IndiaTech and DIF propose national framework for responsible online gaming

Gaming

Industry body IndiaTech.org and think tank Digital India Foundation (DIF) have jointly released a report advocating for a voluntary and player-centric regulatory approach to online gaming in India.

The report highlights the need for a Code for Responsible Online Gaming (CROG) to ensure user safety while supporting the growth of the gaming ecosystem.
India is among the fastest-growing online gaming markets in the world. As participation rises, so do concerns about addiction and the need for player protection. The new report urges policymakers to avoid rigid restrictions and instead adopt a comprehensive framework that is evidence-based and guided by international best practices.

Rejecting blanket bans
The report suggests that blanket bans and one-size-fits-all regulations often prove counterproductive. Countries like China, which imposed severe restrictions on gaming, have witnessed a rise in the use of unregulated platforms, putting users at greater risk. In contrast, nations such as the UK, Malta, Australia, South Korea, and the USA have adopted voluntary, opt-in strategies focused on education, transparency, and user autonomy, resulting in better harm-reduction outcomes.

Requirement for CROG framework
IndiaTech and DIF propose the creation of a uniform Code for Responsible Online Gaming (CROG), which would standardise practices across gaming platforms. The framework recommends coordination between stakeholders and oversight by central authorities such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) or the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

“The CROG framework promotes safety, choice, and responsible engagement by design,” said Rameesh Kailasam, CEO of IndiaTech.org. “It’s time to empower players through smarter safeguards, not restrictive bans.”

Key recommendations include:
Age-appropriate gaming: Enforcing age verification and content classification to restrict access to inappropriate games for minors.
Financial safeguards: Introducing configurable time and spending limits, delayed winnings, and self-exclusion tools to help players manage habits.

User safety: Protecting privacy, ensuring secure environments, and promoting fair gameplay.

Awareness and education: Running digital literacy campaigns to help users understand risks and safe practices.
DrArvind Gupta, Founder of DIF, emphasised that “punitive measures alone won’t work. We must encourage shared responsibility among users, platforms, regulators, and educators.”

The report advocates for a balanced and locally relevant strategy to manage potential harms without stifling innovation or growth. With India poised to shape the future of online gaming, the proposed CROG framework offers a path to responsible, inclusive, and sustainable development of the sector.