Asia

Paving the Way for Regulated iGaming market: Will India See the Rise?

Published

9 months ago

February 20, 2024

George Miller

Paving the Way for Regulated iGaming market: Will India See the Rise?

Reading Time: 4 minutes

By Dr Aruna Sharma, Practitioner Development Economist & Retd Secretary GoI

Could you provide insights into the current market potential for iGaming in India, and what key challenges do you anticipate the industry facing in the near future?

The popularity of online gaming as a form of entertainment in India has surged with the widespread availability of inexpensive smartphones and affordable internet access. Global investors, developers, and other industry stakeholders are keenly watching the growth story of the Indian online gaming industry which has witnessed a 28% CAGR between FY20-23 and holds a market valuation of ₹16,428 crores.

However, instead of direct contribution in the economic growth story of India the online gaming industry is contributing in terms of increasing revenue (direct and indirect tax) collection (year-on-year). Additionally, the sector has attracted budding tech developers and entrepreneurs by providing them employment opportunities and fueling innovation to keep up with the rising demand for AI and other such immersive gaming experiences.

After some crucial and elucidative changes in the regulatory and taxation policies by the government in 2023, one can hope that 2024 for iGaming will thin the clouds that are shadowing accelerated growth of iGaming in India. 2024 holds promise for iGaming in India. While full regulation may take time, positive court ruling and increased focus on non-RMG segments could cause a casual gaming boom, potentially unlocking a multi-billion dollar market. However, regulatory uncertainty and potentially high tax rates remain a hurdle for attracting investments and interest of other stakeholders in this growing market and industry.

What are the main challenges facing Indian iGaming and how different are these challenges within the different regions of India?

The government is focusing on reducing threats like false information, mental health problems, money laundering, and financial losses for users by bringing rules and regulations such as the IT Rules, establishing SROs and SRBs.
Adequate regulation, that is conducive to doing business, is needed, first of all, to protect the Indian players. Because in the current situation, Indians are being abused by countless nefarious parties. Checking and curbing the illegal gaming platforms and enhancing mechanisms to ensure increased user awareness and behaviour while indulging in online gaming.
A pressing concern that requires governments urgent attention is to put in place parameters that differentiate between games of skill and chance for taxation.
As a fallout of high and retrospective taxation the industry is facing job losses, advertising and spending cuts and reduced investments in research and innovations.

Additionally, policy and regulatory compliance for the platforms have become increasingly complex with both center and state governments legislating on the same subjects and multiple ministries regulating the industry.

Delve into the necessity for a regulatory framework that is both balanced and adaptable.

Unregulated framework where user base is large leads to spread of iGaming in gray market with all its vices. By regulating the iGaming industry, the government can unlock other positive outcomes, such as increased tax revenues, economic growth via attracting more foreign investment, job creation, and better consumer protection. A thorough regulatory framework will enable transparent parameters to distinguish and license the game of skill accordingly and rest will fall under game of chance.

Regulations always bring in transparency and ensure there is no misleading advertising or non-payment of legal taxes. Additionally, regulations such as the IT Amendment Rules, 2023 have ascertained a robust grievance redressal mechanism by setting up of the SRBs and SROs.

Further a balanced and stable regulatory framework could provide assurance and confidence to the international iGaming companies in paying taxes while doing business in a regulated and transparent market, create jobs, and invest in the country and its people. Thus, comprehensive regulations, that are conducive to doing business and protect the Indian players, who are being abused by countless nefarious parties are necessary in the current iGaming landscape.

Consequently, foreign iGaming companies operating legally have consistently demanded that the Indian government establish an adequate and stable regulation and taxation regime. Instead, the government has consistently chosen to unwisely prohibit it, thus pushing this whole industry underground. Furthermore, iGaming companies face unfair persecution and baseless lawsuits from India.

The new 28% GST on online gaming has produced divided opinions about the industry’s future in India. How has the industry reacted to it?

