Regulatory Framework for Online Gaming (Games of Skill) in India: A Narrative Review

Abstract The regulatory control of online gaming is of great relevance to the mental health professionals. In this narrative review, we explored the existing regulatory framework for online gaming across the country. We conducted an electronic search on the India Code portal website using the search terms “online gaming,” “online game,” and “regulation of games.” This search aimed to retrieve all published acts and legislative materials relevant to the topic. The data extraction strategy involved systematically reviewing the regulatory frameworks for online gaming across Indian states, focusing on key dimensions such as definitions and scope, licensing and registration, consumer protection, regulation of games, technology and infrastructure, penalties and enforcement, and interstate cooperation. We were able to identify a total of 85 results. A total of seven relevant acts were included in this review. The results of this review highlight a heterogeneous and fragmented regulatory framework for online gaming in India. While a large majority of the states and union territories do not have a regulatory framework for online gaming, those with such acts have adopted different approaches to definitions, licensing, consumer protection, technological oversight, and enforcement. There is a wide heterogeneity across the acts aimed at regulating online gaming in different states of the country. There is a need to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework on online gaming in the country that caters to the needs and demands of the various stakeholders.