The Parliament of India’s decision to pass the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, banning real-money online games, marks a turning point for the country’s digital landscape. The move, driven by concerns over gambling addiction, money laundering, and financial frauds, targets a USD 3.8 billion industry that has attracted global investors and powered platforms like Dream11, Games24x7, Mobile Premier League, 99Games, KheloFantasy, and My11Circle. Official data paints a grim picture: Indians lose nearly Rs 20,000 crore annually to such games, impacting around 45 crore people. The human toll is stark—families pushed into debt, young lives disrupted, and mental health strained by addictive platforms. This ban, while disruptive, reflects the PM Modi-led Central Government’s duty to shield citizens from exploitative systems that drain household savings and channel profits to foreign firms. Yet, it also raises a critical question: what lies ahead for India’s gaming future?&nbsp;For years, real-money gaming (RMG) platforms have lured players with the promise of quick riches. Games like rummy, poker, and fantasy sports blurred the lines between skill and gambling, trapping users in cycles of deposits and losses. Industry advocates highlight the sector’s economic contributions—Rs 31,000 crore in annual revenue, over 2 lakh jobs, and Rs 25,000 crore in foreign investment. However, these gains pale against the social costs. Media reports note that lawmakers see an outright ban as more effective than regulation, given the financial ruin caused by “manipulative design features and addictive algorithms” in these games. The state’s stance is clear: if physical gambling faces strict controls, its digital version cannot escape scrutiny. The flow of billions overseas further underlines the unsustainability of this model, where India’s tax revenue is dwarfed by citizen losses.&nbsp;Ban, an opportunity&nbsp;The ban, however, is not just a crackdown—it’s an opportunity to reshape India’s gaming ecosystem. The Online Gaming Bill explicitly promotes e-sports, educational, and social gaming platforms, signaling a shift toward ethical entertainment. The Union Ministry of Sports will frame guidelines for e-sports events, establish training academies, research centres, and technology platforms, recognizing competitive gaming as a legitimate sport. This aligns with global trends, where e-sports is a USD 180 billion industry, surpassing films and music in revenue. By nurturing skill-based gaming, India can tap into professional tournaments, streaming economies, and creative studios, building a sector that inspires talent and careers without exploiting users.&nbsp;Gaming, the Aatmanirbhar way&nbsp;A Make-in-India gaming vision could anchor this new direction. For too long, Indian gamers have consumed foreign content—Chinese battle royales, American sports titles, or European fantasy games—while local talent served global studios. A domestic ecosystem can change this. It would keep capital within India, curbing the outflow of billions to overseas firms. Game development, animation, coding, and event management could create lakhs of jobs, boosting employment in high-skill sectors. Games rooted in Indian culture—think a strategy title based on the Mahabharata or a city-builder inspired by the Indus Valley Civilization—could resonate globally, showcasing India’s heritage. Most crucially, homegrown platforms can embed ethical safeguards like spending caps, time alerts, and age verification, ensuring safe and responsible entertainment. So, if Aatmanirbhar Bharat is more than a slogan, online gaming is one of the sectors where it must be tested.&nbsp;Eyeing for ethical gaming&nbsp;The bill’s emphasis on cultural and educational games matching with Indian values adds another layer. These platforms, free from monetary stakes, can engage users through storytelling and skill-building. Imagine games that teach history or promote digital literacy, appealing to both young players and families. Such initiatives can position India as a hub for meaningful gaming, distinct from the profit-driven RMG model. The government’s push to regulate content under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ensures these games remain age-appropriate and culturally relevant, creating a balanced digital ecosystem.&nbsp;Critics warn that a blanket ban might drive users to illegal offshore apps, which lack oversight and consumer protections. This concern is valid—unregulated platforms pose risks of fraud and exploitation. However, the solution lies in swiftly building ethical alternatives. When offered engaging, safe, and culturally resonant games, users are likely to shift away from shady operators. European markets offer a blueprint: strict KYC norms, spending limits, self-exclusion options, and independent grievance mechanisms ensure responsible gaming. India, with its success in digital payments, can adopt similar standards, leapfrogging into a model for ethical gaming globally.&nbsp;The road ahead demands a straegic coordination. Policymakers must work with developers to create a supportive environment, offering incentives for local studios and clear compliance rules. Entrepreneurs should seize the chance to build platforms that prioritize user welfare over profit. Gamers, too, have a role—choosing ethical games can drive demand for quality content. If real-money gaming is revisited, it must operate under tight rules: robust KYC, spending caps, and transparent fund management to prevent misuse.&nbsp;Ultimately, gaming is more than entertainment—it ventilates how India balances innovation with responsibility. The ban is not the end but a chance to clear a flawed path and build a better one. A healthy, ethical gaming industry can become a pillar of India’s digital economy, creating jobs, retaining wealth, and projecting cultural pride. Under PM Modi’s vision, India is not just banning harmful games—it is laying the foundation for a gaming future that is innovative, inclusive, and proudly Indian.

