The government on Wednesday introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, aiming to prohibit harmful money-based online games while providing a regulatory framework to encourage e-sports and safe social gaming.
The Bill proposes a blanket ban on online betting and gambling activities — including fantasy sports, poker, rummy, lotteries, and other real-money games — regardless of whether they are based on skill, chance, or both. It also bars advertisements, promotions, and financial transactions linked to such platforms, with strict penalties for violations.
According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the move is intended to safeguard India’s youth from predatory gaming apps that lure players with promises of monetary rewards, leading to compulsive play, financial losses, and, in extreme cases, suicides. The government also flagged risks of fraud, money laundering, and terror financing through such platforms.
To strengthen oversight, the Bill empowers the Centre to establish or designate a national authority for categorising and registering online games, determining whether a game qualifies as a money game, and addressing grievances. Authorities will have powers to investigate, search, seize property, and make arrests in cases of violations.
Violators face imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to ₹1 crore for offering or facilitating online money gaming. Repeat offences can attract up to five years in prison and fines of ₹2 crore. Advertising money games can lead to two years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh.
While cracking down on money gaming, the government has moved to legitimise and promote e-sports as a recognised competitive sport. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will frame guidelines for e-sports events, establish training academies and research centres, and integrate e-sports into national sports policy. Incentive schemes and awareness campaigns will also be rolled out.
Additionally, the Bill encourages the development of safe, age-appropriate online social games that promote education, culture, skill development, and social engagement. MeitY and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will support platforms creating such content.
“The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 strikes a balanced path — encouraging innovation and youth engagement through safe online gaming, while firmly prohibiting harmful money games. It reflects the Government’s commitment to a secure and innovation-driven Digital India,” the Ministry said.
