Online Rummy gets major boost

Chennai: In view of its growing popularity, major online Rummy operators from the country have come together to form The Rummy Federation (TRF). The body’s objective is to self-regulate the online gaming industry and encourage a sustainable and responsible environment.

Smart phones, affordable internet, high connectivity and rapid adaptation have already given a big fillip to the online gaming industry which is growing big-time in the country, but it still faces a few challenges such as being equated with gambling and varied rules in different states. However, according to Supreme Court judgments, rummy is a game of skill, and wagers are permitted while playing it. RummyCircle, Ace2three and Junglee Rummy are some of the popular brands in this segment.

“The main objective of the TRF is to promote Rummy as a game of skill rather than gambling, and to make it more trustworthy for its millions of players,” said Deepak Gullipali, director of TRF. At the TRF launch event recently, Mario Galea, who is a pioneer in setting up regulatory frameworks both in Europe and the US, presented his views on the gaming regulations and practices in regulated markets.

Industry players are of the view that a historical record of past games and usage of certified and tested software makes the experience more reliable for the users.

The industry generates about Rs 150 crore direct tax (in the form of GST and Income tax) to the government. The online rummy operators have given an overview about the prospects of the industry, which is expected to grow at 60 to 70% annually. They highlighted the studies that have statistically shown Rummy to be a game that requires substantial skill.