GAME OF SKILLS

Diamonds Sports is considered a “Game of Skill.” A game of skills can be defined as a game where the skills of the individuals participating in online fantasy sports play a dominant role, rather than mere luck. Participants use their knowledge, skills, training, and attention to engage in and win the game.

Online fantasy sports gaming is widely regarded as a legal practice around the world, with certain exceptions. This gaming is entirely based on the concept of a Game of Skills, where users form their own teams and earn points based on the on-field performance of their chosen players.

Diamonds Sports operates within the legal framework 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 related to online fantasy sports gaming provided by Diamonds Sports allow users to create their own teams before the match begins. Points are awarded based on the real-life performance of the players chosen by the users. The individual whose team scores the highest aggregate of points is declared the winner. The team formation by Diamonds Sports users is entirely dependent on their skills, knowledge, and attention, making online fantasy sports gaming offered by Diamonds Sports a game of skills and 100% legal.

ALIGNMENT WITH INDIAN LAWS

Games of skill, such as online fantasy sports gaming, are considered legal throughout India, except in certain states including Sikkim, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Nagaland, and Andhra Pradesh. The Public Gambling Act, 1867 (PGA, 1867) is recognized as the primary legislation concerning gambling in India.

The PGA defines “public gambling” and the operation of a common gaming house as criminal and punishable offenses in India. However, online fantasy sports gaming is an exception under the PGA, as its provisions and penalties do not apply to games where user skills and knowledge are the primary factors.

Sikkim, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Nagaland, and Andhra Pradesh

In various Indian states, the laws related to games of skill remain unclear. For websites offering online fantasy sports gaming, it is uncertain whether they can offer pay-to-play contests. The Indian states with unclear regulations on offering pay-to-play contests include Sikkim, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Nagaland, and Andhra Pradesh.

In light of this, Diamonds Sports does not permit users identified as residents of Sikkim, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Nagaland, and Andhra Pradesh to participate in pay-to-play contests organized by Diamonds Sports.