Indians lose nearly Rs 20,000 crore annually to such games, impacting around 45 crore people. The human toll is stark—families pushed into debt, young lives disrupted, and mental health strained by addictive platforms. 

The Parliament of India’s decision to pass the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, banning real-money online games, marks a turning point for the country’s digital landscape. The move, driven by concerns over gambling addiction, money laundering, and financial frauds, targets a USD 3.8 billion industry that has attracted global investors and powered platforms like Dream11, Games24x7, Mobile Premier League, 99Games, KheloFantasy, and My11Circle. Official data paints a grim picture: Indians lose nearly Rs 20,000 crore annually to such games, impacting around 45 crore people. The human toll is stark—families pushed into debt, young lives disrupted, and mental health strained by addictive platforms. This ban, while disruptive, reflects the PM Modi-led Central Government’s duty to shield citizens from exploitative systems that drain household savings and channel profits to foreign firms. Yet, it also raises a critical question: what lies ahead for India’s gaming future? For years, real-money gaming (RMG) platforms have lured players with the promise of quick riches. Games like rummy, poker, and fantasy sports blurred the lines between skill and gambling, trapping users in cycles of deposits and losses. Industry advocates highlight the sector’s economic contributions—Rs 31,000 crore in annual revenue, over 2 lakh jobs, and Rs 25,000 crore in foreign investment. However, these gains pale against the social costs. Media reports note that lawmakers see an outright ban as more effective than regulation, given the financial ruin caused by “manipulative design features and addictive algorithms” in these games. The state’s stance is clear: if physical gambling faces strict controls, its digital version cannot escape scrutiny. The flow of billions overseas further underlines the unsustainability of this model, where India’s tax revenue is dwarfed by citizen losses. Ban, an opportunity The ban, however, is not just a crackdown—it’s an opportunity to reshape India’s gaming ecosystem. The Online Gaming Bill explicitly promotes e-sports, educational, and social gaming platforms, signaling a shift toward ethical entertainment. The Union Ministry of Sports will frame guidelines for e-sports events, establish training academies, research centres, and technology platforms, recognizing competitive gaming as a legitimate sport. This aligns with global trends, where e-sports is a USD 180 billion industry, surpassing films and music in revenue. By nurturing skill-based gaming, India can tap into professional tournaments, streaming economies, and creative studios, building a sector that inspires talent and careers without exploiting users. Gaming, the Aatmanirbhar way A Make-in-India gaming vision could anchor this new direction. For too long, Indian gamers have consumed foreign content—Chinese battle royales, American sports titles, or European fantasy games—while local talent served global studios. A domestic ecosystem can change this. It would keep capital within India, curbing the outflow of billions to overseas firms. Game development, animation, coding, and event management could create lakhs of jobs, boosting employment in high-skill sectors. Games rooted in Indian culture—think a strategy title based on the Mahabharata or a city-builder inspired by the Indus Valley Civilization—could resonate globally, showcasing India’s heritage. Most crucially, homegrown platforms can embed ethical safeguards like spending caps, time alerts, and age verification, ensuring safe and responsible entertainment. So, if Aatmanirbhar Bharat is more than a slogan, online gaming is one of the sectors where it must be tested. Eyeing for ethical gaming The bill’s emphasis on cultural and educational games matching with Indian values adds another layer. These platforms, free from monetary stakes, can engage users through storytelling and skill-building. Imagine games that teach history or promote digital literacy, appealing to both young players and families. Such initiatives can position India as a hub for meaningful gaming, distinct from the profit-driven RMG model. The government’s push to regulate content under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ensures these games remain age-appropriate and culturally relevant, creating a balanced digital ecosystem. Critics warn that a blanket ban might drive users to illegal offshore apps, which lack oversight and consumer protections. This concern is valid—unregulated platforms pose risks of fraud and exploitation. However, the solution lies in swiftly building ethical alternatives. When offered engaging, safe, and culturally resonant games, users are likely to shift away from shady operators. European markets offer a blueprint: strict KYC norms, spending limits, self-exclusion options, and independent grievance mechanisms ensure responsible gaming. India, with its success in digital payments, can adopt similar standards, leapfrogging into a model for ethical gaming globally. The road ahead demands a straegic coordination. Policymakers must work with developers to create a supportive environment, offering incentives for local studios and clear compliance rules. Entrepreneurs should seize the chance to build platforms that prioritize user welfare over profit. Gamers, too, have a role—choosing ethical games can drive demand for quality content. If real-money gaming is revisited, it must operate under tight rules: robust KYC, spending caps, and transparent fund management to prevent misuse. Ultimately, gaming is more than entertainment—it ventilates how India balances innovation with responsibility. The ban is not the end but a chance to clear a flawed path and build a better one. A healthy, ethical gaming industry can become a pillar of India’s digital economy, creating jobs, retaining wealth, and projecting cultural pride. Under PM Modi’s vision, India is not just banning harmful games—it is laying the foundation for a gaming future that is innovative, inclusive, and proudly Indian.

