Daily Archives: June 29, 2022

PM to say to G7 leaders: We must keep up our resolve on Ukraine – GOV.UK

Posted: June 29, 2022 at 1:18 am

Any sign of fatigue or wavering in Western support for Ukraine will play directly into President Putins hands, the Prime Minister will tell world leaders this week at the first in-person gathering of G7 leaders since Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The first few weeks and months of the Ukrainian resistance have been characterised by overwhelming global unity and a huge surge of support for the Ukrainian people. It is essential that this is sustained for the long term. Russias behaviour and the atrocities Putin is committing must not become normalised in the eyes of the world.

During his second visit to Kyiv since the outbreak of war last week, the Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy about the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Government. This includes military support, opening up the routes out of the country blockaded by the Russian military and urgent financial support to allow the Ukrainian state to function.

The Ukrainian Government fears it could run out of funding by the autumn unless it is given urgent financial help. To help with this pressing need the UK stands ready to provide another $525 million (or 429 million) in guarantees for World Bank lending later this year.

The new support announced today brings the total amount of fiscal support including UK loan guarantees to 1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) and the combined UK economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine to 1.5 billion ($1.8 billion) this year.

President Zelenskyy will virtually address the G7 Summit today. Following his address, the Prime Minister will use an intervention at the Summit to rally support for Ukraine. He will encourage all G7 countries to back Ukraine in the long-term, building on the significant pledges already made since February.

The Prime Minister said:

Future generations will be awed and inspired by the truly heroic Ukrainian resistance in the face of Putins barbarism.

Ukraine can win and it will win. But they need our backing to do so. Now is not the time to give up on Ukraine.

The UK will continue to back Ukraine every step of the way, because we know that their security is our security, and their freedom is our freedom.

UK loan guarantees are playing an important role in closing Ukraines financing gap, enabling Multilateral Development Banks like the World Bank to lend far more than they otherwise could to the Ukrainian Government. This lending is covering costs like Ukrainian public sector wages, and the running of schools and hospitals.

These investments will help preserve the Ukrainian state. The UK only covers the cost of the loan if the Ukrainian Government is unable to pay. They are therefore both an investment in Ukraines strategic resilience and an expression of confidence in the countrys future.

Without international support, the Ukrainian Government would be forced to pursue paths which compromise their macro-economic stability and long-term economic security, including running down reserves and printing money. Policies like these would directly lead to mass inflation and humanitarian catastrophe in the country.

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Where have all the Christians gone? | News, Sports, Jobs – Williamsport Sun-Gazette – Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Posted: at 1:18 am

Is it just me, or have you also been noticing a growing trend among many Christian pastors and Church members in our country to replace traditional Christian values with a completely different set of beliefs? Here are some of the shifts I have noticed cropping up from behind the pulpit and in the pews:

FROM: My kingdom is not of this world

TO: My kingdom is the American Dream in the chosen land of the United States of America.

FROM: Worship no God but me. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.

TO: A new Trinity: God, Guns and Country.

FROM: The inspired word of God is the Bible

TO: The inspired word of God is the Bible AND the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance (see the new God Bless America Bible).

FROM: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ

TO: The ideal kingdom is the United States, a nation made up of Christian, native born, religious, social, and fiscal conservative whites (now including right-minded descendants of previously excluded groups like Catholics, Italians, Jews and Greeks).

FROM: What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world if he loses his soul?

TO: Peoples worth is measured by the dollar value of all the stuff they own. Life is a continuous shopping spree for all things, big and small.

FROM: The last shall be first and the first shall be last

TO: Winning isnt everything, its the only thing. The whole purpose of life is winning.

FROM: Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing

TO Always get even. Better yet, two eyes for one.

FROM: Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times seven.

TO: Dont get mad. Get even. Forgiveness is for sissies.

FROM: Love your neighbor as yourself

TO: Whats in it for me?

FROM: The truth will set you free. Freedom consists not in doing what what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.

TO: Freedom is the absence of constraints of any kind. Nobody is going to tell me what to do.

FROM: Blessed are your eyes, because they see and your ears because they hear.

TO: What youre seeing and what your reading is not what is happening.

FROM: Whatever you do to these the least of my brethren, you do to me.

TO: Nobody ever gave me anything. I got everything I have on my own. Everyone,even the bootless should lift himself up by his own bootstraps.

FROM: I am my brothers keeper. Were all in the same boat.

