Suggestions sought on the difference between games of skill and games of luck, DPIIT's step towards increasing FDI
Online Gaming: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address during the 78th Independence Day celebrations, had called upon Indian professionals to lead the global gaming market. He had said that the country can achieve a leading position in the gaming industry.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a note distinguishing between online games of skill (Skill Gaming) and games of chance (Chance Gaming) in terms of foreign direct investment. According to a senior official, the note solicited feedback from various ministries on this issue.
According to the official, a clear distinction between the two types of games is required to attract foreign investment because skill-based online games have enormous potential. In his address to the 78th Independence Day celebrations here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian professionals to lead the global gaming market. He believes that the country has the potential to become a global gaming leader.
The official, who did not wish to be named, said, "A concept note has been issued for inter-ministerial discussions to differentiate between the two for FDI. We need to see how, in online gaming, we can differentiate between 'games of skill' and 'games of luck' to bring in FDI."
Some people object to online gaming by associating it with gambling and betting. There is also a question of who will be the final authority to define these things. "We need an independent body to assess this," the official said.
