Indulge in fantasy sports, not online gaming: Experts

1. Indulge in Fantasy Sports, Not Online Gaming Experts Non-profit organization IndiaTech.Org (TSIA) recently conducted a session for discussing the effect of NITI Aayog guidelines on the Indian fantasy sports industry. Leading Indian gaming industry players comprising IndiaTech CEO Rameesh Kailasam, Fidus Law Chambers Founder Shwetasree Majumdar & FIFS Chairman Bimal Julka took on the role of panellists at the session and acknowledged fantasy sports as a superb sports engagement platform, distinguishing it from online gaming. The panellists discussed the draft guidelines & stressed on the need to promote self- regulation for ensuring transparency, accountability & clarity in the fantasy sports industry. Speaking on the huge potential that the online fantasy sports (OFS) industry possesses, Rameesh Kailasam said, “This endeavour by NITI Aayog is a welcome step in the direction of moving towards regulatory clarity for the online fantasy sports sector. Such an effort would enable both the Centre and States to work in the direction of enabling this sunrise sector that is currently dependent on various court judgements for legitimacy to distinguish itself. With the absence of specific regulation, lack of policy clarity and discretionary interpretations by various State-wise regulatory regimes, the online fantasy sports sector despite being acknowledged as a sunrise sector that engages with sports fans and enthusiasts suffers being misunderstood with many other forms of online games that are different. India also has a huge potential of creating more startups in this space that can take on the world.” Commenting on the legal status of fantasy sports, Shwetasree Majumdar said, “It is encouraging to see NITI Aayog lay emphasis on how fantasy sports should emulate real-world sports. Providing a distinct identity to fantasy sports will go a long way in gaining the consumers’ trust and ensuring that all OFS platforms function responsibly and remain compliant with the prescribed format.

2. I believe, it is time that we see a necessary shift away from viewing fantasy sports as an exception to betting and gambling, to eliminate the extant ambiguity that the operators encounter at the state level.” Speaking on the contribution of fantasy sports towards the sports industry, Bimal Julka said, “The emergence of multiple sports and leagues coupled with rapid improvement in digital infrastructure is witnessing many sports tech innovations. Fantasy sports has emerged as one such innovative tool of engagement that has grown exponentially in the past few years. Fantasy sports has the potential to grow sports in India both depth and breadth. OFS operators are partnering with not only international tournaments but also at the domestic level.” To know more: https://www.gaming360.in/indulge-in-fantasy-sports-not-online- gaming-experts/