Parliament has cleared the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha giving its approval today. This landmark legislation aims to encourage eSports and safe online social games while imposing a complete ban on harmful online money gaming services, their advertisements, and related financial transactions.
The Bill also provides for the creation of an Online Gaming Authority, which will be responsible for policy coordination, strategic development, and regulatory oversight in the sector. Its core objective is to protect individuals—especially youth and vulnerable groups—from the social, economic, psychological, and privacy risks associated with online money gaming.
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What the Bill Proposes
- Total Ban on Online Money Games: Offering, operating, or facilitating any form of money-based online games is prohibited.
- Strict Penalties: Violation of the law can lead to up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of ₹1 crore, or both.
Minister’s Statement on the Issue
Introducing the Bill, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described online money gaming as a public health menace. He highlighted that many families have faced severe financial distress due to these platforms, which often lead to addiction, fraud, and cheating.
The Minister revealed alarming figures: an estimated 45 crore people collectively lose nearly ₹20,000 crore every year through online money gaming.
Three Key Segments of the Bill
- eSports – Competitive gaming recognized and promoted as a formal sport.
- Online Social Games – Safe, non-addictive games like puzzles and quizzes encouraged.
- Online Money Games – Completely banned due to associated harms.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the government’s approach is clear: promote skill-based eSports and social gaming while eliminating harmful gambling practices.
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