Indians lose nearly Rs 20,000 crore annually to such games, impacting around 45 crore people. The human toll is stark—families pushed into debt, young lives disrupted, and mental health strained by addictive platforms.&nbsp;

Online Gaming Going Aatmanirbhar Way! PM Modi’s Push for Esports Rooted in Ethical Entertainment

The Rajya Sabha passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill on Thursday despite uproar by opposition leaders in the House, which was cleared through a voice vote. The approval of the legislation in the Upper House was announced by Deputy Chairman Harivansh, along with subsequently adjourned proceedings for 10 minutes.&nbsp;The bill was introduced by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which seeks to prohibit all types of online money games while encouraging eSports and online social gaming. The Upper House passed the legislation after turning down amendments suggested by the opposition, as per the HT report.&nbsp;The Online Gaming Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha a day earlier.&nbsp;While tabling the bill in the Upper House, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said, " The money-gaming addiction is like drug addiction. The powerful people behind online money games will challenge the decision in courts. They will run social media campaigns against this ban. We have seen the impact of games and how the money is used to support terror."<h3>Which types of games are covered in the 'Online Gaming Bill'</h3>An online money game is played by an individual by depositing money in the belief of winning money or making a profit. The bill prohibits all online betting and gambling (satta and jua) activities, which include online fantasy sports to online gambling (Rummy, Poker and other card games) and online lotteries, according to a report by NDTV.&nbsp;Advertising of these online games can attract imprisonment up to two years and/or a fine up to Rs 50 lakh. If someone is found doing financial transactions related to these games, then it can lead to imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. And those who will be caught repeating the same offences will attract increased penalties of fines up to Rs 2 crore and three to five years' imprisonment.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/online-gaming-bill-2025-how-much-money-do-people-lose-every-year-to-money-games-1755695142623">Online Gaming Bill 2025: How much money do people lose every year to money games?</a>&nbsp;

Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the bill to prohibit all types of online money games while encouraging eSports and online social gaming.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill on Thursday despite uproar by opposition leaders in the House, which was cleared through a voice vote. The approval of the legislation in the Upper House was announced by Deputy Chairman Harivansh, along with subsequently adjourned proceedings for 10 minutes. The bill was introduced by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which seeks to prohibit all types of online money games while encouraging eSports and online social gaming. The Upper House passed the legislation after turning down amendments suggested by the opposition, as per the HT report. The Online Gaming Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha a day earlier. While tabling the bill in the Upper House, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said, " The money-gaming addiction is like drug addiction. The powerful people behind online money games will challenge the decision in courts. They will run social media campaigns against this ban. We have seen the impact of games and how the money is used to support terror." Which types of games are covered in the 'Online Gaming Bill' An online money game is played by an individual by depositing money in the belief of winning money or making a profit. The bill prohibits all online betting and gambling (satta and jua) activities, which include online fantasy sports to online gambling (Rummy, Poker and other card games) and online lotteries, according to a report by NDTV. Advertising of these online games can attract imprisonment up to two years and/or a fine up to Rs 50 lakh. If someone is found doing financial transactions related to these games, then it can lead to imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. And those who will be caught repeating the same offences will attract increased penalties of fines up to Rs 2 crore and three to five years' imprisonment. Also read: Online Gaming Bill 2025: How much money do people lose every year to money games?

Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the bill to prohibit all types of online money games while encouraging eSports and online social gaming.

Rajya Sabha passes 'Online Gaming Bill' by voice vote amid opposition uproar

The Union Cabinet has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025, to make sweeping legislation to ban all real money games, ie any online game, whether based on skill or chance, where users deposit money with expectations for monetary gain. This is the first centralised legal framework in the country to govern online gaming, with the rising cases of financial fraud, money laundering and celebrity advertisement, as well as potential for possible terror financing.&nbsp;While real money games are not exactly gambling, the distinction has been blurred in India due to the absence of a centralised legal framework. Usually, the distinction is clear, even though both involve monetary transactions; gambling is based on chance, and real money games can include cases of skill-based games. The government has recognised eSports as a legitimate competitive sport and excludes it from the online money gaming ambit, thus reflecting willingness for a potential licensing regime in future.&nbsp;<h2>Here are five other countries that are dealing with Online Gambling differently&nbsp;</h2>China: Online gambling is banned in China. But some state-run lottery, welfare lotteries and sports gambling is allowed. According to Article 303 of the Chinese criminal code, individuals convicted are subjected to harsh punishment including fines, imprisonment and the death penalty. But in Macau and Hong Kong, gambling, especially online gambling, is regulated.&nbsp;United States: In the US, online gambling is a complex and evolving landscape. It varies from state to state and is a patchwork of state and federal laws. While some states have banned it, in some states like New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, online gaming is legal and regulated. There are acts like the Wire Act of 196, which prohibits interstate betting via wired communication with varied interpretations among the Justice Department. Other Federal laws, such as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which bans businesses from knowingly accepting payments connected to unlawful online bets. So there is a license system in place for online casinos, sports betting, online poker, and lotteries are state-run.England: In England, online gambling is centralised and is managed by a regulator Gambling Commission, with three types of available licenses: operating licenses, personal licenses, and premises licenses. The licenses outline details of advertising, customer protection, and anti-money laundering responsibilities of the operator.Russia: Russia has banned all online casinos and poker sites. The only exception is online sports betting, which is legal through Russian licensed bookmakers and is registered and regulated under the Federal Tax.Brazil: Brazil has legalised online gaming and started to regulate sports betting and online casino games in 2023. It was initially legalised in 2018 and was unregulated. An operator wishing to operate online gambling has to obtain a license from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) under the Ministry of Finance.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025, introducing India’s first centralised framework to ban all real money games. Here are five other countries: China, the US, England, Russia, and Brazil, which are regulating online gambling differently.

