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Hans India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
The Regulatory Maze: What Indian Businesses Need to Know About Online Gaming and Gambling
A quick look at the gambling industry in India and it soon becomes apparent that it's booming. There are reports that state the industry will be worth more than $5 billion by the end of 2025. The industry is being driven by increasing smartphone penetration, cheap data, and a younger population. This has all come together to offer vast opportunities across the country. However, despite the boom, there are still legal considerations and challenges. If businesses want to be involved in this scene, they need to be fully informed. Skill Vs Chance and the Law The gambling laws in India are focused on whether a game is based on luck or skill. Games of skill are mostly legal across the country, while games of chance are classed as outright gambling and these fall under much stricter scrutiny. Rulings from India's Supreme Court have upheld games such as rummy and fantasy sports as being ones that are based on high levels of skill. This means that they are allowed by law. However, the problem here is that individual states have the power to make their own laws when it comes to gaming and betting, meaning that there's a slack of consistency. This makes it difficult for businesses as what's allowed in one state may well be illegal in another. As an example, states such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have all made moves to outlaw all real-money online even includes games of skill. Then there's the likes of Sikkim and Nagaland that have now introduced licensing regimes for online gaming and this gives a much clearer regulatory framework. A Look at the Main Legislation At a national level, it's the Public Gambling Act of 1867 that governs gambling activities in India. Moves to fully legalise gambling would need to see this law receiving a major overhaul. It dates back to colonial times and it clearly states that visiting a gambling house isn't allowed. However, given the age of the law, there's obviously no mention of online gambling. This makes it a grey area. Recognising that the industry was gaining traction, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 were introduced. Here, a set of obligations was placed on online gaming intermediaries, including due diligence, parental controls, and other measures. There were further changes in 2023 when the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology amended the IT Rules. This was to include specific provisions for online gaming, requiring platforms to register with self-regulatory bodies. It was also stated that only permissible games can be offered, meaning ones that do not involve wagering or betting. State-Level Confusion and Compliance Challenges The biggest issue to be faced by businesses entering the online gaming industry in India is the lack of uniformity across the country. Each state has its own take on how the law can be interpreted and also has the power to set its own, and there can be major differences. Examples include: Sikkim and Nagaland offer licensing systems for online games, including poker and rummy. Kerala initially banned online rummy but this was overruled by the High Court. Karnataka briefly banned all forms of online gaming that involved stakes but this was also overruled. This approach means that businesses need to geo-fence their services so that they can avoid legal penalties. Companies have a great need for legal teams that are able to keep check of the laws as these are constantly evolving. The Categorisation of Games The reality is that it's not always easy to categorise a game as one of skill or chance. If you look at operators offering Royal Riches software, with it being a version of roulette, it could be argued that this is simply a game of luck. However, others would argue that betting strategies and bankroll management mean that this is more about skill. The confusion leaves operators disabling games depending on the region that they are operating in. At times they simply need to switch off features so that they can hit local compliance rules. Offshore Licensing and Regulatory Tensions More and more operators across India are operating under offshore licenses offered by the likes of Curacao, Malta, and Gibraltar. These licenses allow operators to offer gambling services globally, but that doesn't mean that they sit in line with Indian laws, especially when state level can override international decisions and rulings. Offshore operators argue that licensing means that they are operating under reputable conditions and that they ensure fair play and transparency. However, Indian authorities are concerned that they are unable to wield any real control when operators are based outside of the country. When looking at live casino games that are regulated and licensed in Europe, there needs to be a degree of localisation for them to be accepted in India. The likes of excel here, by creating live games that are given a local feel so that they appeal to specific markets. These can often be enjoyed by players using VPNs who are satisfied that operators are working to international levels of compliance that ensure their safety and protection. The Road Ahead The demand for online gambling is only set to grow in India in coming years. This means that there is a real need for a centralised regulatory framework sooner rather than later. The law either needs to open up and accept most forms of online gambling or it needs to be reformed so that there is a clear distinction between games of luck and chance. Businesses trying to operate in this area need to be careful and perform regular legal audits. There needs to be close attention paid to state-level legislation while hoping for nationwide change and conformity. There is also a need to ensure that they only partner with software platforms that are proven in the area. This will help to ensure that compliance is understood and mitigate any risk.
