In a significant move aimed at ensuring safer gaming practices, 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). This initiative seeks to establish consistent standards of user safety across the industry and implement responsible gaming and advertising practices. One of the key aspects of the CoE is its mandate for annual third-party audits and the creation of comprehensive reporting mechanisms, ensuring transparency and accountability within the sector.
From what is understood, the Code of Ethics is designed based on global best practices, with a focus on implementing responsible gaming measures. It includes critical components such as age-gating, stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and the ability for users to set spending limits and opt for self-exclusion. The CoE will apply to all online gaming operators who are members of the federations and offer skill-based real-money gaming services in India, a sector serving over 50 crore Indian gamers.
As part of the implementation timeline, gaming operators generating annual revenues of Rs 100 crores or more will be required to adopt the Code within six months of signing. Operators with lower annual revenues will have an additional three months, giving them nine months to comply. Once the Code is successfully implemented, federations will issue a certification that is valid for one year, which will be renewable annually following the completion of a third-party independent audit. The CoE will be reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and to determine areas for potential improvements.
Key principles outlined in the Code of Ethics include responsible gaming practices such as age-gating and the avoidance of operations in restricted states. It also emphasises robust KYC mechanisms, player protection policies, transparent management of player funds, fair gaming practices, and responsible advertising. The aim is to foster a secure environment for players while encouraging informed decision-making and providing support for vulnerable individuals.
Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation, commented on the initiative, stating, “As the largest and oldest industry association, AIGF is committed to building a thriving gaming industry based on responsibility, transparency, innovation, and player protection. This Code of Ethics underlines our dedication to fair play, compliance with Indian laws, and creating a safe, responsible gaming environment. Through this collaboration, we are setting new benchmarks for ethical gaming and strengthening the credibility of India’s online gaming sector.”
Neil Castelino, Director General of FIFS, also highlighted the significance of the joint code, saying, “This marks a major step in our commitment to providing a safe, fair, and responsible gaming environment. By uniting as an industry, we are creating a unified standard that prioritises player well-being, integrity, and accountability, which is crucial in maintaining a secure environment for the 24 crore fantasy sports users in the country.”
Anuraag Saxena, CEO of EGF, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative, emphasising the long-standing harm caused by unethical operators. “Unethical gambling operators have been detrimental to the nation, its finances, and its citizens. I’m proud that the industry is coming together today to adopt this joint Code of Ethics. It reinforces our commitment to accountability through third-party audits, responsible gaming policies, and ethical business practices. This move is a significant step forward for the Indian gaming industry,” he stated.
This signing of the Code of Ethics follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the three federations and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). The MoU focuses on addressing the growing concerns over illegal betting and gambling advertisements by offshore entities, further highlighting the proactive steps being taken by the industry to prioritise user safety.