Online Money Games BANNED by Parliament
New bill cracks down, promotes eSports instead.
Parliament passed The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 on Thursday, with the Rajya Sabha approving it amid a noisy session without debate. The bill, introduced by Minister of Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, imposes a blanket ban on all forms of online money games while encouraging the growth of eSports and online social gaming platforms.
The legislation, which cleared the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, targets games involving monetary deposits with the expectation of financial or material rewards. It prohibits advertisements promoting such games and restricts banks and financial institutions from processing transactions related to them, aiming to curb exploitative practices in the online gaming industry.
Despite opposition amendments being rejected in the Rajya Sabha, the bill’s passage marks a significant shift in India’s digital gaming landscape. Supporters argue it will protect vulnerable users from financial risks associated with online gambling disguised as gaming, while critics warn it could stifle innovation in the gaming sector. The bill also seeks to establish a regulatory framework to foster eSports, positioning India as a hub for competitive and recreational online gaming.
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As the law comes into effect, authorities are expected to roll out strict enforcement measures, including monitoring platforms and penalizing violations. The move has sparked heated discussions, with stakeholders debating its impact on the booming online gaming industry and its potential to reshape digital entertainment in the country.
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