Online Gaming Bill: Lok Sabha passes laws to ban on-line cash video games

Online Gaming Bill:
Lok Sabha passes laws to ban on-line cash video games

New Delhi, Aug 20, 2025

The Bill was handed by a voice vote after transient remarks by Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, amid protests from Opposition lawmakers

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday handed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aimed toward prohibiting all types of on-line real-money video games.

The Bill was handed by a voice vote after transient remarks by Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, amid protests from Opposition members. Following its passage, the House was adjourned for the day.

What does the Bill ban?

The laws defines an ‘online money game’ as any recreation through which an entry charge or financial deposit is required, regardless of whether or not it’s primarily based on talent or probability. The Bill prohibits any particular person or firm from providing, aiding, or selling such video games. It additionally bars commercials for these platforms and prevents banks and different monetary establishments from processing associated funds.

Criminal penalties

Once enacted, any particular person or entity discovered providing or facilitating on-line cash gaming might face imprisonment of as much as three years, a superb of as much as ₹1 crore, or each. The laws is a part of a broader authorities effort to control digital gaming in India whereas trying to safeguard customers from monetary and psychological dangers related to such platforms.

The Bill had earlier been cleared by the Union Cabinet and now awaits consideration within the Rajya Sabha. Lawmakers have highlighted the rising use of on-line gaming purposes, a few of which have been linked to monetary scams and addictive behaviour, as justification for the laws.

Industry view

The invoice, nonetheless, has obtained criticism from business teams such because the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and E-Gaming Federation (EGF). They argue that it might power over 400 corporations to close, result in the lack of round 200,000 jobs, and push gamers towards unregulated offshore platforms. They additionally famous that the sector contributes roughly ₹20,000 crore yearly in GST and will play a key position in supporting India’s $1-trillion digital economic system goal if regulated slightly than prohibited.

[The Business Standard]