TO: Its every man for himself

FROM: Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

TO: Its okay to exclude, reject, mistreat, discriminate against and remain silent or even supportive when leaders whip up others to physically harm people because they are different from us in culture, ethnicity, skin pigmentation, origin, religious belief, or sexual orientation.

AND FROM: Blessed are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure of heart, peacemakers, those who mourn, those who hunger for justice, those persecuted for doing good, those insulted and lied about because of me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven

TO: Get serious

Is this shift among many Christian shepherds and their flocks away from God as the Alpha and the Omega to Me as the Be All and End All of everything, from a religion of universal love to a religion of exclusionary nationalism really happening? I think so. But maybe it is just me. I sure hope so, because even if the Founding Fathers had wanted us to be a Christian nation, as many contend, I like to hope they were not thinking of such a perversion of Christs living example as I perceive we are witnessing.

Tim Mannello is a retired hospital executive and management consultant residing in Williamsport.

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Online gambling sites often employ the newest possibilities Retail Technology Innovation Hub – Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Posted: at 1:16 am

If you have ever looked for opportunities for Csgo odds or any other fun betting, you must have noticed that many of the sites employ some of the newest possibilities available.

In this article, we go through some of the most common new possibilities available on these sites and why they offer them.

Even though many players choose Csgo betting sites to place their bets from home, they still want to experience the magic of bricks and mortar options. To fulfill this wish, most gambling sites have started to provide live games for players.

You can find many types of live games online. The common factor with these games is that they are played in real-time, and mimic the real-life experience. By playing these games the player gets to experience a magical atmosphere without leaving their own home.

The games that are played on gambling sites often require money. This is simply because they are played also for money. Because of this gambling sites obviously need to provide different payment methods for their players.

Trustworthy gambling sites provide safe payment methods. Some of the sites focus on only providing one option, whereas others have a catalogue of different payment options. On these latter sites, players can often find even the newest methods on the market.

Talking of new innovations, the metaverse has been basically part of every conversation ever since the first plans of this were published. Some brands such as Victoria's Secret have already launched their first metaverse experiences.

Will the online gambling world jump into the metaverse as well? This is highly possible. Many gambling sites want to take advantage of all new innovations. Therefore, it wouldnt be surprising if some of them would launch metaverse experiences.

But why are gambling sites willing to take advantage of new innovations?

This is simply because the level of competition is so high. By introducing new possibilities to players before others do, gambling sites can take over the competition.

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The Online Gambling Law Didn’t Pass in NC and I’m Bummed – kiss951.com

Posted: at 1:16 am

Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Did you know that North Carolina lawmakers voted against online gambling and gaming this week? The bill actually looked pretty good going in having passed the House of Representatives. Ive been following this story for a while and am actually really bummed out about it. Im not a die-hard gambler dont get me wrong. But it would be fun to my join friends in NJ who can gamble a little money on games.

I love sports. I love picking teams to win or lose, or cover. It wouldve added a nice layer of entertainment for myself while watching these games. Maybe on a boring hot summers night betting on a MLB game would be fun right?

Imagine going to a Panthers or Hornets game. Walking up to a vending machine and placing a bet. Adding to the fun by having a financial rooting interest.

From what I read in various articles, some lawmakers voted against it because they feel like gambling could lead to many more addicts. I get that. But, addicts will find a way to gamble regardless. This bill wouldve been a way for NC to control gambling. They wouldve allowed 10 companies to offer online gambling and wouldve charged those companies to do so. That money was going to be used to help fund HBCUs, little league teams and other causes in NC.

The vote was so close. It was turned down by a total of 51-50. Proponents say the bill is not dead yet. There may be some changes and it still could be approved. I bet it ends up happening! See what I did there?? Hahaha

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How Does PG Slot Offer The Best Gambling Platform? – Geek Vibes Nation

Posted: at 1:16 am

Pg slot is different from other websites in several ways, even though many websites offer similar games and features. Fast and straightforward transactions are promoted by Pg slot. There are many banking options available, such as credit and debit cards, eWallets, and net-banking. Furthermore, all transactions done via the online slot are protected by encryption software. You can play online gambling games with Pg Slot in a great way if youre looking for an excellent platform!

Pg Slot offers casino games that players can love. The service also offers 24-hour customer support, in addition to its convenience. Whenever you need assistance, you can contact the customer service team by phone, email, or live chat. The Pg Slot site offers guides and tutorials to help you get started with online gambling. By searching in the search bar for pg slot in LINE, you can also reach the company if you have any questions. Alternatively, if you prefer a competitive atmosphere, you can also compete with your friends in the Pg Slots online community.

