The much -awaited online gaming bill has been presented in the Lok Sabha today, and since the news about the bill, it has sparked controversy across the country. The draft law has given government officials widespread power, and one of them is also included in the search and arrest of people on suspicion of banned online gaming activity.
The power given to the authorities according to this draft increases concern. According to this draft, the authorities will have the ability to reject security control to investigate computer systems, servers or devices on suspicion of hosting or activating illegal gaming activity. This bill means ‘any place’ in detail includes any home, car inside, as well as electronic records, storage devices and digital resources like virtual space.
This bill also mentions punishment for violating this rule. Prohibited online gaming, hosted or encouraged someone to play games can be punished for a five -year imprisonment. Up to Rs 1 crore can be fined. Advertising or patronizing such a platform can be sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk 1 lakh.
This Act has clearly divided between e-sports and gambling. E-sports have been reported to be recognized as competitive, skill-based, digital games and which will be governed under structural rules and events. The results of e-sports depend on the player’s physical skills and mental strategy and his performance, the Act.
On the other hand, in the case of online money games, the players bet in the hope of winning. They will be completely banned in addition to advertising or propaganda that encourages such participation. This online gaming bill has proposed to create a central regulatory authority to encourage supervision, coordination and innovation in consent. As the President’s recommendations under Article 5 of the Constitution are already protected, the law will now lead to controversy in both rooms of Parliament. This law can give the type of digital policy of India a new form. At the same time, strict control over money-driven gaming will be brought.