Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, imposing a blanket ban on real-money online games (RMG) while carving out a regulatory pathway for e-sports and social gaming. The move triggered both support and criticism, setting the stage for a heated policy debate on the future of the country’s fast-growing gaming industry.
The Bill defines ‘online money games’ as those played by staking money or any convertible value with the expectation of monetary gain. It prohibits the offering, advertising, or facilitation of such games without prior Government approval.
The Bill also places a complete ban on payment gateways and advertisements linked to money gaming. The legislation prescribes strict penalties, including imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to Rs 1 crore for violations, which may extend to five years in jail and Rs 2 crore in fines for repeat offences.
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Bill was introduced after “democratic deliberation,” stressing that India’s youth needed protection from financial ruin. He underlined that e-sports and skill-based social games would be promoted actively. Industry associations, including the All India Gaming Federation, the E-Gaming Federation, and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, have urged the Government to reconsider the blanket ban.
