India Passes Landmark Bill Banning Real

The Bill seeks to curb the growth of gambling-style platforms linked to addiction, financial distress, and, in severe cases, loss of lifeImage Source: Shutterstock.com

The Indian Parliamenthas given the green light to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which is bringing about a big change in the country’s gaming scene. The new law, which both Houses approved this week and now needs the president’s go-ahead, ngakes two main steps: it bans real-money online games while also giving a thumbs up to e-sports and social gaming.

India Bans Money Games, Citing Addiction and Financial Harm

The Billaims to stop the rise in gambling-like platforms that have a connection to addiction, financial problems, and, in the worst cases, people ngaking their own lives. Government officials have shown that these online money games have hurt over 450 million Indians, with total losses going beyond INR 20,000 crore ($2.3 million). Officials have said that some platforms have been used to clean dirty money and even fund terror.

Prime Minister Narendra Modispoke well of the Bill, saying it is a move to make India a world center for digital creativity while keeping people safe from harmful practices. He stressed that the new law shows a promise to boost new ideas without putting social safety at risk.

The new framework puts tough limits on platformsthat offer games where real money is involved, like poker, rummy, and fantasy sports. People who break these rules could end up in jail for up to three years and have to pay fines of INR 1 crore ($114,311). If they do it again, the punishment gets even worse. Banks and other money-related businesses are not allowed to handle any transactions for these games. Additionally, anyone who advertises these games will face big penalties. To keep an eye on all this, Indias is setting up a new Online Gaming Authority. This group will have the power to look into rule-breaking, shut down illegal platforms, and create guidelines for following the rules.

India Recognizes E-Sports as Official Sport Under New Gaming Bill

At the same time, the Bill creates a path to regulate e-sports. The National Sports Governance Actwill now recognize competitive gaming as an official sport. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sportswill set tournament standards, create training academies, and add e-sports to mainstream sports programs. The government will also back safe social and educational games, with plans to boost digital literacy and help people build skills.

The industry has responded in different ways. People in the skill-gaming sector worry about job cuts and players moving to offshore platforms without rules. However, supporters say the law makes things clear and helps good gaming areas grow in the long run. Experts thinkthis change will have an impact on India’s online economy in ads and sponsorships that rely on real-money games. Still, recognizing e-sports and social games is likely to open up new chances to invest, innovate, and get young people involved.