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Context:

India's Real Money Gaming Industry Introduces Comprehensive Code of Ethics.

News in Detail

The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) have jointly signed a Code of Ethics (CoE) to establish consistent standards of user safety across India's online real money gaming industry.

Their member companies include major players such as Dream11, My11Circle, Khelo Fantasy Live, SG11 Fantasy, WinZO, Games24X7, and Junglee Games.

Purpose of the Code of Ethics

The CoE aims to:

• Promote user safety and responsible gaming practices.
• Implement responsible gaming and advertising policies.
• Ensure accountability and transparency through annual third-party audits and comprehensive reporting mechanisms.
• Establish a framework for ethical gaming based on global best practices.

Key Provisions

The Code includes several important measures:

• Age-gating: Restrictions to prevent minors from accessing real money gaming platforms
• KYC Verification: Stringent Know Your Customer procedures
• Spending Limits: User-set spending limits to prevent excessive gambling
• Self-exclusion Options: Tools for users to temporarily or permanently exclude themselves from gaming platforms
• Data Protection: Safeguards for player data
• Fund Management: Appropriate handling of player funds
• Fair Gameplay: Ensuring integrity and fairness in all games
• Responsible Advertising: Ethical advertising practices and promotions

Implementation Timeline

Operators with annual revenue of Rs 100 crore or more must implement the Code within six months. Smaller operators (with annual revenue below Rs 100 crore) have nine months to comply.

Certification Process

Upon successful adoption, federations will issue a certification valid for one year. Certification must be renewed annually following completion of an independent third-party audit.

Review Mechanism

The Code will be reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

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Source: 

THE HINDU