The Government of India has taken a major step to curb online money gaming addiction and financial losses. The Online Gaming Bill 2025, passed in the Lok Sabha, aims to protect over 450 million Indians from real money games. The new law provides for strict penalties and jail terms for companies and advertisers.
Online Gaming Bill 2025: The Lok Sabha has passed a strict bill in 2025 to ban online money gaming. According to official data, Indian players were losing approximately ₹20,000 crore every year in such games. This law has been primarily introduced to protect over 450 million people from real money game addiction. The bill prohibits online betting and money games, while initiatives have been taken to promote e-sports and social gaming.
Ban on Money Gaming
The government has clarified that the purpose of this bill is only to ban real money gaming and online betting. Along with this, there is a plan to promote positive and skill-based digital games like e-sports and social gaming. The government believes that even if there is a decrease in tax revenue due to the ban, the economic security and social welfare of the people is more important.
Experts say that if this law is effectively implemented, it can prove to be effective in protecting young people from financial loss and gaming addiction.
Strict Action Against Violators
Under the new law, state governments will primarily take action against online money gaming companies. If any company is found to be illegally offering money gaming services, it may face a fine of up to ₹1 crore, imprisonment of three years, or both. At the same time, those who advertise such games will also not be spared. There is a provision of a fine of ₹50 lakh or imprisonment of up to two years or both for those who give advertisements.
According to sources, the government has been trying to stop this for the last three and a half years. Steps were also taken through GST and other tax measures, but companies and players continued to ignore the rules. After a large number of complaints were received, the draft of this bill was prepared and now preparations are being made to implement it strictly.
