ITV

Tag: Roland Landers

  • All India Gaming Federation announces the second edition of AIGF Knowledge series

    All India Gaming Federation announces the second edition of AIGF Knowledge series

    Mumbai:   All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the apex industry body for the online gaming sector in India, announced the upcoming second edition of the AIGF Knowledge Series. This groundbreaking initiative is set to take place at Bengaluru GAFX 2024, a flagship annual event of the Indian animation, VFX, gaming, and comics (AVGC) industry, supported by the Government of Karnataka.

    The “AIGF Knowledge Series” is a cohesive module to spark up conversations and create awareness about the online skill gaming landscape. The series will be held in collaboration with different states in the country to foster insightful and riveting discussions across strategic gaming themes through panel discussions, fireside chats by various domain experts from the industry and gaming ecosystem.  The first edition was successfully conducted in Meghalaya and the second knowledge series is scheduled to take place at Lalit, Bengaluru, on 31 January 2024, starting at 3 pm. Renowned industry experts, thought leaders, and key stakeholders will gather to share valuable insights into the latest developments, challenges, and solutions in the realm of online gaming safety.

    The Indian online gaming industry is at the cusp of transformation and is poised to only grow further. In 2023, India’s online gaming market had revenues of Rs 260 billion ($ 3.1 billion) and is expected to grow to Rs 625 billion ($ 7.5 billion) in the next five years, as per a report. An event of this nature is intended to benefit game creators, industry, and gamers alike and serve towards the goal of creating a safe, secure, trusted and accountable gaming ecosystem within Digital India.

    All India Gaming Federation CEO Roland Landers expressed his delight at introducing AIGF’s flagship knowledge series in Bengaluru. He stated, “Our objective with this series is to facilitate insightful and engaging discussions on strategic gaming themes. We also aim to collaborate with other key states in the future to enhance outreach and awareness towards online gaming. Through this knowledge series, we invite all stakeholders in the gaming industry to actively participate in this insightful event. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, we can collectively contribute to the development of a safer and more trusted online gaming ecosystem.”

    Moreover, as the Indian online gaming industry continues to evolve, the AIGF Knowledge Series at Bengaluru GAFX 2024 stands as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and shape the future of the online gaming landscape.

    Event Registration Link: https://aigf.glueup.com/event/97443/register/

  • Industry bodies raises concern over revised GST rates in online gaming

    Industry bodies raises concern over revised GST rates in online gaming

    Mumbai: The three largest online skill gaming associations in the country, E-Gaming Federation (EGF), All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), expressed concern at the recent media reports, which suggest that the GST rate on online skill games may be increased from existing 18 per cent to 28 per cent.

    In an official statement released, the three industry bodies said that what is more worrying is some media reports suggesting that the tax may be levied on total pool (prize money pooled plus the platform commission) and not on gross gaming revenue (GGR). The latter, if implemented, they said, will mean the demise of the online skill gaming industry in India.

    EGF CEO Sameer Barde said, “Such a step is not only in dissonance with international best practices but is also violative of the principles of GST. Essentially, the online skill gaming operators are platforms, which bring players from various geographies together. The money pooled is eventually distributed to the winning player. The platform charges a predetermined fee, known as GGR, and pays tax on that. If you were to charge an increased tax rate on the entire quantum (pooled money plus commission), it is not only principally incorrect but will also annihilate this sunrise sector.”

    Highlighting that the sector has immense economic benefits, the industry associations appealed to the GST Council to understand the salience of games of skill and take a decision considering international taxation best practices.

    “Global studies have shown that incidence of taxation, on prize money instead of gaming revenue, leads to reduced tax collections for the exchequer and ends up giving a fillip to the black-market operators at the expense of legitimate tax paying players,” said FIFS CEO Anwar Shirpurwala. He further added that any regulations or taxation related to skill gaming should not be treated at par with games of chance, as these are very divergent activities both in terms of law and in practice.

