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Legislative bills

India Passes Bill to Regulate Online Gaming Industry

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

India's Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, aimed at promoting e-sports and online social games while prohibiting harmful online money gaming services. The bill establishes an Online Gaming Authority to oversee the industry and protect individuals, especially youth, from the adverse impact of online games.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bill has three segments: E sports, online social games, and online money games. The government wants to promote E sports and online social games.
  • The Online Gaming Authority will provide support to game developers and ensure regulatory oversight of the sector.
  • The bill prohibits online money gaming services, with provisions for imprisonment up to three years and fines up to one crore rupees or both in case of violation.
  • Repeat offenders will face enhanced penalties, including imprisonment of 3 to 5 years and fines up to two crore rupees.
  • The bill aims to protect the country's youth from predatory online Real Money Gaming apps, such as Poker, Rummy, and other Card games.
  • The introduction of the Bill reflects the Government's commitment to a safe, secure, and innovation-driven Digital India.
  • Several families have faced financial distress due to online money gaming, with 32 reported cases of suicide in the past 31 months.

Statistics:

  • The digital technology sector has witnessed tremendous growth in the last 11 years, with several start-ups working in the sector.
  • Online money gaming poses a serious concern in society, leading to addiction, financial frauds, and cheating.
  • The Online Gaming Authority will provide strategic development support to the sector.
  • The bill will establish a uniform and national-level legal framework in the public interest.
  • Online money gaming platforms often promote compulsive and addictive behavior, resulting in financial ruin, mental health disorders, and increasing incidents of fraud and exploitation.

Sources:

  • "The Lok Sabha today passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025" -Staff Reporter, The Lok Sabha.
  • "The digital technology sector has witnessed tremendous growth in the last 11 years" - Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, The Lok Sabha.
  • "Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from The Indian Awaaz."

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