Draft online gaming rules set stage for clean-up, esports growth

With a powerful independent regulator and clearly laid-out processes, the draft online gaming rules notified late on Thursday pave the way for a long-awaited clean-up of betting-linked social ills, experts said.

Esports are recognised as official sports for the first time and the involvement of the Ministry of Youth Affair & Sports will ensure they are treated with equal importance to cricket, football and badminton, they said.

“This should accelerate grassroots programmes, open the door for state and district-level championships, and ensure players…