The bill has been introduced in the House with the due recommendation of the President under Article 117(1) and 117(3) of the Constitution of India.
Key Highlights of the Bill
- Objective: To establish a robust legal framework and regulate, promote and encourage the online gaming sector for innovation and economic growth and ensure a developed, safe and responsible digital environment for all citizens.
- Categorization of Online Games
- e-Sport: Played as part of multi-sports events, involving organised competitive events between individuals or teams, with outcomes determined solely by factors such as physical dexterity, mental agility.
- Online Social Game: Does not involve stakes or participation with the expectation of winning by way of monetary gain and is offered solely for entertainment, recreation or skill-development purposes.
- Online Money Game: Irrespective of whether such game is based on skill, chance, or both, it is played by a user by paying fees, depositing money, etc., in expectation of winning which entails monetary and other enrichment in return of money or other stakes; but shall not include any e-sports.
- Absolute prohibition of Online Money Games: Prohibits offering Online Money Games, their advertisement, and financial transactions by banks or financial institutions towards payment for any online money gaming service.
- Promotion of e-Sport and Online Social Games: Mandates government to promote and develop e-sports and online social games.
- Online Gaming Authority: Proposes to establish a dedicated Authority (or designation of an existing one) for coordinated policy support, strategic development, and regulatory oversight of the sector.
Article 117: Special provisions as to financial Bills
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