News Brief
Parliament Clears Online Gaming Bill, 2025; Real-Money Games Banned—All About It
Online money gaming. (Representative Image)
The Parliament on Thursday (21 August) approved 'The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025,' marking the final legislative action of the Monsoon Session, reported NDTV.
The move follows the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha a day earlier.
The bill aims to prohibit online games involving real money, citing concerns of addiction, financial crimes, and misuse of digital platforms.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while introducing the bill in the Rajya Sabha, warned that “money gaming addiction is like drug addiction” and said such platforms have also had a “big impact on terror support.”
He cautioned that powerful lobbies would challenge the law in courts and attempt to influence opinion through media campaigns.
Key Provisions and Penalties
Hosting or enabling real-money gaming: up to 3 years in jail and/or Rs 1 crore fine.
Advertising such games: up to 2 years in jail and/or Rs 50 lakh fine.
Related financial transactions: up to 3 years in jail and/or Rs 1 crore fine.
Repeat offences: 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2 crore.
Companies and executives are liable unless due diligence is proven; independent directors not involved in operations are exempt.
What the Bill Promotes
While banning online betting and gambling, the legislation encourages constructive digital engagement.
E-sports are formally recognised, with the Sports Ministry tasked to frame guidelines, support training centres, and fund research.
Safe social and educational games will be promoted to enhance digital literacy, cultural values, and skill development.
A central Online Gaming Authority will oversee the sector, classify games, block illegal platforms, handle grievances, and issue compliance rules.
The government says the law aims to protect citizens, particularly youth, while enabling innovation in India’s gaming ecosystem.