    With a combined membership of around 100 operators, between them, EGF, AIGF and FIFS, represent more than 90 per cent of the online skill gaming market in India. In the last few years, the online skill gaming sector has emerged as a growth engine for the Indian economy with direct benefits to a lot of sectors such as fintech, sports, animation & graphics, semiconductor, edtech and software development. The sector has also witnessed investments from marquee global venture capital and private equity firms. In the last six years, the online skill gaming sector has received foreign investment of over two billion dollars. The sector already employs around 50,000 people.

    AIGF CEO Roland Landers said, “At one level the sector is very upbeat at the prospect of contributing towards growth of the Indian economy. We are very encouraged by the encouragement shown by the government, through formation of AVGC task force, constitution of inter-ministerial task force and the recent initiatives by MeITY to engage with the industry. But all this will amount to nothing, if it is not supported by a progressive taxation regime. An increased tax rate, and then levying the tax on the entire contest entry amount (instead of GGR), will be catastrophic for the industry, even nipping its potential in the bud.”

  • Time to bring progressive law, not ban online games: FICCI Gaming Committee

    Time to bring progressive law, not ban online games: FICCI Gaming Committee

    Mumbai: The FICCI Gaming Committee (FGC) has spoken out against statements made by the chief minister of Tamil Nadu to bring an end to online gaming in the state. The FGC has urged the state government to adopt an enabling gaming policy protecting players while ensuring a secure, responsible gaming environment.

    “The FICCI Gaming Committee is committed to supporting the government in establishing a safe gaming environment. However, we would like to reiterate that blanket bans do not ensure player protection but instead, benefits unscrupulous fly-by-night operators and encourages illicit and underground gaming activities leading to detrimental impacts on the very populations the government seeks to protect,” the industry body said in a statement.

    The committee asserted that the need of the hour is a stable regulatory mechanism capturing clear requirements that protect consumers and operations of lawful operators. It has suggested that the government consider regulating this new form of entertainment thereby addressing several issues such as protecting players by providing access to responsible entertainment choices.

    In February 2021 the state government amended the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930, banning online games, subsequently the Madras high court struck down the law in August 2021 on the basis of multiple Supreme Court decisions taken in the past. Reiterating the protection afforded under the constitution to games of skill.  

    “While we appreciate the intent of the government to protect the users, a wide-ranging ban seems excessive and disproportionate in meeting its objectives,” said FICCI director general Arun Chawla. “It shall also severely impact these new technology-driven legitimate businesses that are generating much-needed jobs and revenues for the state.”

    “Around 420 million players across the country enjoy online gaming as a form of entertainment. To ensure that these players’ experiences are safe, we request the government consider regulating this industry, which would allow only legitimate, legal operators to operate while adhering to strict protocols,” said E-Gaming Federation CEO and FGC convener Sameer Barde. “At EGF, we have set up a self-regulatory framework in the form of a code of conduct ensuring a safe, transparent, and responsible environment for players by our certified members. We look forward to collaborating with the government and offering our expertise to help the state establish a well-regulated and sustainable industry.”

    “The growth of 27 per cent CAGR generated by the online skill gaming industry in 2020 has made it the fastest-growing segment within the Indian M&E sector,” said All India Gaming Federation CEO and FGC convenor Roland Landers. “The sunrise online skill gaming industry is responsible for facilitating 400+ Start-ups in this sector and attracted 400+ million gamers – young Indians providing them viable alternate job opportunities in Esports and other gaming businesses.”

    “All AIGF stakeholders are governed by the skill games charter that ensures global best practices across responsible gaming and gamer protection. It is in the best interests of all concerned that the State Govt works with the skill gaming industry to build a robust regulatory framework to ensure all stakeholders across the ecosystem benefit economically and socially notably taxation revenues gaming and allowance for Indian registered gaming companies to operate in the state,” he added.

    “India has emerged as the largest Fantasy Sports market in the world with over 13 crore Indian sports fans using fantasy sports,” said Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports CEO and FICCI Gaming Committee convener Anwar Shirpurwala. “Fantasy Sports is contributing significantly to the growth of the sports ecosystem in India and also helping Tamil Nadu’s sports fans meaningfully engage with their favourite sports. Our government’s premier think-tank NITI Aayog has recognised fantasy sports as a sunrise sector. Renowned academic institutions such as IIM Bangalore and MIT have applied scientific methodology and concluded that participating in fantasy sports requires significant skill, even higher than the skill required by a mutual fund manager. In addition, various law commissions including the Uttar Pradesh Law Commission and the Law Commission of India have held that games of skill should be exempt from gambling laws. Various high courts including the Rajasthan high court have said that fantasy sports is online sports and entitled to protection under Article 19(1)(g) of the constitution. The view has been further endorsed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Considering the above, the industry looks forward to working with the government of Tamil Nadu to create a safe experience for sports fans and enable responsible growth of the industry through regulation.”

