About EGF

Siddharth Sharma, SVP- Business Strategy, Head Digital Works

“The skill-based online gaming industry is very dynamic in nature when it comes to changes, growth, and regulation. Despite all the volatility that surrounds the sector, it continues to grow. Being one of the first bricks of this sector and also having witnessed its development over the last 2 decades, we strongly believe and advocate for the need of centrally enforced regulations for real-money skill-based games in India. In line with this, the new rules announced by MeitY will not only catalyze the growth of online skill-based gaming but will also quash fraudulent and unethical practices by foreign entities that operate betting and gambling platforms. As a part of EGF, we stand firm along with our peers in supporting and educating stakeholders in the government about the ins and outs of the industry to help them form a robust framework to further a robust policy change implemented across all states.”

Ankush Gera, Founder, Junglee Games

“Games of skill have put Gaming on the roadmap for cutting-edge technology and innovation.  The sheer volume of over 400 million gamers and technology challenges is unparalleled in the startup ecosystem. The industry, while competitive, has collaborated and done some incredible work to ensure responsible play. 
The results are showing up with revenues in the single-digit billions and a positive view from key government stakeholders who are now focused on progressive regulation.  These results are a culmination of years of hard work, by bringing together the best teams and minds, gathering an overwhelming amount of data, and operating with a sense of integrity and responsibility towards all key stakeholders.   Games are the cultural fabric that has entertained us for generations. 

Sticks and stones have evolved to digital interactive high-definition interfaces, but games like Rummy and Fantasy sports provide entertainment to millions of users and have paved the way for a booming sector.  One that employs and elevates tens of thousands of the brightest engineers, data scientists, and artists from around the world.  Skill games are here to stay.”

Bobby Garg, Co-Founder & CEO, Passion Gaming

“Recognition of unique characteristics that separate Skill based games from those of chance by the GST regime is essential for the sector to flourish and contribute its fair share to the country’s coffers. Skill-based gaming operators offer technological solutions that provide users with a value proposition by creating an ecosystem for which a service fee is charged.
This fee is not dependent on the outcome of the game. For this reason alone, tax calculation should be based on the service fee charged or gross gaming revenue (GGR) and not on the entry fee paid by the user. Encouragement to the sector can only come if policymaking allows for sustainable growth.

An increase in job creation, digital transactions, ethical gaming, and transparency are clear outcomes of well-thought-out gaming laws. Holistically speaking, India’s GST regime should uphold the verdict of the Supreme Court and therefore align to fair taxation – we shouldn’t have a zero-sum game. I do believe that the government through its various arms is beginning to understand the clear demarcation between skill and chance-based games and we should see a positive outcome in the near future.”