Indian online and mobile gaming has really taken off in the past couple of years, surpassing much of its foreign competition and becoming the World’s largest market. While the gaming industry is projected to pass $182 billion by 2025, authorities in Delhi need to think about regulating real-money games and setting the stage for sustainable yet safe growth of the industry.
What the Data Shows
Media reports often quote the outstanding figures that the online gaming industry keeps posting year after year. The Indian gaming market has grown in leaps and bounds and it already serves more than 433 million desi players, roughly half of all current internet users. The total domestic market is expected to reach 657 users by 2025, almost exclusively via mobile devices.
And it is a fact that many of us enjoy a fantasy cricket pool with colleagues, Candy Crush on the train or an Andar Bahar real money game with the family. Online platforms and mobile apps have become a dominant mode of consuming entertainment, with affordable phones and cheaper internet plans now available throughout the Union market.
Analysts point out, however, that industry realities are not the same across the board. While most of the revenues come from the real-money games like online casino and state lotteries, investment is more heavily directed to the products that get more media coverage and online publicity – fantasy sports, casual skill games and eSports.
International game development studios have also put their foot in the door, although desi game providers deliver the best local content in terms of language support and original themes. Despite (and because of) fragmented state rules on paid online games, the industry has to find flexible monetization schemes. These range from in-app purchases, game tokens and prize pools to direct deposits, paid sessions and subscription plans. This is the reason why, in the end, most if not all games are to be considered real-money despite different appearances and game mechanics.
Delhi Needs to Regulate an Immense Business Market, Protect Players
Given these impressive figures, the online gaming industry has the potential to impact consumers and the economy for years to come. Its influence and exponential growth cannot be overlooked anymore because outdated laws fail to take advantage of economic benefits and protect consumers at the same time.
The urgency to control the gaming boom stems from the very absence of coordinated regulations on a national scale. Legislation on paid gaming (and gambling) is a state prerogative. Some local governments have passed the necessary laws – either regulating the industry or limiting its market scope – while others turn a blind eye or wait upon the Centre to take action.
In any case, a national framework with a Gambling Commission, underlying requirements and industry standards is practically indispensable according to most gaming experts and consumer groups. This will set up essential player protection mechanisms, financial safety and legality protocols and will enable the economy to exploit taxation and employment spillovers.
Then it would be up to the states to develop their licensing procedures with further rules, details and local specifics. Given that the internet cannot be blocked, limited or made to function according to our views and expectations, it is wise to raise the bar for those operating on the Indian market and give consumers a much be
