New on-line gaming legislation takes impact, cash video games banned from in the present day

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, handed by Parliament in August, got here into impact on Wednesday, prohibiting on-line cash video games throughout the nation, reported TOI.

The legislation goals to curb social and monetary dangers linked to on-line playing, together with reviews of suicides amongst gamers who suffered heavy losses. Authorities had additionally raised issues about on-line gaming platforms being misused for cash laundering and terror financing.

The on-line gaming business, which beforehand derived most of its income from money-based play, has begun realigning with the brand new authorized framework. Leading gamers equivalent to Dream11, Games24x7, MPL, and WinZO have discontinued cash video games and shifted in direction of eSports, social gaming, and different engagement-led codecs, reported TOI.

Government’s push for eSports
Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the brand new legislation marks a turning level for the sector. “We have observed instances of money laundering as well as terror support. And that’s why we have kept it…. This was clearly visible to the industry also. Had they taken good and effective steps to prevent the harm, obviously things would have been different,” TOI quoted him as saying.

The minister harassed that whereas cash video games are being phased out, the give attention to eSports and social gaming presents new alternatives. He added that on-line cash gaming had turn into a “serious social and public health issue, with proven significant negative impact on society,” however the business nonetheless holds potential to assist India emerge as a worldwide hub for recreation improvement.

(With inputs from TOI)