Recently, the Rajasthan government delivered a draft named the “Rajasthan Virtual Sports (Regulation) Bill” for public consultation. The bill proposes that all gaming service providers get a license to be able to operate in the state. The state wants to get a regulation request to control online skill-based games, specifically fantasy games. Relating to something very similar, the Skill Games Council of India proposes that the public authorities make the draft more comprehensive by incorporating guidelines for all online skill games, not only fantasy gaming. SGCI has been laid out to oversee and guarantee best practices for its stakeholders, particularly gamers and developers, through self-guidelines.

According to the draft, a Virtual Online Sports Commission will be set up to direct online gaming activities in the state. Offenders will likewise face a punishment of up to Rs 2 lakh for license and promotion violations, according to the draft. Presently, there is no provision for punishment for online gaming in the state.

Remarking on the draught of the bill, Skill Games Council key member ex-justice Vikramajit Sen said, “Judicial precedents have maintained the lawfulness of skill-based online gaming for some time now, and there is a desperate requirement for a comprehensive national policy.” The draft bill proposed by the Rajasthan government should be given appropriate regard as it is unfair to just incorporate fantasy gaming. I accept the idea of protecting the rights of gamers and developers, who are frequently overlooked when considering the regulations and guidelines for the online gaming community. Having said that, we as a whole realize that the sector’s development lies in its range, bringing communities together, empowering an option in contrast to physical sports, and working with key fundamental skills, for example, decision-making, critical thinking, and rationale, as well as perspectives of discipline and responsible digital citizenship. Subsequently, the public authorities should address these challenges to improve all. ”

The online skill gaming scene in India has advanced essentially throughout the long term, with a dramatic development rate yearly, drawing in a few marquee financial investors. Likewise, relating to the new declaration made by the central government on including the advancement of an AVGC taskforce, it is nothing unexpected that this early sector will undoubtedly develop a wide margin. One thing the industry desperately needs right now is a progressive and regulatory framework that applies to all online skill games in the country.

The Skill Games Council of India’s former civil servant and a member of Sutanu Behuria said, “Online gaming is a new sector and has extraordinary potential for increasing job opportunities, improving technical skills for the young, and creating revenues for the public authorities.” In this circumstance, establishing progressive strategies and an empowering climate in the administrative framework is significant. The central government guidelines will empower a coherent, country-wide legislative structure that will likewise forestall exchange between states. Today, online skill gaming is an exceptionally interesting space, and skill games are not just providing innocuous entertainment (extremely important to keep a peaceful social fabric), but on the other hand, they are also fostering cognitive development and employment opportunities because of their tech base. Having areas of strength for a structure will encourage safe practices and empower the sector to develop and create job opportunities.”

Speaking about the new draft bill by the Rajasthan government, former senior civil servant and a member of the SGC, PK Misra expressed, “Alongside building a self-regulatory community, we likewise need a facilitative environment for all stakeholders across the gaming sector, transparently and fairly.” SGCI has consistently attempted to feature the need for capable gaming, user integrity, player assurance, and best practices for member operators, to guarantee moral practices to shield the consumer interest. Consequently, the bill, while being drafted with the expectation of safeguarding the gaming community, should be logically changed and lined up with the central government’s vision.

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