Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday introduced the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha amid opposition uproar. The bill, cleared by the Cabinet on Tuesday, seeks to impose a complete ban on online real money gaming while setting up a regulatory framework for the sector. The House was adjourned till 2 pm soon after the bill was tabled under the chairmanship of P.C. Mohan.
According to official sources, nearly 45 crore people lose around ₹20,000 crore annually through online real money games. The government highlighted growing concerns of addiction among children and youth, financial losses, and even suicides linked to such platforms. Despite potential revenue loss, the Centre has decided to prioritise public welfare by curbing these activities.
The bill proposes strict penalties for violators. Offering online money gaming services illegally may lead to imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to ₹1 crore, or both. Advertising such services can attract up to two years in jail and/or fines up to ₹50 lakh. Banks and financial institutions enabling transactions for these games will also face similar penalties, including up to three years in prison. Repeat offences carry harsher punishments—three to five years of jail and higher fines. However, players themselves will not be treated as offenders, but rather as victims.
A statutory regulatory authority will be set up under the proposed law to decide whether a game qualifies as a money game. Platforms will be required to register and comply with its rules. As per the bill, an online money game is defined as one played by paying a fee, staking money, or depositing wagers in expectation of a monetary reward, regardless of whether it is based on skill, chance, or both.
