We successfully provided strategic legal assistance to a real-money gaming platform offering a diverse range of fantasy, arcade, puzzle, and strategy-based games. The Client’s platform features an engaging mix of skill-based and competitive gaming experiences, including popular games like Hit it Right, Copter Ride, Super Monkey, Tap Tap Shot, Word Connect, Solitaire King, and Merge City. With a commitment to providing a seamless and legally compliant gaming environment, the Client sought expert legal guidance to navigate India’s evolving gaming and gambling regulations.
Regulatory Compliance & Legal Opinion on Gaming Laws
Recognizing the complex legal landscape surrounding real-money gaming in India, our firm conducted a detailed legal analysis and prepared a comprehensive consolidated Legal Opinion addressing:
- The applicability of state and central laws governing gaming and gambling.
- Key judicial precedents impacting the legal classification of online games.
- The distinction between “Games of Skill” and “Games of Chance” under Indian law.
- Compliance with IT regulations, data protection laws, and financial transaction guidelines.
This Legal Opinion enabled the Client to make informed business decisions, ensuring that their gaming offerings remained legally compliant and aligned with the industry’s best practices.
Google Play Store Approval & Platform Expansion
One of the key challenges for real-money gaming platforms is securing approvals on major app distribution platforms. Our firm played a crucial role in supporting the Client’s efforts to secure approval for their Fantasy Game on the Google Play Store. By developing a well-structured legal argument and ensuring adherence to Google’s policies, we successfully facilitated the listing process, allowing the Client to expand its reach and accessibility.
Payment Gateway Onboarding & Financial Transactions
Given the real-money gaming model, payment gateway integration was a critical aspect of the Client’s business operations. We assisted the Client in onboarding multiple payment gateways by presenting a well-substantiated argument that their games qualify as a “Game of Skill” under Indian law. Our firm effectively demonstrated:
- The legal classification of the games as skill-based.
- Precedents supporting permissibility of real-money transactions in skill-based games.
- Compliance with financial and taxation regulations governing online gaming platforms.
This enabled the Client to seamlessly process transactions, ensuring smooth and legally compliant operations for their users.
Conclusion
Our strategic legal counsel allowed the Client to navigate regulatory challenges, secure approvals, and establish their gaming platform as a legally compliant entity. This engagement reinforces our firm’s deep expertise in gaming and gambling laws, enabling businesses to thrive in India’s rapidly expanding gaming industry.
This matter was expertly handled by Ms. Jyotsna Chaturvedi, Partner, and Mr. Ketan Joshi, Senior Associate.