When it comes to online gambling, customer service is key. This is why PG Slot is dedicated to offering its customers the best customer service in the marketplace. Its friendly customer service representatives are ready twenty-four hours a day to answer questions and to assist players with various issues. Even if you do not know how to play a particular game, they will teach you how to play it if you ask for assistance. It will be easy for the customer support team to assist you with playing for fun and winning big.

What makes a good website for online gambling, you might wonder if youve never experienced it before. Almost all good websites allow customers to make payments using credit cards, eWallets, and even cryptocurrency wallets. 24/7 customer service may also be an important consideration. Even if some sites do not offer customer service, they have staff in their support departments who can assist you. In addition, they come with a cute mascot dog dressed in a costume and high-quality graphics so users can easily navigate. Playing games through the browser on mobile-friendly sites is also an option, without the need to download apps. Generally, the games operate well across most desktop and mobile devices.

If youre in the market for online gambling, you can choose from hundreds of different games. Many of the websites that offer these games are coupled with sportsbooks, casino games, and poker rooms. These sites have their own odds, rules, and payouts. You can practice your skills and learn the rules of the game by playing a variety of games on websites that offer a variety of games, so they are a good choice for beginners.

Pg Slot offers many reasons for choosing it as your online gambling platform. The first of these is the wide range of bonuses and promotions they offer. A bonus can be a signup bonus, a signup bonus, a deposit free bonus, a registration bonus, a match bonus deal, and many other forms of bonuses. Additionally, these latter two make this platform more powerful than similar ones due to their extra benefits.

At pg slot, players will also have an opportunity to play different types of games. Each player can participate in up to five simultaneous games at one time. The company also offers rewards and referrals to keep their players interested. The referrals make it possible for pg slots to receive a high level of traffic. Additionally, the pg slot includes group chats and other communication options that lets players interact with each other.

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The Future of Online Gaming with The Metaverse? – Qrius

Posted: at 1:16 am

Metaverse is the newest, most exciting topic of the modern-day. But to understand how it affects the future of gamers, we need to understand what a Metaverse is. Metaverse is an artificial reality created by several different technologies that allow users to interact with the environment around them and experience it. Technologies continue to expand and grow. For instance, look at the online casino. Slot games have gained high popularity over time as they become more immersive and entertaining. Therefore some of the most popular online slots are available at the top UK casinos. UK players want a piece of that latest tech, which should be the same for the Metaverse. Users interact with their surroundings, so you can only imagine the potential for the world of gaming.

Factors Governing the Metaverse Future

Every growing and expanding industry has certain factors that decide its future, and the same applies to iGaming with Metaverse. Here are the points that determine the growth of the Metaverse:

User Interface

For users to enjoy Metaverse to the fullest, it is necessary to have an interface that allows a seamless transition between the physical and digital world. The interface must also be easy to use. For a more satisfactory experience, the interface must be easy to travel with and be integrated easily into daily life to get the most out of the gaming experience.

Governance

The Metaverse interface needs to have governance. Some of the enormous concerns regarding that are whether there will be government regulation on Metaverse or there will be self-regulations only. As one of the future ideas for Metaverse is creating a currency for Metaverse, the safety and security of transactions are another important concern that users have verbalized.

Market Fragmentation

One of the important factors that affect the growth of technologies is the competition in the market regarding that technology. Metaverse is not any different. The future of Metaverse needs to decide whether there will be one dominant platform that will host it or there will be several platforms, each specific for different use. Will there be one for gaming and another Metaverse for casinos?

Standardization

The Metaverse must have standardization. Users have expressed concerns about whether one item bought on one platform would be available on the other. The identities that users will make and their availability over several platforms is another concern that has to be answered. A presence of standard economy over all platforms is necessary, especially within the world of gaming and online casinos.

Technologies Shaping the Gaming Future with Metaverse

Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

Virtual reality headsets are the new gaming consoles when it comes to Metaverse. They help the users to have an immersive experience in the Metaverse. These headsets are currently being redesigned to better fit, better resolution, and prevent motion sickness in the users.

Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses

AR glasses technology is the next step required to integrate virtual reality with daily life seamlessly. Unlike VR headsets which are complete, in this case, augmented reality will be synced with our normal glasses. These may be used for real-life environment scanning.

