India proposes the Online Gaming Bill, targets real money games to crack down on gambling

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Story Highlights

  • India introduces the Online Gaming Bill 2025, separating esports from real money games.
  • Esports officially recognized as competitive sport with support initiatives planned.
  • Real money games banned due to addiction and financial harm risks.

India has made a significant move towards defining its future gaming landscape. The Union Government of India recently presented the “Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025” in the Lok Sabha. This bill intends to establish clear recognition for eSports and casual video games, while also drawing a firm boundary between legal online games and gambling applications.

Esports officially recognized as a competitive sport, free from gambling elements

As a dedicated gamer, I’m thrilled to share that our nation has officially recognized esports as a legitimate sport! This means that our favorite gaming competitions, where strategy, skill, and teamwork reign supreme, will now be given the same respect as traditional sports. It’s important to note that this recognition excludes any form of betting or gambling within these competitive events. So, let’s gear up for some fair, fun, and nationally-acknowledged esports action!

In my gaming world, I’ve come across a new piece of legislation that draws a firm line against games involving real money. These aren’t your casual, free-to-play titles; they’re the ones where you put in cash or valuable assets, dreaming of winning cold hard cash or amazing rewards. Beloved platforms like fantasy cricket fall under this category, and it seems their popularity and investment growth has not gone unnoticed.

In simpler terms, the government presented a new law called the “Online Gaming Advancement and Safety Act, 2025” aimed at encouraging innovative ideas while also safeguarding citizens’ well-being in online gaming.

— IANS (@ians_india) August 20, 2025

The proposed legislation aims to outlaw all types of games featuring real money due to worries about addiction, potential financial losses, and psychologically manipulative game mechanics that can foster compulsive play. However, it’s important to clarify that conventional video games and eSports remain unchanged, being encouraged and expected to thrive, while the use of real money in gaming is subject to a firm restriction.

Individuals found engaging in or publicizing financial gambling activities may be imprisoned for up to three years, accompanied by substantial penalties. The Indian Government has been strategically addressing gaming addiction through the implementation of playtime and budget restrictions; thus, these gambling restrictions represent a significant advancement in this ongoing effort.

Government plans to support esports growth with policies, training centers, and programs

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the prospect of government backing in India’s esports scene! This support could lead to the establishment of training centers, research programs, and improved communication with state authorities, all of which are crucial for our growth. Already, some states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have been actively working on this front, even setting up their own Esports academies!

The government actively backs online games, as evident by the esports tournaments they hosted last year, which included popular titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), eFootball Mobile, and World Cricket Championship 3.

Last year, during his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the nation to take a prominent role in the gaming industry and challenged developers to produce games that would captivate global audiences. Additionally, he had meetings with some of India’s most successful game creators last year as well.

Not too long ago, Maharashtra revealed intentions for addressing online gaming addiction, and it appears that the national government may be following a similar path. With an estimated value of $942 million in 2024 and projected growth to reach $1.6 billion by 2029, this industry has been rapidly expanding at an impressive pace.

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2025-08-20 11:11