Games

India’s Maharashtra state is 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.

As a passionate admirer, I’m sharing that my beloved Maharashtra state is taking steps to address the growing issue of online gaming addiction within its borders. Concerns about its impact are escalating, and our esteemed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called upon the central government to take action. He highlights a concerning trend of increasing addiction, illegal gambling activities, financial struggles, and even tragic instances of suicide linked to these gaming applications.

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

On the 18th of July, 2025, while addressing the state assembly, Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra is eager to take action but finds itself limited due to the fact that many of these platforms are located overseas. He clarified that it is only the central government who has the power to create laws governing such apps, and he will pursue this matter further at that level.

The Central Government is contemplating strict regulations for online betting. The State Government intends to collaborate with the Centre to pass tough legislation in this matter.

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 18, 2025

1) He’s already contacted the Minister of Information Technology in India and is pursuing the issue further. His comments were made following discussions among various legislators concerning the negative effects of internet-based games. Earlier this month, MLA Dr. Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad had voiced similar concerns, stating that “online gaming and gambling are destroying young people’s lives.

Shiv Sena MLA Kailash Patil also recounted a distressing incident from his region involving a 29-year-old individual who succumbed to online gaming addiction. The unfortunate man allegedly sold his house, accumulated significant debt, and ultimately took the lives of his two-year-old son, pregnant wife, and himself due to his inability to repay the debts.

Chief Minister Fadnavis additionally urged celebrities to cease promoting deceptive gaming apps, particularly those that may mislead young or susceptible individuals. The government is even contemplating a ban on such advertisements. To intensify the battle against internet scams, the government has established 50 cyber police stations and initiated awareness campaigns.

It’s not a new issue that gaming addiction has raised worries at the governmental level. In fact, last May, the Indian Government had suggested addressing this problem by imposing limitations on both time spent and money spent while playing online games.

For those who enjoy video games, this development might not be seen as entirely negative. It appears that the primary concern here is not about casual or competitive gameplay, but rather the more sinister side of online gaming – areas where gambling, wagering, and real-money platforms are being exploited inappropriately. Regulating such activities could indeed be beneficial without interfering with the enjoyable and innocent aspects of gaming.

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2025-07-21 10:12

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