The Union Cabinet has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025, to make sweeping legislation to ban all real money games, ie any online game, whether based on skill or chance, where users deposit money with expectations for monetary gain. This is the first centralised legal framework in the country to govern online gaming, with the rising cases of financial fraud, money laundering and celebrity advertisement, as well as potential for possible terror financing. While real money games are not exactly gambling, the distinction has been blurred in India due to the absence of a centralised legal framework. Usually, the distinction is clear, even though both involve monetary transactions; gambling is based on chance, and real money games can include cases of skill-based games. The government has recognised eSports as a legitimate competitive sport and excludes it from the online money gaming ambit, thus reflecting willingness for a potential licensing regime in future. Here are five other countries that are dealing with Online Gambling differently China: Online gambling is banned in China. But some state-run lottery, welfare lotteries and sports gambling is allowed. According to Article 303 of the Chinese criminal code, individuals convicted are subjected to harsh punishment including fines, imprisonment and the death penalty. But in Macau and Hong Kong, gambling, especially online gambling, is regulated. United States: In the US, online gambling is a complex and evolving landscape. It varies from state to state and is a patchwork of state and federal laws. While some states have banned it, in some states like New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, online gaming is legal and regulated. There are acts like the Wire Act of 196, which prohibits interstate betting via wired communication with varied interpretations among the Justice Department. Other Federal laws, such as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which bans businesses from knowingly accepting payments connected to unlawful online bets. So there is a license system in place for online casinos, sports betting, online poker, and lotteries are state-run. England: In England, online gambling is centralised and is managed by a regulator Gambling Commission, with three types of available licenses: operating licenses, personal licenses, and premises licenses. The licenses outline details of advertising, customer protection, and anti-money laundering responsibilities of the operator. Russia: Russia has banned all online casinos and poker sites. The only exception is online sports betting, which is legal through Russian licensed bookmakers and is registered and regulated under the Federal Tax. Brazil: Brazil has legalised online gaming and started to regulate sports betting and online casino games in 2023. It was initially legalised in 2018 and was unregulated. An operator wishing to operate online gambling has to obtain a license from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) under the Ministry of Finance.

The Union Cabinet has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025, introducing India’s first centralised framework to ban all real money games. Here are five other countries: China, the US, England, Russia, and Brazil, which are regulating online gambling differently.

Online Gaming Bill 2025: India to ban online gambling, how are other countries dealing with online gambling?

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 20). After it was approved by the cabinet on Tuesday (August 19), the Online Gaming Bill was introduced by the Information and Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. So what happens next? The bill will now be debated in the Upper House, also known as the Rajya Sabha and following that it goes to the President of India. Once approved, the bill then becomes the law. The Bill seeks to promote and regulate esports, educational and social games while completely&nbsp;prohibiting the offering, operation, facilitation, advertisement, promotion and participation in online money games.<h2>What the industry players have to say</h2>As the official governing body for esports in India, Esports Federation of India (ESFI) is dedicated to structuring the growth of the ecosystem with an athlete-first approach and ensuring Indian athletes excel on the global stage. Lokesh Suji, director, Esports Federation of India (ESFI) said that the ESFI welcomes this landmark decision to legitimise and regulate esports in India. "This is a collective victory for the community, and we remain committed to working closely with the government to accelerate the rise of esports in India and ensure our athletes shine on the global stage.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming shared his thoughts on the news. The government’s intent to recognise and promote esports, as highlighted in the recent bill, is an encouraging step towards building a structured and globally competitive ecosystem. However, for this vision to truly materialise, it is critical that the terminology used in the bill, particularly the distinctions between esports, online gaming, online social gaming, and online money gaming be clearly defined and uniformly understood. “The absence of precise definitions has often led to ambiguity and conflation around the term ‘esports’. Such overlaps can create confusion not just for regulators, but also for players, teams, investors, and organisers who are working hard to build this industry.”&nbsp;Animesh Agarwal, co-founder&nbsp;and CEO, S8UL Esports also shared his views. This bill marks a historic turning point for Indian esports. By drawing a clear line between skill-based competitive gaming and betting, it safeguards the integrity of our ecosystem while opening doors for structured growth. “Esports is a sport- built on skill, discipline and years of grind. With government recognition and the right infrastructure, India is now poised to become a global powerhouse in esports and gaming culture.”<h2>Key highlights of the bill:</h2>Let's have a look at some of the key highlights from the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, that was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 20).<ul><li>“E-sport” means an online game played as part of multi-sport events and involves organized competitive events between individuals or teams, conducted in multiplayer formats governed by pre-defined rules and recognized under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025</li><li>Outcomes of e-sports are determined solely by players’ skills such as physical dexterity, mental agility, or strategic thinking. Participation may involve entry fees and performance-based prizes, but no bets, wagers, or gambling are allowed.</li><li>The Central Government will take necessary steps to recognize and register e-sports as a legitimate competitive sport in India and to promote its growth. These steps may include setting guidelines for events, establishing training and research institutions, introducing incentives and awareness programs, coordinating with State Governments and sports federations, and implementing other measures to support the development of the sector.</li><li>“Online money game” means any online game, based on skill, chance, or both, where a user pays fees, deposits money, or stakes something with the expectation of winning monetary or other rewards. This definition does not include e-sports.</li><li>No person shall offer, promote, or engage in online money games or online money gaming services. Similarly, no person shall create, cause, or be involved in any advertisement in any media, including electronic communication, that directly or indirectly encourages participation in online money games or promotes online money gaming.</li></ul>

