What are the key laws and regulations governing online gaming in India?
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Online gaming laws in India are governed by various key laws and regulations. The primary legislation addressing online gaming in India is the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Although this law does not explicitly mention online gaming, it prohibits gambling in a public forum. The interpretation of this law for online gaming varies, leading to legal ambiguity.
However, the Information Technology Act of 2000, along with its subsequent amendments, has a significant impact on online gaming. Section 67 of the Act criminalizes the publishing or transmitting of obscene material online, including in the context of gaming. This provision has been used to regulate certain types of online games deemed to be inappropriate or obscene. Additionally, the Indian gaming industry is regulated by state-specific laws, as gambling is a state subject under the Constitution of India. Several states have enacted their own gambling legislations, such as the Goa, Daman, and Diu Public Gambling Act of 1976. Furthermore, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have established a self-regulatory body called the Online Rummy Federation (TORF) to oversee and regulate online rummy games. Overall, the legal framework surrounding online gaming in India is a complex combination of outdated laws, evolving interpretations, and state-specific regulations.