Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Prohibit Online Games Played with Money

Strategic Insights -

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill to prohibit online games played with money, with the aim of promoting a "developed, safe and responsible" digital environment for citizens. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was introduced by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who stated that online money gaming has become a matter of concern due to its addictive nature and use for fraud and cheating. The bill seeks to encourage e-sports and social games that do not involve money, and will set up an authority for this purpose.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which prohibits online games played with money.
  • Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the bill, citing the need to address the social, economic, and psychological consequences of online money gaming.
  • The bill aims to promote e-sports and social games that do not involve money, and will establish an authority to regulate online gaming.
  • Opposition members protested the introduction of the bill, but were unable to prevent its passage.
  • Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju slammed opposition members for their conduct, stating that even school students were mocking their behavior.
  • Speaker Om Birla reminded opposition members that several members had previously demanded a ban on online gaming sites.

Statistics:

  • The bill aims to promote e-sports and social games that do not involve money.
  • Online money gaming has led to addiction among youth and has been used for fraud and cheating.
  • The number of youth affected by online money gaming is not specified in the article.

Sources:

  • TIMES NEWS NETWORK (no date specified)
  • Lok Sabha (no date specified)