Digital Identities

To be a part of society, proper identification is necessary. Similarly, digital identification is necessary for Metaverse. This digital identity would be connected to the avatar of the gamer and will allow access to various gaming and gambling services. However, a major concern regarding this is whether every company that makes a Metaverse will check the digital identity or if they will ask service providers to manage that.

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Online Casinos in Japan Are On the Rise – PlayStation Universe

Posted: at 1:16 am

As the popularity of online gambling continues to grow around the world, more and more countries are starting to regulate and legalize the industry. This is good news for both online casino operators and players alike, as it provides a safe and regulated environment in which to play.

The new laws will make online casinos more popular in Japan, as they will be able to offer more games and services. In turn, this will attract more players, who will then spend more money on gambling.

Online casinos are already popular in Japan, and the new laws will only make them more so

Japan is one of the latest countries to join the ranks of those regulating online gambling. The country has seen a significant rise in the number of people playing at online casinos in recent years, and the government has decided to act accordingly.

Online casinos in Japan are now legal and regulated by the Japanese government. In other words, players can gamble safely and securely without having to worry about breaking any laws.

There are a number of benefits that come along with playing at an online casino that is regulated by the Japanese government. Firstly, you can be sure that all games on offer are fair and random. Secondly, your personal and financial information will be safe and secure. And finally, you will have access to customer support if you need it.

How do online casinos compare to traditional casinos in Japan?

There are a few key ways in which online casinos differ from traditional casinos in Japan. One of the most obvious is that online casinos are not physical spaces. You can access online casinos from each corner of the world, as long as you have a good internet connection. Traditional casinos, on the other hand, are physical spaces that can only be accessed if you are physically present in them.

Another key difference is that online casinos tend to have a much more comprehensive range of games on offer than traditional casinos because they are not limited by space constraints and can therefore offer a greater variety of games. Traditional casinos, on the other hand, are often limited to a smaller selection of games due to their physical size.

Finally, online casinos typically offer better odds and bonuses than traditional casinos because they have lower overheads and can therefore afford to offer these benefits to their players.

Are there any restrictions on who can play at online casinos in Japan?

There are no restrictions on who can play at online casinos in Japan. However, some age and location restrictions may apply.

For example, you must be over the age of 18 to play at an online casino in Japan. You may also be required to be located within the country in order to play.

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I was an online gambling addict I wanted to take my life at 19 but now Im saving others… – The US Sun

Posted: at 1:16 am

TWO FORMER gambling addicts have turned their losses into gains by starting a tech business to help other affected people.

Jack Symons is the founder and CEO of Gamban, an app that blocks thousands of gambling and stock trading sites to benefit individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

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Symons and Matt Zarb-Cousin, his partner in GamBan, were tens of thousands of dollars in debt according to a spokesperson.

Just before I turned 20, I really wanted to take my own life," Zarb-Cousin explained in a post for the Addictions Provider Alliance. "I dont think it was about the money.

"It was about where the addiction had led me to. Gambling had distracted me from my life for so long."

Problem gamblers are the most at-risk individuals when it comes to self-harm.

A 2017 study found that one in five gambling addicts attempt suicide, higher than any other addiction disorder.

Symons told The Sun that casual gamblers can be a family tragedy, work-related incident, or adrenaline hunt away from crossing the threshold to problem gambling.

"It culminated for me with one big win, something around $35,000 in one spin of a slot machine," Symons told The Sun in an exclusive interview. "I think I was kind of both unlucky and lucky in equal measure on that night."

The United States is rather taken with gambling - in Arizona's first three months of legal digital gambling, Arizonians wagered $1.2billion.

Content machines like Barstool Sports made their mark by producing gambling content while legacy media outlets plaster wagering odds into on-screen graphics.

Meanwhile, new gambling start-ups are popping up every day trying to gain footing in the $60billion dollar industry.

The silent epidemic has an estimated two million Americans addicted to gambling, and millions of people abroad are struggling with the same issue.

Over the last seven years, Symons has been refining GamBan, an app and web plug-in that blocks tens of thousands of gambling and gambling-adjacent sites for problem gamblers for a small fee.

GamBan runs on proprietary technology to block gambling sites without being invasive.

Available on all platforms, GamBan is meant to supplement other treatment options for gambling addiction.

During his own struggles, Symons downgraded his cell phone to a Nokia clamshell - while effective, few are going to be able to sacrifice a smartphone no matter how deep into debt their gambling addiction has led them.

"There's a tradeoff between being able to have the technology that I need and being able to have that device free from the tyranny of constant temptation," Symons said.

