Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025 passed by Parliament

Parliament has passed a bill to "ban the offering, operation, facilitation, advertising, promotion and participation in online money games". It will be banned under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

• The Lok Sabha passed the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025 by voice vote on August 20, 2025. The Rajya Sabha also approved it.
• The bill seeks to "ban the offering, operation, facilitation, advertising, promotion and participation in online money games", targeting companies that provide fantasy sports and card games where users can deposit money and take risks.
• The online money games currently operating in the country will be banned under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Offences and penalties

• The bill proposes imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to ₹1 crore for entities involved in or promoting online money gaming.
• Advertising such games will attract a fine of up to ₹50 lakh or imprisonment of up to two years. Repeat offences will attract enhanced punishment including 3-5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹2 crore.

Impact

• The move will impact India's $3.8 billion gaming industry, which has attracted global investors and boosted fantasy sports apps such as Dream11, Games24X7 and Mobile Premier League.

Government objective

• The government believes that serious consequences such as addiction, financial loss and even suicide associated with online money gaming can be prevented by preventing such activities.
• Additionally, online money gaming platforms are often misused for financial fraud, money laundering, terrorism financing and messaging activities compromising national security.

Key features of the Bill

• The Bill has been introduced in the House on the recommendation of the President under Articles 117(1) and 117(3) of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 117(1), apart from other legislative provisions, covers matters relating to Article 110 (Money Bills), which require the recommendation of the President and can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
• Article 117(3) states that a Bill relating to expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India shall not be passed by either House of Parliament unless the President recommends the consideration of the Bill to that House.

Classification of online games

• E-sports: Played as part of multi-sport events, involving organised competitive events between individuals or teams, the outcome of which is determined solely by factors such as physical dexterity, mental agility.
• Online social games: It does not involve wagering or participation with the expectation of winning in the form of monetary gain and is offered only for purposes of entertainment, recreation or skill-development.
• Promotion of e-sports and online social games: Empowers the Government to promote and develop e-sports and online social games.
• Complete prohibition of online money games: Prohibits the offering, advertising of online money games and financial transactions by banks or financial institutions for payment of any online money gaming service.
• Online Gaming Authority: Proposes to establish a dedicated authority (or renaming of an existing authority) for coordinated policy support, strategic development and regulatory oversight of the sector.