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Union Cabinet approves ‘Online Money Gaming Bill’

  • ‘Online Game Regulation Authority’ to be set up

  • Ban on ‘Online Money Gaming’; encouragement to ‘Online Social Games’

  • Demand was made by ‘Surajya Abhiyan’ with different State Chief Ministers

New Delhi : The Union Cabinet has approved a Bill to regulate online gaming. The purpose of the Bill is to bring online gaming platforms under the law framework and make provision for penalty on gambling through ‘Digital Apps’. The proposed law shows concern over cheating and anomalies in the laws of the States; adding provision of penalties and punishment.

The Electronics and Information Technology Industry Ministry may be appointed as the Central Regulator for online gaming. The purpose of the law is also stated to be to have control over online gambling. There is already a provision of fine and seven years imprisonment under ‘the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’ for illegal gambling. Memoranda were submitted to the Union and State Governments under the ‘Surajya Abhiyan’ drive of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) demanding passing of a law in this matter. Under ‘Surajya Abhiyan’, memoranda were submitted to chief ministers of different States in this month.

Three years imprisonment and fine up to Rs one crore !

The Bill encourages ‘E-Sports’ and ‘Online Social Games’. India can take part in the international competitive gaming field if ‘E-Sports’ gets official approval. It can give impetus to new creations, create opportunities for ‘Start-ups’ and help the country to become a superpower through sports-development.

Provisions for punishment

The Bill has provision of

1. To provide service :

One who facilitates online money gaming by violating the regulations will get imprisonment up to three years or fine up to Rs one crore or both.

2. To advertise :

Advertising such games will attract up to two years of imprisonment or penalty of Rs 50 lakhs or both

3. To be associated with financial transactions :

Any financial transaction related to money games will result in imprisonment up to three years and/or a fine up to Rs one core.

4. Repetition of the offence :

A repeat offence will attract enhanced fine and rigorous imprisonment of 3-5 years.

Banks will not provide funds for ‘Online Gaming’ !

The Bill does not consider those playing online games related to money as offenders, to avoid injustice to the aggrieved. They can be considered as aggrieved/victims rather than offenders. This Bill will have control over the organisers and advertisers. Ban has been imposed on banks and financial institutions for providing funds to such games.

The purpose of the Bill

The gaming field has grown rapidly in India but the regulatory system is not yet clear.  The concerns over gambling addiction, especially monetary inducements and their effects on mental health are rising. There have been incidents of people bearing financial losses due to online gaming involving money, going into depression and committing suicide. ‘Online money gaming’ is being used mainly to convert black money into white money and other illegal activities. This Bill encourages ‘E-Sports’ and ‘Online Social Games’ on one side; e.g. encouraging games like ‘Candy Crush’ while imposing a ban on ‘Online Money gaming’ on the other side. This Bill proposes to set up a legal regulatory authority to keep a watch and take responsibility. There is also a system for registration of ‘Online Gaming Platform’ and implementation. The regulatory authority will have a right to decide about a game whether it is a money game or not after proper verification.

Will Apps like ‘Dream-11’ be closed down ?

People want to know if apps like ‘Dream-11’ will also be closed down after passing of this Bill. All such apps are likely to face action as per the provisions of this Bill. There are apps for many games including cricket in which a team is made through auction using money. As per the Bill, all apps will be closed down where there are such transactions, and apps promoting gambling will be kept under control.

Source : Sanatan Prabhat

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