Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stated that the country can “dominate global online gaming” following the passage of new legislation.

Modi defended the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which outlaws all forms of real-money gaming. He stated, “Gaming is not bad, but gambling is… the future of our youth must be safeguarded”.

At the same time, the legislation, passed last month, promotes esports in the country. As a result, Modi believes that “India can dominate the global online gaming market, if done in the right manner…there are huge job opportunities too.”

Companies Cut Staff Following Law Change

Some gaming companies, however, have already drastically cut staff following the new rules. 

Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of the biggest fantasy sports operators in the country, announced it would cut staff by 60%. The reduction will see its 500 employees cut down to 200 as pay-to-play fantasy sports became illegal in the country.

Additionally, rival fantasy platform Dream11 was forced to end its $41 million sponsorship deal with India’s national cricket team. The company said it will not cut staff, but the loss of immediate revenue meant the agreement was no longer tenable.

Rather than cutting staff like MPL, Dream11 said it will focus on free fantasy games, advertising, and may expand globally.

Esports Will Be The Future in India Says Modi

Modi said that the younger generation will be embedded with a new culture that favors gaming, but not gambling.

He stated, “All teachers must now sensitise students that gaming and gambling are different. This is a big decision that we have taken and many forces did not want us to ban online gambling but our government has the political will and intent to protect future of youth.”

The promotion of esports has created more opportunities for some businesses. Krafton, the developer behind Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), announced that it will increase its investment in the country.

BGMI is one of India’s most popular games, and the company hopes to organize more esports events as the government invests in the industry.

Modi also referenced the inclusion of esports in the Olympics as proof that gaming will be the future. At the same time, he cautioned against crossing the line from gaming to gambling, which “even housewives had begun to try”.

“Now even Olympics has included online gaming, having that talent is different but making it reach addiction stage is something which needs to be avoided at any cost,” he said.