New Delhi, 20 August (Kiran News). The Lok Sabha has passed the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025 by voice vote, aimed at promoting and regulating the online gaming sector. Central Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed concerns about the negative aspects of online gaming and emphasised that the Modi government prioritises social welfare over revenue. For this reason, the bill has banned ‘money games’.
Despite opposition protests, Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the bill in the Lok Sabha. After its introduction, it was passed by voice vote without debate. Some members had demanded a discussion, and the Speaker assured sufficient time would be given. However, the discussion could not take place due to the uproar.
Key Points of the Bill
Presenting the bill, Vaishnaw explained that it covers three areas: e-sports, social games, and money games. The government aims to promote the first two while banning the third. Citing the social harm caused by money games, he said people are losing money, falling into bad habits, and in some cases, even committing suicide. He referred to a media report from Karnataka, which recorded 32 suicides related to money games in 31 months. The World Health Organization has also identified money games as a new mental disorder. Vaishnaw stressed that whenever there is a choice between the interests of society or the middle-class family and government revenue, the Modi government always puts social welfare first. This bill too has prioritised the welfare of society, aiming to protect it from such ills.
The bill seeks to encourage e-sports, educational games, and social gaming while protecting society from harmful activities like online betting and gambling. It provides for the establishment of a National Online Gaming Authority to categorise, register, address grievances, and issue regulatory guidelines for games.
According to the government, this bill will help safeguard youth and families from financial and mental distress, and also strengthen national security in the digital sector. The bill is expected to make India a global leader in responsible gaming policies and innovation.
Salient Features of the Bill
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E-sports are recognised as legitimate sports, with guidelines to be set by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Training centres, research institutes, and technology platforms will be established, along with awareness campaigns and incentive schemes to include e-sports in the national sports policy.
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The bill empowers the central government to recognise, categorise, and register social and educational games. Secure platforms will be created for their development and dissemination, with a focus on linking these games to cultural and educational values and enhancing digital literacy and skill development.
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The bill includes a complete ban on online money games, covering all skill-based, luck-based, or mixed money-based games. Promotion, advertising, and financial transactions related to these games are prohibited. Banks and payment systems have been directed to stop such transactions.
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After the law is enacted, the central government will establish a National Online Gaming Authority, which will handle registration, categorisation, and grievance redressal for games, and decide whether a game falls under the money game category. The authority will also issue guidelines and codes of conduct.
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The bill clearly mentions offences and penalties. Offering online money games can lead to up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to one crore rupees. Advertisers face two years’ imprisonment and up to fifty lakh rupees in fines, with stricter punishments for repeat offenders.
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The bill grants investigation and enforcement powers to the government. Authorised officers can seize digital or physical property related to crimes and, in serious cases, arrest without a warrant.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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