harms of addiction, financial losses, and even extreme consequences such as suicides associated with online money gaming can be prevented by prohibition of such activities. There are reports of money laundering and terror financing, the sources added.

Failing to fulfil the law, once enacted, can attract imprisonment up to 3 years and/or fine up to Rs 1 crore for offering or facilitating online money gaming. For advertising money games, and imprisonment up to 2 years and/or fine up to Rs 50 lakh may be attracted. for financial transactions related to money games, imprisonment up to 3 years and/or fine up to Rs 1 crore is being provided.

Any repeat offences may attract enhanced penalties, including imprisonment of 3-5 years and fines up to Rs 2 crore. Offences under key sections to be cognizable and non-bailable. The central government may authorise officers to investigate, search, and seize digital or physical property linked to offences, and officers would be empowered to enter, search, and arrest without warrant in certain cases of suspected offences. (ANI)