Can India take its cue from the UK and its sophisticated gaming laws?

New Delhi: India is one of the few countries now left where many types of online gaming or gambling remain unregulated, which means that while it is not entirely illegal for citizens to play with real money online, there exists no single law that governs the gaming activities in the country.

This exposes the public to unsafe gaming practices online, and without strict guidelines for gaming brands to follow, the users’ interests may not always be the priority for them. This means that it becomes very difficult to protect players from fraudulent and untrustworthy brands or scams.

However, if India were to take its cue from the United Kingdom, a country that has had a legalized and formally regulated gambling industry since 2005, there might be more that the government can do in order to regulate the exponentially growing gambling industry of India and protect the rights and interests of millions of consumers. 

How is the gaming industry regulated in the UK?

The United Kingdom created the Gambling Act in 2005, under which almost all forms of gambling, lotteries, etc. are considered legal by people over the age of 18. The UK also created the Gambling Commission, which would be responsible for ensuring that the gaming brands in the country follow the rules and regulations set down by the Gambling Act of 2005. 

The UK Gambling Commission is also responsible for licensing the brands. Licensing further makes sure that brands are following fair practices and keeping the user experience in mind while also adhering strictly to the policies set down by the Commission.

The Commission also has further responsibilities in regulating the market, by making sure that users have a set of guidelines and best practices to follow to protect them from the threat of addiction. Additionally, the Commission also protects vulnerable people such as children from exposure to gambling or real money activities. Last but not least, the Commission is also responsible for making help available to people who might be exhibiting symptoms of problematic gaming habits and stopping them from further continuing to play.

How can the Indian government follow this model?

So far, the gaming industry in India remains unregulated. This does not however mean that Indians are not playing for real money online. In fact, the real money gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing in India, with almost 40% of internet users indulging in one or the other form of online gaming.

Maybe the solution is to regulate the industry and make sure to create a body such as the UK Gambling Commission, which will not only create ample business opportunities for Indian brands but also create a safer environment for Indian punters. The Indian government can also earn revenue in the form of taxes since no online transactions include GST due to a lack of regulation. 

How can you find safe gaming brands until there is more regulation in India?

Until the Indian government decides to regulate the gaming industry, which might be much sooner than the public expects, players can find useful guides and reviews online that help them pinpoint trustworthy brands, real money gaming apps, and safe betting sites online.

User reviews and guides written by betting experts can help protect users from any scams online while also promoting safe gambling practices.