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
No Pakistani films, shows, or music on Indian OTTs: Govt
The government on Friday issued an advisory to over-the-top (OTT) platforms, streaming platforms, and digital intermediaries against carrying content originating from Pakistan 'with immediate effect'. While the advisory, issued by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), does not cite specific companies, it said content, including web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media must be discontinued. 'In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect,' the advisory said. The advisory, issued under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, reminds platforms of their duty to follow the Code of Ethics and ensure content does not harm India's sovereignty, security, foreign relations, or public order. The advisory also points to Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules, which says that platforms must try to ensure that neither they nor their users share any content that could harm India's unity, security, or relations with other countries. Since the advisory is non-binding in nature, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar among others, and digital intermediaries such as YouTube and Spotify can review and remove content that originates from Pakistan. 'While it's a non-binding advisory, the directive language of it presents it as an expectation rather than a suggestion,' said Abhivardhan, technology law specialist and founder of legal consultancy Indic Pacific. Meanwhile, people familiar with the matter said that the MIB and the IT ministry are working in 'heightened coordination with each other' to deal with disinformation online.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
No more Pakistani content: India's stern directive to streaming platforms
In a significant move citing national security imperatives, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, has issued a sweeping advisory mandating the immediate removal of all streaming content originating from Pakistan . The directive impacts all Publishers of Online Curated Content (OTT Platforms), media streaming services, and intermediaries operating within the country. The official statement explicitly instructs these entities to "discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content... having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect," regardless of their availability model, whether subscription-based or otherwise. The MIB's advisory underscores the critical need for content platforms to exercise "due caution and discretion" as outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It specifically points to clauses concerning content that could potentially undermine India's sovereignty and integrity, pose a threat to national security, jeopardize friendly relations with foreign nations, or incite violence and disrupt public order. Drawing a direct link between the advisory and national security concerns, the Ministry explicitly references the established cross-border connections of terrorist attacks in India to state and non-state actors based in Pakistan. The recent deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which tragically resulted in the loss of Indian and Nepali lives and caused numerous injuries, is specifically mentioned as a key factor prompting this decisive action. This directive, issued with the full approval of the competent authority within the Ministry, unequivocally signals a robust and uncompromising stance by the Indian government regarding content originating from Pakistan.
News18
08-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
OTT Platforms Told Not To Stream Pakistani Content; New Advisory Issued
Last Updated: All streaming platforms in India are advised to discontinue Pakistan-origin content, including films, web series, songs, and podcasts, with immediate effect. The Government of India has issued an advisory to OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries regarding content originating from Pakistan. The advisory references the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, highlighting that publishers must avoid content that affects India's sovereignty and integrity. The OTT platforms have also been asked to avoid Pakistan-origin content, which not only threatens national security but also harms relations with foreign countries. Besides this, content which might incite violence or disturb public order must also be avoided. Consequently, all streaming platforms in India are advised to discontinue Pakistan-origin content, including films, web series, songs, and podcasts, with immediate effect, regardless of whether they are paid or free. The decision comes in light of recent terrorist attacks linked to Pakistan-based entities, including a 22 April 2025 attack in Pahalgam, which led to the killing of several Indians and one Nepali citizen. The decision comes a day after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Indian Air Force had hit multiple terror infrastructure sites in PoK and Pakistan's Bahawalpur region. The strikes, carried out from within Indian territory, were described as 'measured and non-escalatory." 'The Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted. Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution," the statement read. Indian Army's official handle also posted on social media, 'Justice is served. Jai Hind," confirming the action. Several politicians, including Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, also reacted, praising the armed forces for avenging the Pahalgam victims. First Published:
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First Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Government advises OTT platforms to halt streaming of Pakistan-origin content
The advisory refers to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which stipulates that publishers like OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries should not host content that affects India's sovereignty read more The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to OTT platforms to take down Pakistan-origin content from their streaming services, as India carries out Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam attack. The advisory refers to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which stipulates that publishers like OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries should not host content that affects India's sovereignty, threatens the country's security, harms relations with foreign countries and incites violence or disturbs public order. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India successfully launched a series of precision strikes on terror bases in PoK, and Pakistan on May 7, dismantling infrastructure linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba. 'In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect,' the order said. Earlier, the social media accounts of several Pakistani actors and singers were withdrawn in India. Meanwhile, Indian Armed Forces foiled attempts by the Pakistani military to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles last night and destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore, officials said on Thursday. The Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, they said. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (Grid and Air Defence systems), the defence ministry said. 'The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks,' it said. Earlier today, as many as 15 civilians died as Pakistan continued cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir for the second consecutive day following the launch of Operation Sindoor.