  • Need to examine legalising sports betting, says Law Commission chairman

    NEW DELHI: Gaming 360, All India Gaming Federation’s one-stop portal for gaming related news and activities across India and around the globe, was launched here today to bringing the industry together and providing it with a platform where the stakeholders can make their voices heard.

    This was stated by AIGF CEO Roland Landers at the India Gaming Conclave here. He said, “We appreciate the presence of such dignitaries at the inaugural event and are hopeful that in the coming years it will witness more such powerful presence to help us make a difference.”

    Landers said India Gaming Conclave would now be an annual event for the stakeholders to converge and discuss on working towards a legalized and regulated gaming industry in India. The event aimed at educating and creating awareness on all aspects of gaming.

    Law Commission of India chairman Justice Dr. Balbir Singh Chauhan underlined the need to examine legalising sports betting by studying the social, economic and moral implications of any such move specifically under a liberalised regime. The myths and negative opinions on these issues have to be cleared, he emphasised.

    Delivering the keynote address at the Conclave (IGC) organized by FICCI jointly with All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Justice Chauhan said individual freedom was the basic right “which we all look up to but the vulnerable sections of the society need protection at the same time”. While those in favour of legalising betting believe in the need to protect individual autonomy and minimum state interference, those disfavouring it believe that preserving societal order and morality was also important. Therefore, there was a need for reforms that aim at flexibility while ensuring freedom of choice for the consumers. Hence, there was a need to strike a balance between freedom and choice.

    He said that any attempt at legalising gambling and betting has to be made in the backdrop of this socio-economic reality. There was a grave risk that legalising this activity might adversely affect the social fabric of India. There were chances that people in a bid to earn quick money through gambling might resort to unlawful means. A comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic circumstances in light of the constitutional guidelines was thereby essential before framing an umbrella legislation that legalises gambling.

    There were certainly several adverse effects of gambling. The first problem with gambling was when a person becomes addicted and loses control over his/her gambling activities, resulting in financial losses that have an adverse impact on his/her personal, economic and social life. The second problem relates to the social repercussions that are a direct consequence of gambling. One fallout could be increased crime, loan sharking (taking loans at exorbitant rates for gambling), worsening of the living standards of the poor and lower middle class and changes in behavioural norms and social ethics.

    Justice Chauhan said that it must be kept in mind that these adverse effects arise not from gambling per se, but are a result of excessive gambling which results in addiction. Harm resulting from excess is not something which is limited to gambling alone, as an excess of anything may negate its benefits. A common analogy would be alcohol, which when taken in moderation causes no great harm to the individual or society and may help people to socialise and relax. However, if a person develops a habit or addiction to drunkenness, it will cause health problems for him, as well as adverse consequences for the society at large, such as increased crime, violence. The response of the state in such a situation should be to regulate the activity, not seek to stop it completely. Legalisation would give the government the opportunity to bring gambling out from the dark corners of the society, impose some controls and extract some revenue. Perhaps as importantly, if betting were legal then a huge chunk of money that, at the moment circulates only round the black market, would quickly become available.

    FICCI Director Rahul Chakravarty said sport and gaming were one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy with a lot of money flowing in the sector. Gambling regulation was not new to India with lotteries already being regulated business under state control.

    FICCI launched the debate on regulating online sports betting and lottery in India in 2012. This regulation was not just to restrict the illegal activities but could create a scope of revenue for the government to invest in social sectors apart from sports.

    He said that FICCI and AIGF will take forward the feedback on safety and security pertaining to gaming as well as other relevant issues. He added FICCI believes that this conclave will not only help in exchanging ideas and information but will initiate further policy work.

