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Tag: AIGF

  • Google says it prepared to open Play Store gates for real-money gaming in India

    Google says it prepared to open Play Store gates for real-money gaming in India

    MUMBAI: Google has told India’s competition watchdog it is finalising a business model to accommodate the country’s booming real-money gaming (RMG) sector, in a proposal that could see all permissible formats return to the Play Store. The Competition Commission of India (CCI), which is conducting an ongoing antitrust probe, has invited public comments on Google’s plan until 20 August.

    All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) chief executive Roland Landers  called the move “a timely and welcome step” toward a fairer and more transparent digital ecosystem. He noted that Google’s recognition of certificates issued by self-regulatory bodies such as the All India Skill Gaming Council (AISGC) would “empower responsible operators, support innovation, and ensure a safer experience for Indian consumers.”

    The AISGC, chaired by a former supreme court justice, has since 2018 applied a detailed legal and analytical framework to determine whether a game qualifies as one of skill under Indian law.

    AIGF, the country’s largest and oldest gaming industry body, said the proposal could lower entry barriers, level the playing field for smaller firms, and boost jobs and digital inclusion. The federation represents more than 120 members, including many MSME startups, who together serve over 40 crore Indian gamers and are collectively valued at more than $10 billion.

    If the CCI approves the plan, India’s gaming sector — long hobbled by inconsistent platform policies — could be set for a growth spurt.

  • Game on, but play fair: India’s gaming industry rolls out ethics code

    Game on, but play fair: India’s gaming industry rolls out ethics code

    MUMBAI: The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) have come together to set the rules of engagement—quite literally. With the launch of their code of ethics (CoE), the gaming industry is hitting pause on unchecked practices and fast-tracking a new era of responsibility, transparency, and fair play.

    This isn’t just about PR-friendly promises—it’s a concrete roadmap for player safety, ethical advertising, and industry accountability. The CoE mandates stringent KYC processes, age restrictions, self-imposed spending limits, and annual third-party audits. Gaming platforms with annual revenues above Rs 100 crores have six months to get their act together, while smaller operators have nine months to comply. Those who play by the rules will receive a certification—valid for a year and renewable only after a fresh audit. No loopholes, no excuses.

    India’s online gaming industry is no stranger to scrutiny. With over 50 crore gamers navigating skill-based real-money games, the need for structured regulation is long overdue. The CoE’s principles include:

    .  Responsible gaming: Strict age-gating, no operations in restricted states, and robust KYC enforcement.

    .   Player protection: Data security and proper management of player funds.

    .   Fair play: Ensuring integrity and transparency in gameplay.

    .   Informed choices: Players can set limits, self-exclude, and make better decisions.

    .   Support for vulnerable users: Resources to help at-risk players.

    .   Ethical advertising: No misleading promotions or shady marketing tricks.

    AIGF CEO Roland Landers made it clear that ethical gaming is the foundation for long-term industry growth. “As the largest and oldest industry association, we at AIGF believe that a thriving gaming industry must be built on the pillars of responsibility, transparency, innovation, and player protection. This Code of Ethics reinforces our commitment to fair play, compliance with Indian laws, and fostering a secure and responsible gaming environment. Through collaboration with other industry federations, we are setting new benchmarks for ethical gaming, strengthening the credibility of India’s online gaming sector, and building a sustainable, globally competitive ecosystem.”

    FIFS director general Neil Castelino echoed the sentiment. “This joint code marks a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering a safe, fair, and responsible gaming environment in the country. By working together as an industry, we are setting a unified standard that prioritizes player well-being, integrity, and accountability across the industry. This we believe will be pivotal in ensuring a safe environment for the 24 crore FS users in the country.”

    Meanwhile, EGF CEO Anuraag Saxena didn’t mince words, “National interest, consumer interest, and the industry’s interest have all suffered too long. Unethical gambling operators have been parasitically harming the nation, its exchequer, and its people. I’m delighted that the industry is collaborating on the joint code-of-ethics today. The adoption of these standards reinforces our commitment to accountability through third-party audits, responsible gaming policies, and ethical business practices. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the industry taking due cognizance of this is a great step ahead for gaming in India.”

    The gaming industry is no longer playing defence. With the code of ethics in place, India is setting a global benchmark for responsible gaming, ensuring that players can enjoy the thrill—without the pitfalls.