These games often involve strategy, knowledge, and expertise. In skill games, the outcome is determined by the player’s actions and decisions, rather than chance. Some common examples of skill games include chess, poker (in some cases), rummy, and bridge
According to Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar, 
acceptable online games are those that do not involve wagering, user harm in their content, or addiction related consequences for children. The Minister announced that three self-regulatory organisations (SROs) will be established to approve games that comply with the country’s operational rules. The industry experts, gamers, and other stakeholders, shall comprise SROs, who will oversee the regulation of online gaming in India. These organisations will include an educator, a specialist in psychology or mental health, and an individual with experience in safeguarding child rights.
ONLINE GAMING has become a thriving industry in India, with many players actively participating in various forms of online gambling. However, the legal grey area surrounding online gambling in India has led to confusion among players and operators alike. While India has a deep-rooted culture of betting on sports and casino games, the country’s gambling laws have not kept up with the times, leaving the industry in a state of ambiguity.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 technically prohibits all forms of gambling in India, but it does distinguish between games of skill and games of chance. This distinction, however, is not clear, leading to a lot of confusion around the legislation. This has allowed many establishments to circumvent certain provisions in the Public Gambling Act.
Every state in India has its own laws and regulations regarding gambling. Although certain states such as Sikkim and Goa hold permissive attitudes towards gambling, there are other states that adopt a stricter approach towards the setup of gambling facilities. Despite the technical illegality of online gambling, it is still possible for most Indian residents to participate. Casino operators are not allowed to establish their operations within the country, but residents can access offshore casino platforms that offer a variety of different casino games. These casinos typically have their transaction mechanisms set up through third-party service providers like PayPal, which are recognised worldwide.
The ambiguity of the law is not beneficial to the country’s economy, and experts in the field suggest that Indian coffers could receive billions from the flourishing gambling industry. However, Indian players are opting to redirect their funds to offshore gambling sites that specifically cater to them, resulting in a loss for the domestic gambling industry. The economy could have benefited from the tax revenues that could have been generated through regulated gambling. Moreover, the Indian market, which is brimming with growth and potential, has attracted many foreign investors who are keen on establishing their operations in the country.
The pressure on government to draft newer and more relevant pieces of legislation about gambling has recently led to introduction of new regulations to govern the online gaming industry, specifically prohibiting games that involve wagering or betting with real money. The government has implemented novel regulations aimed at governing the online gaming industry, which prohibit games involving real-money betting or wagering. The primary objective of these regulations is to safeguard online gamers against addiction and detrimental content.
The government’s definition of an online game encompasses any game provided on the Internet and reachable through a computer resource or intermediary. These regulations are exceptional in their efforts to protect online gamers. However, games involving wagering or betting are now strictly forbidden under the new rules.The new regulations have been incorporated as an amendment to the IT Rules of 2021, indicating the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and responsible online gaming environment. Online gaming platforms and firms are now required to refrain from offering, publishing, or sharing games that contain harmful or banned content. Additionally, they must verify the identity of online gamers to enhance safety and security.
One of the key provisions of the regulations is the prohibition of online games that involve any form of gambling, including advertisements. The self-regulatory organisations (SROs) as announced by the centre will also enforce guidelines to prevent addiction and mental harm, such as implementing parental controls, displaying frequent warning messages, and implementing age-rating systems.
Furthermore, gamers will have the option to set their own limits for time or money spent and can choose to opt-out once they reach those limits. The regulations clarify, while real money gaming is allowed, it becomes impermissible if money is staked on the outcome of the game.
The introduction of these regulations has received positive responses from various stakeholders in the online gaming industry. Companies and industry associations have welcomed the rules, considering them a landmark moment and an opportunity to promote gaming innovations in India.