The app is made to be deliberately difficult to uninstall. On iOS, deleting the app from the home screen will not lift the restrictions.

Later in GamBan's evolution, they reached a crossroads when it came to stock trading apps and gamified crypto platforms.

Studies showed that most people considered it gambling, but the deciding factor was the company's correspondence with a gambling addiction hotline.

Workers for GamCare, a gambling addiction hotline, told the company that callers were regretting commitments to gamified trading platforms and cryptocurrencies.

GamBan even blocks Robinhood, the common trading platform with almost no barriers to entry.

Inexperienced traders can engage in complex transactions without fully understanding their mechanics. "Typical trading on these platforms doesn't look like a well-executed, responsible trading," Symons said.

Symons and the GamBan team also found "a lot of the crypto platforms that allow you to gamble with crypto."

They determined it was "essentially gambling on your gambling" and blocked access for GamBan users.

The Biden administration has been tight-lipped about the federal government's general position on gambling and has mostly focused on shutting down illegal sports books. Legal or not, one thing is certain:

"They say the house always wins and that is 100% true," Symons concluded.

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Which Gaming Sector is Ahead: Land-based or Online Casinos? – About Manchester

Posted: at 1:16 am

If youve been betting for some time now on online casino Canada platforms or land-based venues, you must have witnessed a remarkable gambling industry transformation with every passing year. This is because of the emergence of online casinos that have allowed punters to bet from pretty much anywhere they may find convenient. As with any change or new developments in any industry, debates have been brewing about which is better. The most significant differences include:

With the player experience differences in mind, lets review some numbers that may help point to which of the two is succeeding based on the fan base and the revenue.

Have you thought about why some land-based casino operators have shut their brick-and-mortar businesses and migrated to online platforms? Well, its time to consider the financial implications for businesses and jurisdictions. For jurisdictions with legalized online gambling, the post-COVID 19 stats seem to be pointing to a massive shift in revenue and betting handles.

The numbers are so overwhelming that tribal casino operators in the US have been opposing legislative efforts to make online gambling legal unless they get a bigger share of control in the market. This is not that strange considering the multiple community projects the tribes have been supporting from revenue generated through land-based gambling facilities. However, the tribes have not been the only ones affected by the rise of online casinos, as commercial operators have been seen offering both online and in-person betting options to maintain existing customers.

2020 was a major turning point in the gambling industry as online gambling became a multi-billion-dollar industry. The possible reasons for this include the low cost of setting up an online gambling site and the ability to hold more games than in a land-based casino. In addition, the multi-currency option in online casinos also widens the reach for players from different places. Due to the iGaming industrys rapid growth, recent projections indicate that the market will be worth $92.9 billion by 2023.

Online casinos have been gracing the internet for quite some time now, and they have been growing more and more popular every day. Meanwhile, the Coronavirus pandemic limited in-person gambling activities due to mandated lockdowns and casino shutdowns. As a result, the online casino scene soared high to a point where punters who would have never imagined betting using their devices had to hop onto the online betting bandwagon.

Most players have found that playing online affords one of the most precious commodities that seem to be elusive in recent years time. Players can switch between several casino sites from the same browser without moving a muscle (save for the ones on the fingers, of course). This can be done as the gambler pursues other important activities in their lives, hence saving them the time that would have had to be spent at a land-based casino.

Another reason online casinos have become a fan favourite in the past decade is the broad product offering. The fact that users are always looking for more in a casino provider is a no-brainer, and it is no wonder that the space available at a land-based casino is limited. As a result, the online casino operators who get to fit as many products as they like onto a single platform get an edge over their more traditional predecessors.

Besides, the generous welcome bonuses that come with registering at an online casino are hard to beat. And on top of the welcome perks, players also have the luxury of redeeming the weekly bonuses and tournaments that are constant at most online gambling sites. Land-based casinos also offer bonuses and promotions, but they are mostly seasonal and require a little more effort to claim, and they are usually available to loyal customers only.

As we delve deeper into the digital era, its becoming more and more obvious that the approaches used to attract clients to any business years ago are becoming less effective. Thus, business proprietors have to look for ways to match the increasingly evolving customer profiles.

As the industry begins to embrace virtual reality technology as a great way to have your cake and eat it, the number of physical casinos shutting down keeps going up daily. However, this does not mean that players arent going to bet at brick-and-mortar casinos as they have some advantages. But, of course, there are lots of challenges to be overcome for the physical casinos to stay afloat and continue being relevant to the modern punter.