Online Gaming Bill 2025 Lok Sabha passes bill during Parliament Monsoon session Heres what industry players have to say

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 20). After it was approved by the cabinet on Tuesday (August 19), the Online Gaming Bill was introduced by the Information and Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. So what happens next? The bill will now be debated in the Upper House, also known as the Rajya Sabha and following that it goes to the President of India. Once approved, the bill then becomes the law. The Bill seeks to promote and regulate esports, educational and social games while completely prohibiting the offering, operation, facilitation, advertisement, promotion and participation in online money games. What the industry players have to say As the official governing body for esports in India, Esports Federation of India (ESFI) is dedicated to structuring the growth of the ecosystem with an athlete-first approach and ensuring Indian athletes excel on the global stage. Lokesh Suji, director, Esports Federation of India (ESFI) said that the ESFI welcomes this landmark decision to legitimise and regulate esports in India. "This is a collective victory for the community, and we remain committed to working closely with the government to accelerate the rise of esports in India and ensure our athletes shine on the global stage.” Meanwhile, Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming shared his thoughts on the news. The government’s intent to recognise and promote esports, as highlighted in the recent bill, is an encouraging step towards building a structured and globally competitive ecosystem. However, for this vision to truly materialise, it is critical that the terminology used in the bill, particularly the distinctions between esports, online gaming, online social gaming, and online money gaming be clearly defined and uniformly understood. “The absence of precise definitions has often led to ambiguity and conflation around the term ‘esports’. Such overlaps can create confusion not just for regulators, but also for players, teams, investors, and organisers who are working hard to build this industry.” Animesh Agarwal, co-founder and CEO, S8UL Esports also shared his views. This bill marks a historic turning point for Indian esports. By drawing a clear line between skill-based competitive gaming and betting, it safeguards the integrity of our ecosystem while opening doors for structured growth. “Esports is a sport- built on skill, discipline and years of grind. With government recognition and the right infrastructure, India is now poised to become a global powerhouse in esports and gaming culture.” Key highlights of the bill: Let's have a look at some of the key highlights from the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, that was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 20). “E-sport” means an online game played as part of multi-sport events and involves organized competitive events between individuals or teams, conducted in multiplayer formats governed by pre-defined rules and recognized under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 Outcomes of e-sports are determined solely by players’ skills such as physical dexterity, mental agility, or strategic thinking. Participation may involve entry fees and performance-based prizes, but no bets, wagers, or gambling are allowed. The Central Government will take necessary steps to recognize and register e-sports as a legitimate competitive sport in India and to promote its growth. These steps may include setting guidelines for events, establishing training and research institutions, introducing incentives and awareness programs, coordinating with State Governments and sports federations, and implementing other measures to support the development of the sector. “Online money game” means any online game, based on skill, chance, or both, where a user pays fees, deposits money, or stakes something with the expectation of winning monetary or other rewards. This definition does not include e-sports. No person shall offer, promote, or engage in online money games or online money gaming services. Similarly, no person shall create, cause, or be involved in any advertisement in any media, including electronic communication, that directly or indirectly encourages participation in online money games or promotes online money gaming.

The Online Gaming Bill was introduced by the government during the Parliament Monsoon session on Wednesday (August 20)

Online Gaming Bill 2025: Lok Sabha passes bill during Parliament Monsoon session. Here's what industry players have to say

