Indian Gaming Industry Bodies Collaborate to Formulate a Unified Code of Ethics

The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) have signed a 'Code of Ethics' (CoE) to ensure consistent user safety standards across the industry by implementing responsible gaming and advertising policies.

To guarantee accountability and transparency, the CoE needs thorough reporting procedures and yearly third-party audits.

The CoE's signing comes after the three federations and India's Advertising Standards Council signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MoU). This program intends to highlight the industry's proactive efforts to enhance user safety while simultaneously addressing the growing concern regarding illicit betting and gambling advertisements by offshore entities.

According to the statement, the Code safeguards the interests of more than 50 crore Indian gamers and is applicable to all online gaming operators that are federation members and offer skill-based real-money gaming services in India.

After signing the Code, gaming operators with yearly revenues of at least Rs 100 crore have six months to put it into effect; those with yearly revenues under Rs 100 crore have nine months.

Following successful adoption, federations will issue a one-year certification that can be renewed annually after an independent third-party audit. The Code will be reviewed annually to determine its effectiveness and areas for improvement.

The CoE's key principles include responsible gaming practices such as age-gating, non-operation in restricted states, and robust KYC mechanisms. To protect players, the CoE requires data security and proper management of their funds. It promotes fair gaming by ensuring the integrity and fairness of gameplay. Gaming platforms must also provide players with clear and accurate informationTo encourage responsible advertising, the CoE mandates ethical advertising and promotion.

Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation, stated, "As the largest and oldest industry association, we at AIGF believe that a thriving gaming industry must be built on the foundations of responsibility, transparency, innovation, and player protection. This Code of Ethics reaffirms our commitment to fair play, following Indian laws, and creating a safe and responsible gaming environment. We are setting new standards for ethical gaming in collaboration with other industry federations, bolstering the credibility of India's online gaming sector, and creating a sustainable, globally competitive ecosystem."

Neil Castelino, Director General of FIFS, commented on the initiative, saying, "This joint code represents a significant step forward in our commitment to creating a safe, fair, and responsible gaming environment in the country. Working together as an industry, we are creating a unified standard that prioritizes player well-being, integrity, and accountability throughout the industry. This, we believe, will be critical in ensuring a safe environment for the country's 24 crore financial services users."

Anuraag Saxena, CEO of EGF, stated that "national interest, consumer interest, and industry interest have all suffered for far too long." Unethical gambling operators have parasitically harmed the country, its economy, and its citizens. I'm delighted that the industry is working on a joint code of ethics today.The adoption of these standards demonstrates our commitment to accountability, which includes third-party audits, responsible gaming policies, and ethical business practices.Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the industry's recognition of this is a significant step forward for gaming in India."