The Indian online gaming industry has been experiencing a big uptrend in the past few years. Nonetheless, the recent developments regarding a minimum of three Indian states working on a ban on online gaming have raised serious questions regarding the future of this booming industry.

The state governments of two of the three states – Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh have taken significant steps to ban online gaming in their region, while the third state Karnataka is working on the creation of a law to ban online gaming.

Commenting on the impact of the state governments’ move, CEO & Co-Founder of Poker Sports League Pranav Bagai said, “The recent ban of online games in Tamil Nadu and similar talks going on in Karnataka will, of course, affect the gaming ecosystem in India. In my opinion, the ban may not affect Poker Sports League directly as we are a free to play platform with a 100 per cent legal business model. To play on our platform one does not have to stake or wager money to be part of PSL.”

He further stated, “When studied in-depth, the line between gambling and sports betting is well-defined. However, with the recent decision of the state governments, the definition will be diluted on a superficial level and leave a high fraction of the Indian population confused. This will, in turn, also further spread negative sentiment around skill-based games like poker. Furthermore, with such bans coming into effect, people are forced to find a way to play online games perhaps through illegal sites and other means jeopardising the efforts of the gaming ecosystem in India to offer a safe and responsible gaming experience to all its users.”

Co-Founder of Escrowpay Subhrangshu Neogi said, “Prudent distinction should be made between a game of skill and chance. Gaming as a sector per se has seen a healthy growth off late among youngsters, especially during COVID times. An entire ecosystem has developed in this space which is quite vibrant and heartening to see. Steps should be taken to preserve and protect it albeit with prudent safety valves.”

The CEO of the All India Gaming Federation Roland Landers also stated that it was certain that any kind of ban would have implications on the overall business of a sector. “Similarly, the recent ordinance passed will affect the overall gaming ecosystem. Though the industry is still studying the ordinance to understand the implications and seek appropriate recourse. Instead of banning online games, the government should call to devise a regulatory framework. Regulating this sunrise sector can revolutionise investment trends in India, AIGF and its advisory panel of experts from different domains of life will be happy to assist in playing a consultative role for the same,” he added.