Industry initially panicked at the 28% tax, fearing slow growth and reduced investments. The partial relief, clarification on the regulatory compliances have brought cautious optimism. Smaller firms remain anxious, fearing the high rate still discourages players and favors larger businesses. Long-term impact depends on pending Supreme Court judgment on game classification and potential tweaks to the tax structure.

The applicability of a flat 28% tax on the total value of bets placed in online gaming, irrespective of whether they are games of skill or chance has upset the applecart that was moving smoothly with the evolution of agreed principles among SROs and the oversight by SRB with clear distinction of the regulatory body between Games of Skill (permissible games) with that of Games of Chance.

The matter is now being reviewed by a Group of Ministers (GoMs) comprising of officials from ministries such as the Home, Finance, MeitY, etc. to reconsider the GST and how to counter episodes of money laundering and other such scams and frauds.

Finally, what can we expect from Indian iGaming as a whole this year, if you were to sum it up in three key points?

It is expected that 2024 will set pace by bringing in clarity in rule making, consistency of rules, inculcating a more stable policy environment that enables India to not miss the bus of becoming a hub for developers. The iGaming industry is expected to tighten its grip for filling the digital divide, enabling learning of cognitive skills and enhance conscious citizen messaging to further tap into the positive side of iGaming.

Additionally, iGaming industry should leverage technologies like blockchain to further the purpose of transparency and tracking of digital payment as a technical solution and for permanent storage of records to curb money laundering. Alongside formulation of regulatory policies, a stricter implementation of policies such as IT Rules (establishing SRBs), mandatory KYC, and compliance with Advertisement Standard Council in India (ASCI) norms for iGaming industry need to be inculcated in ensuring safe and secure gaming platforms.

The future of the gaming industry holds promise of growth, however, there is still a hazard that due to absent market regulation and destructive policies, international iGaming companies shun India, sending an unwelcoming signal to many other potential foreign investors.

Related Topics:Dr Aruna Sharma Practitioner Development Economist & Retd Secretary GoI Energame iGaming in India India

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India’s top gamers Jonathan & TechnoGamerz to face off in eFootball showdown at DreamHack India 2024

Published

15 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Two of Indian esports and gaming’s biggest personalities, Jonathan Amaral (Jonathan) and Ujjwal Chaurasia (TechnoGamerz) are all set to lock horns in an electrifying clash of eFootball at DreamHack India 2024 which will be taking place at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad from November 15 to 17.

Having consistently made his mark in national as well as international tournaments, Jonathan is celebrated not only as one of India’s top esports athletes but also as a prominent content creator, with 6.5 million subscribers on YouTube. TechnoGamerz, on the other hand, stands as one of the biggest gaming creators globally, with an impressive 43.2 million YouTube subscribers.

This match-up, bringing together two icons of the Indian gaming ecosystem on the virtual pitch will be one for the ages. Fans of both stars can expect an intense display of skill, strategy, and passion for the game as both gamers compete for glory.

In addition to the exhibition match, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (KONAMI), the leading video game developer and publisher from Japan will also be hosting other exciting activities at the eFootball zone at DreamHack India 2024. These will include:

1v1 Matches: Attendees will be able to test their skills against friends and other players in thrilling 1v1 eFootball matches.
Game Demonstrations: An in-depth look at eFootball through live demonstrations led by Konami’s gaming gurus. The one-stop spot to gather valuable insights and pro tips to elevate your gameplay in eFootball.
Trivia Challenges: Put your knowledge to the test with trivia challenges that will run throughout the event, offering participants a chance to win exciting rewards.
Crowd Engagement Activities: Real-life football activities like juggling and dribbling challenges to bring the stadium experience to the Hitex Exhibition Centre floor.
Influencer Visits and Exhibition Matches: A line-up of top influencers will stop by for exhibition matches, fan meet-and-greets, and exclusive gaming sessions, keeping the energy high throughout the event.
Exclusive Merchandise Giveaways: From trivia and 1v1 matches to game demonstrations, every activity gives participants a chance to win limited-edition eFootball merchandise.