  • Zee announces the first edition of the ‘ZEE Cine-Lit Festival’

    Zee announces the first edition of the ‘ZEE Cine-Lit Festival’

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) with a motto of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means ‘The World is my Family’ is proud to announce the first edition of ‘ZEE Cine-Lit Festival’.

    The festival is aimed not only at catering to movie goers who love the adaptation of books but to the ones who believe in watching quality cinema. The festival will showcase movies like 2 States, 3 Idiots, The Fault in our Stars and many others which are inspired from books. It will kick start from 21st Jan and will have 4 shows in a day till 25th Jan at INOX, Pink Square Mall, Raja Park, Jaipur.

     

    Announcing the Zee Cine-Lit Festival, Roland Landers, Head Corporate Brand, ZEE, said, “We are delighted to bring to the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival audiences, this Film Festival wherein we will show world-class collection of movies which are inspired by great books. ZEE has always believed in recognizing talent and rewarding them through various means. This will give a platform to all the movie lovers to watch their favorite movies under one umbrella.

     

    He also added “With every edition, the idea is to make the festival bigger and better. It will be hosted in other cities by next year. This will not only inspire the authors to come up with unique stories which can later be made into movies to reach a wider audience but also open up more windows for production houses to choose better scripts for adaptation.”

     

    Not only this, movie buffs will get a chance to win some of their favorite books from Roli Books and also well-crafted bags from La Volsa everyday through the online contests starting from 20th Jan. Movie goers will also get special discounts at Pink Square Mall food court outlets after showing their tickets.

     

    The Hindi movies to be shown in Zee Cine Lit Festival are: 3 Idiots, Kai Po Che, 7 Khoon Maaf, Aaisha and 2 States. The movies movies that will be screened are Edge of Tomorrow, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Captain America – The First Avenger, The Giver, Slumdog Millionaire and The Fault In Our Stars.

  • Zee back with second edition of ‘Zee Leadership series’

    Zee back with second edition of ‘Zee Leadership series’

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises (Zeel) has announced the second edition of its intellectual property – Zee Leadership series. The event which will be held on 19 September at Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai will witness attendance from over 400 CXOs heading India’s top companies.

     

    The thought of Zee leadership series is to have an intellectually stimulating event for cross industry leaders to discuss, debate and reflect on pertinent issues of Global importance. Each year it would have a theme that would reflect the sentiments of the economic world and the speakers are selected accordingly.

     

    Zeel head – corporate brand Roland Landers believes that Zee considers each one of stakeholders as family and aims at making the entire world a part of this family. “Zee Corporate Brand has not just formed a family of millions of loyal viewers, but has also enriched the lives of its internal and external stakeholders. Inspired with this thought, Zee has incorporated its brand positioning of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is my Family.”

     

    He further added, “As Zee Corporate Brand marches ahead to achieve its envisioned goals, of being in the top 100 of the Global League table and of establishing itself amongst the top global media brands, it also aims at enhancing value for its business by establishing intellectual properties, based on the network’s core brand value drivers – Pioneering, Prudent and Predictable.”

     

    This year, the two renowned keynote speakers for the Zee Leadership Series are Alan Krueger and Divya Narendra.

     

    Alan Krueger is one of the most-respected and thoughtful economists. He served as chairman of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) and a member of his Cabinet – roles that recruit from the upper echelon of the nation’s best and brightest. From 1994–1995, he also served as the chief economist at the Department of Labour in the US Government. In his session, Krueger will share his insights on world economy with relation to corporate India’s contribution, and will also touch upon the key areas of improvement. 

     

    In the other session, Divya Narendra, an American businessman, will share his views on the innovation and creativity expected in the current digital era. Narendra is the CEO and co-founder of SumZero along with his Harvard classmate Aalap Mahadevia. He also co-founded HarvardConnection (later renamed ConnectU) with Harvard University classmates Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss.

     

    Zee Leadership Series 2014 is powered by Chintels. The other event partners are Zee Business – Telecast partner, LiveMedia and Cash ur Drive – OOH Partners, DNA – Print Partner, Business World – Magazine Partner and Business Standard – Business Newspaper Partner.