The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha and it seeks to give boost to e-Sports and social games but real money gaming and betting is prohibited. This step is taken to prevent addiction, financial loss and long-term security risks.
What Is The Aim Of Online Gaming Bill 2025?
The bill encourages Positive Gaming which means that e-sports and educational games are promoted. It also prohibits online gambling, betting and all the real money games which keep the people addicted due to which there are huge financial losses. The Bill also aims to protect citizens and safeguard them especially the youngsters from fraud, money laundering and other risks looming online. This will also help in promoting India’s gaming industry responsibly.
Since the bill is designed to promote safe and skill-based online gaming, such as e-sports and educational games it will recognise them as a legitimate sport. The Ministry of Sports will support training academies, awareness campaigns and skill development program to robust the e-sports ecosystem.
What Will Be The Penalty For Offenders?
Those who’ll offer or facilitate the online money gambling are likely to face three years of imprisonment and INR 1 crore fine. Advertising money games can also lead upto two years of imprisonment and INR 50 lakh fine. Financial transactions which are related to games involving money – 3 years of imprisonment and INR 1 crore fine. Repeated offenders will also have to bear strict consequences and authorities will also be allowed to search, seize, and arrest without a warrant in certain cases.
Why the Bill Matters?
The Bill is designed to protect youth and families from addiction and financial loss, it will also encourage skill-based gaming. It will also position India as a global hub for e-sports, jobs and innovation.
