How might a law prohibiting real money gaming impact digital entrepreneurship and user rights in India?

A law prohibiting real money gaming in India would have significant consequences for both digital entrepreneurship and user rights. Real money gaming includes platforms where users pay to participate and have a chance to win monetary rewards, such as fantasy sports, poker, and rummy. The proposed ban could alter the digital business landscape and affect the freedoms of online users in several ways:

• Impact on Digital Entrepreneurship:
  • Stifling Innovation: Many startups in India have developed innovative gaming platforms. A ban could discourage investment and experimentation in this sector.
  • Loss of Revenue and Jobs: The real money gaming industry generates significant revenue and employment. Prohibition could lead to job losses and reduced tax collections for the government.
  • Reduced Global Competitiveness: Indian gaming companies may lose their competitive edge in the global market if they are restricted from operating domestically.
  • Impact on Ancillary Industries: Sectors like digital payments, advertising, and software development that support gaming firms may also be negatively affected.
• Impact on User Rights:
  • Restriction of Choice: Users may lose the freedom to participate in online games of their choice, affecting their digital autonomy.
  • Privacy Concerns: Increased monitoring to enforce the ban could lead to concerns over user privacy and data protection.
  • Access to Safe Platforms: A ban may push users towards illegal or unregulated platforms, increasing risks of fraud and exploitation.
  • Freedom of Expression: For some, gaming is a form of expression and entertainment. A ban could be seen as limiting this freedom.