The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has warned investors to be wary of online stock games on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange. The markets regulator has a new problem on its hand with websites which run online games and contests where people bet on stocks, currencies and commodities, reports the Times of India. "Participation in such schemes is at investors' own risks, cost and consequences. Such schemes are neither approved nor endorsed by Exchange," BSE's warning read. It added if investors signed up for these contests, they would not be given the redressal mechanism from the stock exchange. Under such schemes, contestants have to pick a stock, currency or commodity and predict the increase or decrease price in a time frame. The Times of India report further added that companies such as the Indian Trading League (endorsed by cricketer Kapil Dev) and Stock Race (promoted by Satyug Gold Private Ltd.) are some of the companies running contests and offers investors prizes up to Rs 10 lakh. Stock Race, on the other hand, has prizes which include Mercedes Benz cars, Harley Davidson bikes, Apple products and gold coins. The Indian Trading League has a flat Rs 20 transaction fee while Stock Race has no transaction fees, investors have to top up their accounts with virtual play points. The virtual points cannot be used calls in the stock and commodity markets. A spokesperson for Satyug told TOI that this cannot be considered gambling as this is a game…
