Why in News?

• Parliament has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025

• The Bill bans real money gaming

• It promotes e-sports and safe social games

Introduction

• Name: Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025

• Provisions:

  • Complete ban on games where money is staked to win money

  • Support for e-sports and safe social games

Aim

• Protect people, especially youth, from:

  • Addiction

  • Financial loss

• Encourage responsible gaming

• Support healthy growth of India’s digital industry

Key Provisions

• Three types of games covered:

• • E-Sports → Treated as a creative and growing industry; given support

  • Social Games → Safe games without money or gambling risk; encouraged

  • Money Games → Banned (examples: rummy, poker, fantasy sports)

• Punishment for breaking rules:

• • First offence → Up to 3 years jail + ₹1 crore fine

  • Repeat offence → 3–5 years jail + ₹2 crore fine

Online Gaming Authority

• A central Online Gaming Authority will be created

• Role:

  • Make rules and supervise gaming companies

  • Promote e-sports and safe social gaming

  • Prevent fraud, money laundering, and addictive gaming practices

Why this Law was Needed

• Concerns shared by government:

• • 32 suicides in 31 months linked to online money game addiction

  • Families facing financial distress due to gambling

  • Use of money games for money laundering and terror financing

  • Mental health problems caused by addictive and manipulative apps

• Leaders described it as a law in national interest to protect society

Industry Reaction and Issues

• Big gaming companies are unhappy:

  • Their money-making games are banned

  • They wanted regulation instead of a full ban

• Possible legal challenge:

  • Companies may argue it limits trade

  • Legal experts believe the law will stand as it focuses on public safety

Importance of the Bill

• For Youth → Protection from addiction and debt

• For Start-ups → Clarity and support for e-sports and social gaming

• For Society → Safeguards against fraud, gambling, and mental health issues

• For Government → Provides one national law instead of many state-level rules