Games

Maharashtra looking to curb online gaming addiction, CM urges Centre to frame laws

BBG News

Story Highlights

  • Maharashtra CM Fadnavis asked the Centre to regulate online gaming amid rising addiction concerns.
  • He explained that many gaming platforms operate abroad, limiting Maharashtra’s ability to regulate them.
  • The state may ban ads promoting betting apps and has urged celebrities to stop endorsing them.

In an effort to address growing worries, Maharashtra is seeking measures to combat excessive use of online games within the state. The State Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has urged the central government into action, citing a surge in addiction, illegal gambling activities, financial distress, and even suicides that seem to be associated with gaming applications.

Maharashtra has also launched awareness campaigns and set up 50 cyber police stations

On July 18th, 2025, during a state assembly meeting, Fadnavis expressed that Maharashtra is eager to intervene but finds it challenging as many of these platforms are situated outside India. He clarified that only the central government possesses the authority to enact laws controlling such apps, and he intends to pursue this matter further.

The Central Government is contemplating the regulation of online betting, and the State Government plans to collaborate with them to ensure a firm law is established for this purpose.

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 18, 2025

He has previously corresponded with the Union Minister of Information Technology in India and is currently pursuing the issue further. His comments were made following discussions among various MLAs concerning the negative impacts of internet-based games. MLA Dr. Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad had already voiced similar concerns earlier this month, stating that “online gaming and betting are destructive to young people’s lives.

Shiv Sena MLA Kailash Patil narrated a tragic tale from his district, involving a 29-year-old individual who lost all his possessions due to excessive online gaming. This unfortunate man reportedly sold his house and amassed significant debt. Overwhelmed by his inability to repay the loan, he tragically took the lives of his two-year-old son, his pregnant wife, and then ended his own life.

Chief Minister Fadnavis urged celebrities to cease promoting deceptive gaming apps, particularly those that might confuse or exploit vulnerable individuals, especially the young. The state is considering enacting a ban on such advertisements as part of its efforts to combat online fraud more effectively. To bolster these actions, the state has established 50 cyber police stations and initiated public awareness campaigns.

On previous occasions, worries about gaming addiction have risen to the attention of government officials. Specifically, last May, the Indian Government suggested addressing this matter by establishing restrictions such as time limits and financial caps for online gaming.

For gamers, this development might not be seen as negative per se. It appears that the intention here doesn’t revolve around casual or competitive play, but rather around the more complex facets of online gaming, such as platforms promoting gambling, betting, and real money transactions. Regulating these areas could prove beneficial without encroaching upon the enjoyable and innocent aspects of gaming.

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2025-07-20 17:11

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