At the ongoing second edition of the Indian Gaming Convention, hosted by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Brijesh Singh, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, advocated for specific legislation on online gambling. He also mentioned that a Human Cybercrime Protection Policy would soon be introduced to enhance enforcement by agencies.
During the panel discussion, “Emerging Cyber Threats from Unchecked Online Betting and Gambling,” Singh stated, “We need to have a specific act on online gambling. We should examine how society operates and then establish an appropriate set of regulations. There is a need to reassess the existing gambling legislation.”
“On the enforcement side, I believe we need both capacity and capability. We also need a real-time flow of information with law enforcement. We will soon have a Human Cybercrime Protection Policy,” Singh added.
He continued, “As we embrace the digital era, it is critical to ensure that our people are protected from the emerging cyber threats associated with online betting and gambling. Technological advancements are becoming stronger, and while they offer great potential, they also bring increased risks.”
“We must implement proactive measures, including contextual warnings on apps, to safeguard users from falling victim to these threats. Our responsibility is to create a safe and secure online environment for everyone,” Singh further stated.
Vivan Sharan, Partner at Koan Advisory Group, moderated the discussion, which also featured Vinit Goenka, Founder Secretary of the Center for Knowledge Sovereignty.
Speaking on online gambling, Vinit Goenka said, “Different states have different approaches, but there is a need for uniform reforms at the central level that identify gaps. We should allocate a small portion of the revenue generated by a state to create awareness. There must be a robust mechanism for consumer protection.”