Question : Fantasy Sports

(a) whether the Government recognizes the increasing prevalence of fantasy sports in India and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government recognizes the potential and ill-effects of fantasy sports in India and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is true that fantasy sports have the potential to increase engagement of people, especially youth, with sports activities and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether it is true that fantasy sports can increase viewership of sports telecasts and if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government has undertaken a study on the impact of fantasy sports on youth in India and if so, the details thereof;
(f) whether steps have been taken by the Government for uniform national-level regulation or guiding principles for online fantasy sports in India and if so, the details thereof;
(g) whether online fantasy sports have been banned in various States in India and if so, the details thereof; and
(h) whether the Government has engaged with State Governments for the regulation of fantasy sports in India and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
[SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR]

(a) Fantasy sports and its associated online platforms are emerging as a sector.

(b) to (e) The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has not carried out any study on the potential of fantasy sports and its ill-effects, whether fantasy sports have the potential to increase engagement of people, especially youth, with sports activities and impact of fantasy sports on Youth in India.

In view of above, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports does not have any data to confirm whether fantasy sports can increase viewership of sports telecasts.

(f) NITI Aayog has prepared a draft discussion paper on draft guidelines for online fantasy sports platforms in India.

(g) & (h) Sports is a State subject. It is in the domain of the States to make laws and regulations concerning these subjects. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has not received any information from any of the States on banning or otherwise of the online fantasy sports.

****