GAME OF SKILLS
Fantasy Quest is regarded as a “Game of Skill.” A game of skills is defined as one in which the skills of the individuals participating in online fantasy sports gaming play a dominant role rather than mere luck. Participants in a game of skills utilize their knowledge, training, and focus to compete and succeed.
Online fantasy sports gaming is recognized as a legal practice globally, with certain states being exceptions. This form of gaming is entirely based on the concept of a Game of Skills, where users create their own teams and earn points based on the on-field performance of their selected players.
Fantasy Quest operates legally by offering services, fun features, programs, and contests related to fantasy cricket, fantasy football, fantasy kabaddi, fantasy volleyball, fantasy basketball, and fantasy hockey. The services, contests, and programs provided by Fantasy Quest enable users to assemble their teams before matches start, with points awarded based on the real-life performance of their chosen players. The individual whose team accumulates the highest points is declared the winner. The team formation by users on Fantasy Quest relies entirely on their skills, knowledge, and focus, making the online fantasy sports gaming experience offered by Fantasy Quest a game of skills and completely legal.
ALIGNMENT WITH INDIAN LAWS
Games of skill, such as online fantasy sports gaming, are deemed legal throughout India, with exceptions for certain states like Sikkim, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, and Nagaland. The Public Gambling Act, 1867 (“PGA, 1867”) serves as the primary legal framework regarding gambling in India.
The PGA defines “public gambling” and maintaining a common gaming house as criminal acts punishable under Indian law. However, online fantasy sports gaming is considered an exception under the PGA, where the provisions and penalties do not apply to games played using skills and knowledge as the primary factors.
SIKKIM, ASSAM, ODISHA, TELANGANA, ANDHRA PRADESH, AND NAGALAND
In various states across India, the laws concerning games of skill remain ambiguous. For websites offering online fantasy sports gaming, it is unclear whether to provide services for a fee. States lacking clarity regarding the offering of pay-to-play contests include Sikkim, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland.
In this regard, Fantasy Quest does not allow users identified as residents of Sikkim, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Nagaland to participate in any pay-to-play contests organized by Fantasy Quest.