Gaming Report: India Cracks Down on Illegal Betting Ads; Dubai Unveils Long-Term Gaming Visa in a Bold Bet to Become a Global Gaming Hub

The gaming world is experiencing a dramatic shift in its landscape, with India taking a firm stand against illegal gambling advertisements while Dubai embraces a new initiative to become a global gaming haven.

In response to a surge in illegal betting and gambling advertisements during major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and elections, India’s Consumer Affairs Ministry is taking decisive action. The ministry is specifically targeting indirect and surrogate advertisements that violate the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) guidelines. To address this issue, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has reached out to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to identify and take legal action against offenders involved in illegal betting and gambling activities. This includes imposing penalties and potentially banning the operations of these unlawful applications.

Moving further west, Dubai is making a bold move to establish itself as a leading global hub for gaming and the e-gaming industry. Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has introduced a long-term Gaming Visa to attract 30,000 game developers to the city by 2033. This innovative visa program aims to revolutionize the gaming industry in Dubai, fostering a thriving ecosystem for game developers and creating a wealth of opportunities for professionals in the rapidly expanding e-gaming sector. By attracting top talent from around the world, Dubai hopes to become a significant player in the global gaming market.

Government Takes Aim at Illegal Betting Ads Breaching CCPA Standards

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is taking a decisive stand against the rising tide of illegal betting and gambling advertisements in India, particularly during high-profile events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and elections. With the country’s gaming market projected to grow from $3.10 Billion in FY23 to $7.50 Billion by FY28, concerns about the potential harm caused by unregulated betting platforms are mounting.

Despite existing laws under the Public Gambling Act of 1867 that prohibit betting and gambling in most parts of India, online betting platforms continue to advertise their services through indirect and surrogate means. This has raised concerns about the financial and socio-economic impact, especially on younger audiences who are more susceptible to the allure of quick gains and the addictive nature of gambling

The Consumer Affairs Ministry is focused on enforcing the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) guidelines, which prohibit misleading and deceptive advertisements. The ministry has sought the assistance of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to identify and take legal action against offenders involved in illegal betting and gambling activities. This includes imposing penalties and potentially banning these unlawful applications.

The government’s intervention aims to protect consumers from the potential harm caused by illegal betting and gambling. Online gaming carries various risks, including addiction, financial losses, and negative impacts on mental and physical health. By curbing the spread of misleading advertisements and taking action against illegal operators, the government aims to safeguard vulnerable individuals and promote responsible gaming practices.

“Betting via online gaming apps is a concern which needs a firm stance from the Consumer Affairs Ministry. These apps rely on vulnerable individuals, and the CCPA should enforce stricter regulations to safeguard consumers,” said Ashim Sanyal, CEO and secretary of Consumer Voice.

Following a review of compliance, the government plans to engage with stakeholders to strengthen regulations surrounding online betting and gambling. This collaborative approach will ensure that the interests of all parties are considered while developing effective measures to protect consumers from addiction and financial risks.

With 15.4 Billion game downloads in FY23, India’s gaming market is currently the second-largest globally, only trailing China. As the market continues to expand rapidly, addressing the challenges posed by illegal betting and gambling is crucial to ensure a safe and sustainable gaming environment for all.

Dubai Takes Bold Step: Launches Long-Term Gaming Visa to Ignite Global Gaming Hub Ambitions

In a groundbreaking move, Dubai`s Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has unveiled a new long-term Gaming Visa designed to propel Dubai to the forefront of the global gaming industry while bolstering its burgeoning digital economy. This ambitious initiative aims to attract a staggering 30,000 game developers to Dubai by 2033, promising a transformative impact on the gaming sector and opening up vast opportunities for talented individuals and businesses in the rapidly expanding e-gaming field.

???????? #Dubai has launched the long-term ‘Dubai gaming visa’ to support talented individuals, creators, and pioneers in the e-gaming sector. #Gaming #UAE #AI #TechNews #Games pic.twitter.com/DoUxhgGXN4

— YusufHaji (@YusufHaji87) May 12, 2024

The Dubai Gaming Visa is a comprehensive program tailored to cater to the needs of skilled professionals and innovators within the e-gaming industry. This strategic initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision to become a magnet for top talent, intellectuals, and highly skilled professionals from around the world. By positioning itself as a prime destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and game developers, Dubai is poised to elevate its status in the global gaming landscape.

This specialized visa program is a key component of a broader range of cultural visa categories managed by Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai). By offering tailored visas designed specifically for the gaming community, Dubai aims to foster international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cultural enrichment within the e-gaming ecosystem. This inclusive approach demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to embracing diversity and harnessing the collective expertise of gaming professionals from all corners of the globe.

With the introduction of the Dubai Gaming Visa, the city is embarking on a transformative journey to become a global gaming leader. This bold initiative is a crucial step in Dubai’s ongoing evolution into a dynamic hub of innovation and creativity. Through progressive policies and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Dubai is set to redefine the boundaries of the gaming sector, unlocking new avenues for growth, prosperity, and technological advancement on a global scale. As the world eagerly anticipates the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, it’s clear that Dubai is shaping up to be the future epicentre of the gaming world.