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We need to formulate a structured gaming law that allows players to enjoy the thrills of online gaming responsibly, safely, transparently and securely…

Posted: at 1:16 am

Online gaming has swiftly emerged as the most engaging form of entertainment in India owing to younger demographics, increased internet penetration, and affordable smartphones. Evolving technologies resulting in immersive experiences have led more people to adopt this new form of entertainment instead of the passive ones.

The popularity of online gaming including e-sports, online casual games and real money gaming can be gauged readily with the industry growing at a rate of about 35 per cent in 2019-20, outpacing OTT, television, and social media platforms. Propelled by the mobile-first phenomenon and around 420 million gamers already active, online gaming is disrupting conventional forms of entertainment.

Like any social change and most new technologies, the industry has been functioning under the weight of societal ramifications and perceptual ambiguity online real money gaming is often confused with gambling. Whilst games of skill (fantasy chess, bridge, rummy, and poker) are legal and protected under the Constitution, games of chance (roulette, teen patti, and dice) are essentially about gambling and hence deemed illegal.

As per the Indian Constitution, gambling is classified under the State List. States have the power to regulate or prohibit such activity. Failing to distinguish between online skill-based gaming and gambling, some states have either placed restrictions or buried the sunrise sector under regulatory ambivalence.

This is unfortunate given that games of skill are legitimate business activities protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution as per the rulings of the Supreme Court and several High Courts till date. These rulings have also emphasised a clear distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

Last year, the Tamil Nadu government amended the Tamil Nadu Gaming and Police Laws, 1930 banning online games. The ordinance banned all forms of online gaming and stated that games of mere skill if played for wager, bet, money or other stakes cannot be allowed in the state. The Madras High Court, however, struck down the law in August 2021 observing that a complete ban was unconstitutional. The Court also acknowledged that a game involving substantial skill would not amount to gambling. It also protected online gaming and the nuances surrounding it, thus, clearing the ambiguity between gaming and gambling as well as the legal status of online skill games in India.

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The government recently constituted a four-member committee to examine issues related to online gaming and make recommendations for the promulgation of an ordinance to regulate the sector. Constituted against the backdrop of reports on unfortunate instances of people indulging in irresponsible gaming, the committee will examine the ways to identify the online games which are addictive and suggest whether these games really involve skills or mere tricks. It will also study the algorithms of online games to ascertain whether they can be tweaked to the benefit of online gaming companies.

This initiative is certainly a welcome one and demonstrates the governments progressive intent to protect the interests of the players. However, to really protect players, the regulatory muddle needs a comprehensive review. The way forward is to formulate a structured gaming law that allows players to enjoy the thrills of online gaming responsibly, safely, transparently and securely.

For the players, the industry and government, the need of the hour is to acknowledge the significance of responsible gaming and develop a regulatory framework defined by progressive policies to monitor and mitigate the possibility of irresponsible gaming. Attempts to solve the potential issues with bans will only result in players migrating from legitimate online skill-based operators to fly-by-night operators and lead to uncontrolled illegal activities, inadvertently compounding the problem the government is seeking to address.

Regulation and responsible gaming will provide players with a secure and trustworthy environment. Combining responsible gaming elements with effective policies and recommendation services would aid in defining a strategy centred on ensuring player protection and increasing stakeholders awareness and education. While keeping responsible gaming and self-regulation at its core, EGF has already designed and implemented our own code of conduct that requires operators to have features like KYC, SSL level encryption, risk-flagging mechanisms, daily and monthly restrictions, self-exclusion, and so on, to provide a secure user with an experience that cultivates healthy gaming habits and encourages appropriate gaming behaviour.

Globally, gaming is a well-regulated industry, and many countries, including the UK, US, and EU, have regulations in place to ensure that players enjoy this form of entertainment responsibly. Studying these global best practices would help in creating a gaming law that protects players, encourages responsible gaming, and assists legitimate operators while weeding out those who break the law.

The online gaming industry is committed to providing expertise and cooperation to the government in developing an effective regulatory framework for the sector. In view of this, a dialogue between the government and the industry is urgently needed to discuss the ground realities such as how the industry operates, available safety measures, and how it can be enhanced to develop a standard system that will establish a regulated industry while encouraging responsible gaming.

This column first appeared in the print edition on June 25, 2022 under the title Notes from a binge-watcher. The writer is CEO, E-Gaming Federation

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We need to formulate a structured gaming law that allows players to enjoy the thrills of online gaming responsibly, safely, transparently and securely...

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