Joy Bhattacharjya, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) team director and current Chief Operating Officer of the Indian Super League (ISL), has said that fantasy sports cannot be considered addictive.
Speaking at a virtual event on the topic of fantasy sports and its impact on the sports industry, Bhattacharjya said, Fantasy sports can hardly be called addictive. It is just a form of entertainment, and people play it for fun. It is not like alcohol or drugs that people get addicted to.
Fantasy sports have become increasingly popular in India in recent years, with platforms like Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle attracting millions of users. These platforms allow users to create their own virtual teams of real-life players and earn points based on their performances in actual matches.
Critics have argued that fantasy sports can lead to gambling addiction and financial loss, but Bhattacharjya dismissed these concerns, saying that users are aware of the risks involved and that most platforms have responsible gaming features in place.
Users have to deposit money to play fantasy sports, and they are aware of the risks involved. Most platforms have responsible gaming features in place, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options, he said.
Bhattacharjya also emphasized the positive impact that fantasy sports can have on the sports industry, saying that it can help to increase fan engagement and drive interest in different sports.
Fantasy sports can help to increase fan engagement and drive interest in different sports. It can also provide new revenue streams for sports organizations and help to grow the industry as a whole, he said.
Overall, Bhattacharjya’s comments reflect the growing acceptance of fantasy sports in India and the wider sports industry. While concerns about addiction and financial loss remain, most experts agree that responsible gaming practices and increased awareness can help to mitigate these risks and ensure that users can enjoy the entertainment value of fantasy sports without harm.
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