Whether you’re looking to cheer on your favorite star, learn new techniques, or grab some amazing merch, the eFootball zone at DreamHack India is the place to be.

This year’s DreamHack India is all about passion, competition, and community, and Konami is proud to bring fans closer to the world of eFootball than ever before.

Asia

PBBM Orders Immediate Ban Against All PH POGO Operations

Published

16 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Citing risks posed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country.

In issuing the EO 74, President Marcos said “the State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”

“…In pursuit of such duty, an unequivocal ban of POGO/IGL operations was pronounced during the State of the Nation Address on 22 July 2024.”

The EO cited the Department of Finance (DOF) study in saying that POGO activities significantly outweigh the economic and social benefits derived from the POGO industry because of the risks and negative consequences such as increased crime rates, social instability and exploitation of vulnerable people associated with them.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Report also indicated POGOs have been identified as susceptible to money laundering, fraud and other illicit financial activities, and therefore pose substantial threats to the integrity of the national financial system.

“The high reputational risks associated with POGO/IGL operations deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination,” the EO stated.

The President’s order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Nov. 5, will cover Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and Offshore Gaming Operations and Services.

All POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operations and other offshore gaming-related/auxiliary/ancillary services with issued licenses, permits are expected to completely cease operations, including the winding up of their affairs, on December 31, 2024 or earlier.

And to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy, Technical Working Groups (TWGs) will be created. The TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration will address the impact of the foregoing ban on the affected sectors of the economy and ensure the reintegration of displaced Filipino workers.

This will also involve the provision of assistance and safety nets which include upskilling and reskilling programmes to ensure displaced workers could find new jobs.

The President also issued directives to national government agencies in response to the immediate POGO operations prohibition.

He wants the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts against illegal POGOs/GLs and other offshore gaming operations and services.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was instructed to assist the TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations in securing the cooperation of homeowners associations to ensure the non-proliferation of POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operations and services in subdivisions, condominiums and other real estate developments.

Asia

Nazara integrates with ONDC Network to Launch “gCommerce” in India, Unlocking a new era of In-Game Monetization

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Nazara Technologies Limited, a leading diversified gaming and sports media platform, and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) are proud to announce their integration to launch “gCommerce” – an innovative in-game monetization platform that seamlessly integrates e-commerce within games.

The integration aims to address a persistent challenge for Indian game developers: low in-app purchase (IAP) conversion rates and poor yields from advertising. Through gCommerce, Nazara and ONDC Network are reimagining game monetization by leveraging India’s thriving e-commerce landscape and providing developers with new, scalable revenue streams.

This strategic integration will allow game developers to monetize through an affiliate revenue-sharing model, earning a commission on every successful transaction initiated by players through the gCommerce platform.

Creating Value for Developers and Gamers

ONDC Network’s expertise in creating an open, interoperable network for digital commerce will enable Nazara’s gCommerce platform to connect with a wide range of sellers across more than 10 categories, ensuring a rich diversity of product offering for gamers. This integration enhances the user experience by allowing them to make informed purchases while they continue their gaming journey.

“We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of gCommerce by Nazara via integration with the ONDC Network, as it represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower game developers with effective and innovative monetization solutions,” said Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies. “We are not only creating new revenue opportunities for developers but also enriching the overall experience for our gamers.”

T Koshy, CEO of ONDC, added, “Nazara coming on ONDC Network to launch gCommerce is a testament to the versatility of the Network in supporting various industries and use cases. By bringing e-commerce into the gaming ecosystem, we are paving the way for a seamless blend of entertainment and shopping that adds value for players, developers, and the broader digital commerce network.”

The gCommerce platform is currently in soft launch and will be rolled out to game developers starting Q1, FY26.