Online Gaming Bill 2025 passed in Lok Sabha: Total ban on betting, money games and ads; to hit Dream11, My11Circle
Online Gaming Bill tabled in Lok Sabha: E-sports, Social Games Get Legal Backing
: Amid opposition, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. This law seeks to promote and regulate the online gaming sector. There have been mixed reactions to this bill – the e-sports industry is happy but there is concern in the multi-billion dollar real money gaming market.
Due to strong protests and uproar, the Lok Sabha was adjourned until Thursday, and the Rajya Sabha until tomorrow. Despite this, the bill was passed, marking a historic moment for India’s fastest-growing industry.
The law proposes to create a central regulatory body to oversee four main segments: e-sports, educational games, social gaming, and real money gaming. Of these, real money gaming platforms—such as poker and fantasy sports—will take the biggest hit.
The ‘prohibition’ clause of the bill reads: ‘No person shall offer, aid, promote or engage in any online money gaming or online money gaming service.’ It also bans banks and financial institutions from processing transactions for these platforms.
Under the ‘offense and penalty’ clause, companies found offering real money games can face a jail term of up to 3 years or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. Those advertising such platforms can also face a jail term of up to 2 years or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
Justifying the move, the government said: ‘The spread of online money games, which offer profits against users’ deposits, has caused serious harm to society, finance, mental health and public health, particularly to young people and the economically vulnerable.’
Impact on Indian sports
Cricket, which has seen a rapid rise in real-money gaming sponsorships, will be the most affected. According to a Times of India report, Team India sponsor Dream11 pays around Rs 358 crore, while My11Circle has IPL fantasy rights for 5 years for Rs 625 crore. Many big cricketers also have personal endorsement deals with these companies.
Promotion of e-sports
For the e-sports community, this bill is considered a major achievement. As e-sports prepares for its Olympic debut in 2027, this bill could give the sector the long-awaited legal recognition and usher in a new era for gaming in India.
