The recent statement made by the Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot looking to regulate the online skill gaming sector has been a welcome move and has instilled a positive spur amongst the online skill gaming stakeholders. Reacting to this statement, the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and the Skill Games Council of India welcomes the move and hopes the government will adopt an enabled gaming policy protecting players while ensuring a secure, and responsible gaming environment for all.
The online skill gaming landscape in India has evolved significantly over the years, with an exponential growth rate year on year, attracting several marquee investors. According to AIGF industry is currently valued at 1.5 billion US dollars and is expected to double by 2025.
All India Gaming Federation CEO Roland Landers said, “It is extremely motivating to see leaders of the nation and various states recognise the overall value of online skill gaming industry and facilitate creating progressive policies and regulatory framework for this sunrise sector. India is the fifth largest online gaming market globally and is giving birth to an increasing number of unicorns within the country. The sector has been a strong financial contributor to the Indian economy even during an unprecedented period of slowdown and is further expected to generate revenues in excess of $3 billion by 2025. The expansive growth also means generation of employment opportunities. In accordance with this growth, AIGF is committed to supporting governments’ in establishing a safe gaming environment and framework. AIGF and the Skill Games Council of India have a domain of experts who are eager to assist in playing a consultative role for the same.”
The recent positive judicial judgements including the Karnataka Hight Court’s verdict are welcome moves and a step in the right direction to grow the burgeoning gaming industry. Furthermore, FM’s announcement of AVGC task force will give a major boost to the game development sector, as the industry looks forward to bringing in massive employment, through direct and indirect jobs and becoming a meaningful contributor to the overall GDP of the country.
“We are in alignment with the prime minister’s Atmanirbhar Abhiyaan across industries and are keen to work along with state governments to recognise the potential of the online skill gaming industry as it outstripped most other sections of our economy, growing in excess of 20 per cent annually and contributing significantly tax revenues making it one of the fastest-growing segments within the Indian M&E sector. 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,” Roland added.