Anupam Mittal Criticizes Decision on Online Gaming Bill 2025
Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal criticized the Indian government's decision to ban real-money gaming, labeling it “moral policing disguised as policy” and cautioning that it could lead to significant losses in tax revenue while driving users to illegal markets.
Early this week, the Indian government unveiled and approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, a pivotal development for the nation’s gaming landscape.
This law aims to manage, endorse, and restrict various facets of online gaming, most significantly enacting a ban on platforms that offer real-money gaming.
In a LinkedIn post, Mittal condemned the decision to prohibit real-money games, likening it to unsuccessful bans on substances like gutka. “We banned gutka, but has that stopped people from chewing it?” he questioned, while emphasizing the substantial economic contribution of the industry.
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Mittal stated that the sector generated Rs.27,000 crore in GST, more than Rs.10,000 crore in advertising revenue, and provided “thousands with legitimate employment in skill-based games.” He contended that while addiction and financial damage are serious issues, they do not justify a complete ban. “Should we outlaw alcohol because some individuals become alcoholics? Should we prohibit stock trading because some people lose their savings?” he wrote.
According to Mittal, bans often have counterproductive effects: “The government misses out on revenue. Users lose their safeguard. Illegal markets thrive.”
He referenced a reported Rs.8.3 lakh crore black market in gaming as proof of the dangers involved.
In the short term, he said, the ruling “feels like we’ve shot ourselves in the foot.” Although he remained optimistic that e-sports and skill-based platforms might benefit eventually, Mittal questioned the motives behind the crackdown. “Let’s be truthful,” he wrote, “currently it appears to be moral policing disguised as policy.”
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He highlighted claims suggesting that India's illegal gaming market already amounts to an alarming Rs.8.3 lakh crore, warning that the ban could drive even more users to unregulated areas.
He concluded with a critique of governmental overreach: “I hope we’re not trying to outdo China in banning things.”