Welcoming the move, Mr. Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), stated, “Google’s proposal to open the Play Store to all permissible real money gaming (RMG) formats is a timely and welcome step toward building a more equitable and transparent digital ecosystem for the Indian gaming industry. The inclusion of certification by recognised self-regulatory bodies is an important acknowledgment of the structured compliance efforts undertaken by the AIGF and other stakeholders in the online gaming sector over the years.

As the largest and oldest industry body for online gaming in India, we remain committed to fostering a safe, compliant, and innovation-friendly environment. Over the past three years, we have actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders to help shape balanced and forward-looking policy outcomes for the sector. We’re encouraged to see that this constructive engagement is bearing fruit, and believe this move will empower responsible operators, support innovation, and ensure a safer experience for Indian consumers.

We are pleased that, if accepted by the CCI, Google will recognise AIGF issued certificates as valid proof for the legal and skill-based classification of games. This reflects the credibility and rigour of the voluntary certification process undertaken by the All India Skill Gaming Council (AISGC), which was established in 2018. Under the chairmanship of a former Supreme Court Justice, the AISGC has applied an exhaustive qualitative and quantitative framework to determine whether a game qualifies as one of skill under Indian law.

As the RMG sector continues to evolve, consistent and fair platform access will be critical to its long-term sustainability. As the representative of the largest number of MSMEs in the online skill gaming space, we believe this move will help create a level playing field, reduce entry barriers, and give a much-needed boost to smaller and emerging operators. It will also provide further impetus to the growth of India’s online gaming sector, supporting job creation, digital inclusion, and the broader digital economy.”

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India, August 23, 2024:  The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has welcomed Meta’s updated advertising policy, which now allows real money gaming (RMG) operators in India to advertise on its platforms in a regulated and responsible manner. As per the new guidelines announced on Thursday, RMG advertisers must obtain Meta’s written permission before running ads, and such advertisements cannot be targeted at individuals under the age of 18. This move marks a significant step towards legitimizing and streamlining RMG advertising in India, aligning with industry calls for clearer and more accountable digital practices.

Lauding the Meta’s move, Roland Landers, CEO, All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) “We welcome Meta’s significant shift in its advertising policy towards greater clarity and compliance for Real Money Gaming (RMG) advertisers. The new framework is a major step forward in aligning global platform policy with India’s regulatory and legal realities. It ensures that only authorized, responsible operators can access Meta’s ad inventory while protecting users especially minors from exposure to unregulated gaming content.

“As the oldest and largest industry body for online skill gaming in India, AIGF has long championed self-regulation and legality in gaming. For nearly a decade, we have run the most exhaustive voluntary skill game certification process in the country, rooted in legal validation and integrity. We are pleased that Meta now recognizes AIGF issued certificates as valid proof for legal and skill-based classification of games.”

Mr. Landers further added “This milestone reflects the impact of sustained industry platform dialogue and positions India’s legitimate gaming sector for more responsible and structured growth in digital advertising environments.”

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~The initiative aims to combat digital addiction through structured interventions, awareness programs, and integration into mainstream healthcare~ 

India, 18^th March 2025: In a groundbreaking move to promote responsible digital consumption and well-being, the Government of Karnataka and the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) have taken a significant step forward in their Digital Detox Initiative – ‘Beyond Screens.’ Launched this month, the initiative marks India’s first industry-led effort to combat digital dependency through structured interventions and awareness programs.

Taking this vision forward, Hon’ble Minister for IT & BT, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka – Priyank Kharge, today inaugurated the ‘Beyond Screens’ Digital Detox Centre and official website, marking a crucial milestone in the fight against digital addiction. The Centre will serve as a dedicated hub for resources, counselling, and intervention programs aimed at fostering healthier digital habits.

Recognizing the urgent need for digital wellness solutions, the Government of Karnataka and AIGF have developed a strategic roadmap with clear, actionable objectives. ‘Beyond Screens’ serves as a comprehensive resource hub designed to assist individuals struggling with digital addiction.

With a strong focus on education, support, and empowerment, the initiative aims to provide structured solutions through short, medium, and long-term programs. The newly launched Digital Detox Centre and website will serve as a one-stop destination for individuals seeking guidance on responsible technology use and digital well-being.

The initiative is committed to:

• Raising awareness about excessive digital usage and its impact.
• Providing structured solutions for healthier digital habits.
• Integrating digital detox programs into mainstream healthcare.
• Developing research-driven strategies to support individuals and communities.

Minister Priyank Kharge, addressing the audience at GAFX 2025, reiterated the government’s commitment to digital well-being. He highlighted that “As a firm believer of balance in our digital lives, I always say, ‘sunlight before screen light.’ The ‘Beyond Screens’ initiative is a testament to our commitment to promoting responsible digital consumption and ensuring the well-being of our citizens. This initiative will address the often-ignored challenges of digital addiction by providing structured support, raising awareness and integrating digital wellness into mainstream healthcare”.

He further emphasized the importance of AIGF’s expertise in responsible gaming, adding, “With AIGF as our key partner, their expertise in responsible gaming will be invaluable in this effort. Whether it’s setting boundaries with your devices or learning to unplug without guilt, we are here to help every step of the way. This is a crucial step towards fostering a healthier relationship with technology, where our people can thrive both online and offline.”

As a leading industry body advocating responsible gaming and digital engagement, AIGF has played a crucial role in shaping the initiative. Roland Landers, CEO of AIGF, reaffirmed the federation’s commitment, stated, “As the oldest and largest industry body for online gaming in India, AIGF has always been committed to fostering a safe, responsible, and sustainable digital ecosystem. We are honoured to support the Government of Karnataka in launching Beyond Screens, a pioneering initiative in digital wellness. This is a great first step toward fostering a balanced and responsible approach to digital engagement.” 

He further added, “The launch of the Digital Detox Initiative reinforces AIGF’s commitment to responsible gaming and mental well-being. This collaboration with the Government of Karnataka is a crucial step toward setting a benchmark for the digital industry.” 

‘Beyond Screens’ is a partnership between the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka (ITBT Karnataka) and the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF). The initiative is poised to evolve into a nationwide movement, integrating digital detox strategies into public health initiatives and empowering individuals to take charge of their digital well-being.

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