ArdorComm Media News Network
August 25, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, officially turning it into law just a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared it.
The new legislation imposes a complete ban on online money gaming services, prescribing penalties of up to three years in jail and fines as high as ₹1 crore for operators. Advertising such banned platforms could attract up to two years imprisonment and fines of ₹50 lakh.
The Rajya Sabha passed the bill in just 26 minutes, following the Lok Sabha’s approval in seven minutes, despite opposition protests questioning the rushed process.
Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, defending the law, said millions were being pushed into debt traps. “From time to time, society faces social evils. It is the responsibility of the government and Parliament to intervene with appropriate laws,” he told the House. He also cited official estimates showing that 450 million players have collectively lost over ₹20,000 crore to money-based online gaming.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, stressing that the law will promote e-sports and social gaming while shielding society from the dangers of gambling-driven online games. “This Bill highlights our commitment to make India a hub of gaming, innovation, and creativity. It will encourage healthy gaming while protecting people from harmful effects of money gaming,” he said.
However, the decision has sparked outrage within the industry. Representatives of the ₹31,000 crore sector argue that the ban is a “death knell” for legitimate businesses, warning that offshore operators will benefit while Indian companies suffer. They pointed out that the sector employs over 200,000 people and has attracted ₹25,000 crore in foreign investment since 2022.
In the immediate aftermath of the law’s passage, major platforms including Dream11 and WinZO announced they would shut down operations.
Source: Hindustan Times