India’s gaming landscape just changed forever. The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aimed at prohibiting all forms of online real-money games. Here’s your complete guide to understanding this landmark legislation.
Table of Contents
Key Provisions of Online Gaming Bill 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Name | Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 |
| Penalty | Up to ₹1 crore fine + 3 years imprisonment |
| Banned Games | All online money games and related services |
| Promoted Games | E-sports and skill-based social games |
What’s Banned Under the New Law?
Complete Prohibition
The Bill has a provision of complete ban on offering, operating, or facilitating online money games. This includes:
- Real money gaming platforms
- Betting and gambling apps
- Advertisement of money games
- Banking services for such platforms
Heavy Penalties
There is a provision of imprisonment up to three years and fine up to one crore rupees or both in case of violation of the law related to online money gaming. Offences in this category are designated as cognizable and non-bailable.
What’s Still Legal?
The bill encourages legitimate gaming:
E-Sports Growth
Online Gaming Bill, which aims to encourage e-sports and online social games while completely prohibiting online money gaming, creating opportunities for competitive gaming.
Skill-Based Games
Social and skill-based games remain legal, promoting healthy gaming habits among Indian youth.
Why This Bill Matters
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill to ban the operating, facilitating and advertising of online games played with money, with a view to checking rising instances of addiction, money laundering and financial fraud.
The government aims to protect users from:
- Financial fraud and addiction
- Money laundering activities
- Opaque gaming algorithms
- Terrorist financing risks
Impact on Indian Gaming Industry
This legislation marks a significant shift in India’s approach to online gaming. While real-money games face complete prohibition, the focus on e-sports and skill-based gaming opens new opportunities for legitimate gaming companies.
For more gaming industry updates, check our esports coverage and latest gaming news.
Stay updated with official announcements at Press Information Bureau and Lok Sabha.
FAQs
When does the Online Gaming Bill 2025 take effect?
The bill awaits Rajya Sabha approval and presidential assent before implementation.
Are fantasy sports banned under this bill?
Yes, all games involving money deposits for potential rewards are prohibited.