The government on Wednesday&nbsp;introduced the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha, which prohibits harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions linked to such entities.<h2>What Is the Online Gaming Bill 2025?</h2>The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 proposes to outlaw all online betting and gambling (Satta and Jua) activities, including Poker, Rummy, and other online games and online lotteries involving money. The government said in a statement on Wednesday that the bill seeks to ban all entities offering, operating, or facilitating online money games, irrespective of their skill, chance-based nature. The government has taken this move as it wants to protect India's youth from predatory real-money games, as they form addiction in participants.<h2>How Much Loss Will the Online Gaming Bill Cause?</h2>The online gaming industry wrote to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to protect responsible platforms.&nbsp;In a joint letter, the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and the Federation of India Fantasy Sports (FIFS) said in a recent letter that the bill would destroy&nbsp;2 lakh jobs, resulting in the shutdown of 400 companies.&nbsp;It said the enterprise valuation of the industry was Rs 2 lakh crore. It said it was generating Rs 31000 crore in annual revenue and contributing Rs 20000 crore in taxes.&nbsp;The industry is growing at a 20 per cent CAGR and is expected to double by 2028.&nbsp;"Sir, on behalf of the millions of young entrepreneurs, developers, and professionals working in India's sunrise digital skill gaming sector, we write to you with the deepest respect and gravest concern regarding the news reports about the draft Bill that seeks to ban all real money games, including those based on skill," the industry bodies had stated.<h2>Who Will Be Most Affected by the Online Gaming Bill?</h2>Dream11, MPL, Games24X7, Winzo, Zupee, and publicly listed Nazara Technologies are among those hit by the bill. The industry is estimated to be Rs 78551 crore by 2029.&nbsp;Kazim Rizvi, Founding Director of public policy think-tank The Dialogue, told ET that GST revenues from gaming surged to Rs 6,909 crore, and TDS collections crossed Rs 1,080 crore in FY24. These figures will be adversely impacted if the bill becomes law.&nbsp;The bill has proposed up to 3 years' imprisonment or Rs 1 crore fine or both for violators.

The government on Wednesday introduced the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha, which prohibits harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions linked to such entities. 

The government on Wednesday introduced the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha, which prohibits harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions linked to such entities. What Is the Online Gaming Bill 2025? The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 proposes to outlaw all online betting and gambling (Satta and Jua) activities, including Poker, Rummy, and other online games and online lotteries involving money. The government said in a statement on Wednesday that the bill seeks to ban all entities offering, operating, or facilitating online money games, irrespective of their skill, chance-based nature. The government has taken this move as it wants to protect India's youth from predatory real-money games, as they form addiction in participants. How Much Loss Will the Online Gaming Bill Cause? The online gaming industry wrote to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to protect responsible platforms. In a joint letter, the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and the Federation of India Fantasy Sports (FIFS) said in a recent letter that the bill would destroy 2 lakh jobs, resulting in the shutdown of 400 companies. It said the enterprise valuation of the industry was Rs 2 lakh crore. It said it was generating Rs 31000 crore in annual revenue and contributing Rs 20000 crore in taxes. The industry is growing at a 20 per cent CAGR and is expected to double by 2028. "Sir, on behalf of the millions of young entrepreneurs, developers, and professionals working in India's sunrise digital skill gaming sector, we write to you with the deepest respect and gravest concern regarding the news reports about the draft Bill that seeks to ban all real money games, including those based on skill," the industry bodies had stated. Who Will Be Most Affected by the Online Gaming Bill? Dream11, MPL, Games24X7, Winzo, Zupee, and publicly listed Nazara Technologies are among those hit by the bill. The industry is estimated to be Rs 78551 crore by 2029. Kazim Rizvi, Founding Director of public policy think-tank The Dialogue, told ET that GST revenues from gaming surged to Rs 6,909 crore, and TDS collections crossed Rs 1,080 crore in FY24. These figures will be adversely impacted if the bill becomes law. The bill has proposed up to 3 years' imprisonment or Rs 1 crore fine or both for violators.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha today. The bill criminalises the promotion of money-linked online games. If passed, it will essentially ban a booming industry.

Online Gaming Bill 2025: How much loss will the legislation cause? Key numbers

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Online Gaming Going Aatmanirbhar Way! PM Modi’s Push for Esports Rooted in Ethical Entertainment

Rajya Sabha passes 'Online Gaming Bill' by voice vote amid opposition uproar

India to ban online gambling, how are other countries dealing with it?

Online Gaming Bill 2025: Lok Sabha passes bill during Parliament Monsoon session

Online Gaming Bill 2025: How much loss will the legislation cause? Key numbers