Gaming Bodies Unite to Establish Code of Ethics for Online Gaming
Gaming associations AIGF, FIFS, and EGF unite to endorse the 'Code of Ethics' for responsible gaming, prioritizing safe user experiences.
In an effort to promote responsible and safe gaming across India, the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and E-Gaming Federation (EGF) have come together to implement a Code of Ethics (CoE). This initiative, based on global best practices, aims to usher in a new era of consistent standards for online gaming by focusing on responsible gaming, player protection, fair practices, transparency, informed decision-making, and addressing vulnerable players and responsible advertising.
Key Aspects of the Code
- Age-Gating: Ensuring age-restricted gaming services, no operations in prohibited states, and robust Know-Your-Customer (KYC) mechanisms.
- Player Protection: Protecting player data, appropriate management of player funds, and ensuring fair gameplay.
- Transparency: Providing clear, accurate information to players and enabling well-informed decisions.
- Informed Decision-Making: Offering tools for self-exclusion and setting spending limits for players.
- Support for Vulnerable Players: Providing resources to identify and assist at-risk players.
- Responsible Advertising: Adopting ethical advertising and promotional practices.
Gaming operators with an annual revenue of INR 100 crores or more must implement the Code within six months, and those with annual revenues below INR 100 crores will have nine months to comply. A certification will be issued upon successful adoption, renewable annually upon completion of a third-party independent audit.
Leaders Speak
Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation, stated, "We're dedicated to upholding fair play, adhering to Indian laws, and fostering a secure and responsible gaming environment. We're collaborating with other industry federations to set new benchmarks for ethical gaming, strengthening the credibility of India's online gaming sector and creating a sustainable, globally competitive ecosystem."
Neil Castelino, Director General, FIFS, commented, "This joint code is a crucial step forward in our commitment to fostering a safe, fair, and responsible gaming environment in India. By working together as an industry, we're establishing a unified standard that prioritizes player well-being, integrity, and accountability."
Anuraag Saxena, CEO of EGF, said, "This joint code will help address the issue of unethical gambling operators, who have been parasitically harming the nation, its exchequer, and its people. This initiative underscores our commitment to accountability through third-party audits, responsible gaming policies, and ethical business practices."
The signing of the CoE follows a joint MoU signed by the three federations with ASCI to address the issue of illegal betting and gambling advertisements by offshore entities, emphasizing the industry's proactive steps towards promoting user safety.
- The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and E-Gaming Federation (EGF) have agreed to implement a Code of Ethics (CoE) to combat unethical gambling practices.
- The cyclist, while using a mobile app for fantasy sports, should be aware of the responsible gambling measures and fair practices set by the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS).
- The casino-and-gambling industry in India is being reshaped as the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has vowed to foster a secure and responsible gaming environment, ensuring adherence to Indian laws and upholding fair play.
- The adoption of the Code of Ethics (CoE) by the gaming operators, including casinos and gambling platforms, will help protect vulnerable players, prevent fraudulent activities, and promote transparency.
- Whatsapp groups discussing fantasy sports should encourage responsible gaming habits by promoting self-exclusion tools and spending limits, as recommended by the Code of Ethics (CoE) established by the gaming federations.
