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Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
'Addictive algorithms': India plans to ban online games played with money
India's government plans to ban online games played with money, a proposed bill showed on Tuesday, in what would be a heavy blow for an industry that has attracted billions of dollars of foreign investment. Citing psychological and financial harm it says can be caused by such games, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 says that no person "shall offer, aid, abet, induce or otherwise indulge or engage in" the offering of online money games and such services. The 13-page bill, which has not yet been made public but has been reviewed by Reuters, describes an online money game as one played by a user by depositing money in expectation of winning monetary and other enrichment. The Indian market for such gaming is set to be worth $3.6 billion by 2029, venture capital firm Lumikai says. Endorsements by top Indian cricketers and other marketing efforts have boosted appeal and investor interest of real money gaming apps such as the popular fantasy cricket games operated by startups Dream11 and Mobile Premier League. Dream11 commands a valuation of $8 billion while Mobile Premier League is valued at $2.5 billion, PitchBook data shows. The Indian government has long been concerned about how such games are addictive. India's IT ministry, which has drafted the bill, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. MPL and Dream11 declined to comment. In fantasy cricket games on Dream11, users create their teams by paying as little as 8 rupees (10 US cents), with a total prize pool of 1.2 million Indian rupees ($14,000). The apps become more popular during the Indian Premier League season, one of the world's most popular cricket tournaments. The bill states that anyone who offers such money games could face a jail term of up to three years and a fine. "Such games often use manipulative design features, addictive algorithms ... while promoting compulsive behaviour leading to financial ruin," the bill said.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Ronaldo gets hero's welcome in Hong Kong, avoids Messi pitfall
Cristiano Ronaldo was given a hero's welcome on Tuesday as he played a pivotal role for Saudi side Al Nassr in Hong Kong — where great rival Lionel Messi became public enemy number one last year for failing to play. The 40-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace Ronaldo got an assist in a 2-1 Saudi Super Cup win over Al Ittihad, who had French veteran Karim Benzema up front. "Ronaldo, Ronaldo," rang out from the moment that he came out to warm up on a sweltering and damp evening in southern China, where several pitch invaders unsuccessfully tried to get to the superstar at the end. Cheers went up every time that the Portuguese captain, wearing his trademark number seven shirt, touched the ball. It was all a far cry from the rabid reaction Messi sparked when he remained on the bench for an Inter Miami friendly at the same Hong Kong Stadium in February last year. The Argentine wizard's no-show drew boos and calls for refunds from thousands of fans who had paid large sums to see the World Cup-winning captain play. The 38-year-old said he was injured but that failed to quell a spectacular fallout that saw China cancel two friendly matches featuring Argentina. Some nationalist politicians and outlets in China interpreted Messi's absence -- and his subsequent appearance at a similar match in Japan -- as a snub. Messi and Ronaldo have duelled it out for more than 15 years for the unofficial title of best player in the world, although the Argentine is generally regarded to have got the upper hand in recent years. Both remain massively popular and marketable even in the twilight of their careers, with fans camping outside Ronaldo's hotel in Hong Kong to catch a glimpse of him. Some even booked rooms in his hotel and a museum dedicated to him opened in the city last month. Local media said that Ronaldo was "emotional" when told during a brief appearance there this week about the local interest, especially from younger fans. "This means more to me than any trophy," he was quoted as saying. Pitch invaders Former Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane put Al Nassr ahead before Al Ittihad struck back soon after. Mane was sent off after 25 minutes following a VAR review. Ronaldo had a couple of sniffs at goal six minutes before the break but was denied on both occasions, then he fizzed a free-kick narrowly over the bar. He set up the winner, pulling clear of the Al Ittihad defence and squaring it for fellow Portuguese Joao Felix, the new signing from Chelsea, to slot in. A young fan with a "7 Ronaldo" shirt invaded the pitch as the veteran was subbed off in the last minute but security foiled the youngster's attempt to get a selfie with him. Two more young fans were wrestled to the ground after the final whistle when they invaded the pitch and made a beeline for Ronaldo.
The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Cristiano Ronaldo given hero's welcome in Hong Kong as Al Nassr beat Al Ittihad in Saudi Super Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo was given a hero's welcome on Tuesday as he played a pivotal role for Al Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final in Hong Kong – where his great rival Lionel Messi became public enemy number one last year for failing to play. The 40-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo claimed an assist in his side's 2-1 win over Al Ittihad, who boasted French veteran striker Karim Benzema up front. They will play the winner of Wednesday's game between Al Ahli and Al Qadisiyah in Saturday's final. 'Ronaldo, Ronaldo,' rang out from the stands from the moment that he emerged to warm up on a hot and damp evening at the Hong Kong Stadium. Loud cheers went up every time the Portuguese captain, wearing his trademark number seven shirt, touched the ball. It was all a far cry from the outrage Messi sparked when he remained on the bench for the duration of an Inter Miami friendly at the same venue in February last year. The Argentine legend's no-show drew boos and calls for refunds from thousands of fans who had paid large sums to see the World Cup-winning captain play. The 38-year-old said he was injured but that failed to quell a spectacular fallout that saw China subsequently cancel two friendly matches featuring Argentina. Some politicians and outlets in China portrayed Messi's absence – and his later appearance at a similar match in Japan – as a snub. Both Messi and Ronaldo remain hugely popular and marketable even in the twilight of their careers, with fans camping outside Ronaldo's hotel in Hong Kong in recent days hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Some even booked rooms in the hotel and a museum dedicated to him opened in the city last month. Local media said that Ronaldo was 'emotional' when told during a brief appearance there this week about the local interest, especially from younger fans. 'This means more to me than any trophy,' he was quoted as saying. On the pitch, former Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane put Al Nassr ahead before Al Ittihad struck back soon after through former PSV, Ajax and Tottenham player Steven Bergwijn. Mane was sent off after 25 minutes following a VAR review. Ronaldo had a couple of sniffs of goal before the break but was denied on both occasions, then he fizzed a free-kick narrowly over the bar. He set up the winner, pulling clear of the Al Ittihad defence and squaring it for fellow Portuguese Joao Felix, a new signing from Chelsea, to slot home. A young fan with a 'Ronaldo 7" shirt invaded the pitch as the veteran was subbed off in the last minute but security foiled the his attempt to grab a selfie. Two more fans were wrestled to the ground after the final whistle when they invaded the pitch and made a beeline for Ronaldo.
