Government to Table Gaming Bill Today, Seeks RMG Ban, Tough Penalties
The Union Government is set to present the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha today.
This proposed legislation seeks to regulate e-sports, educational, and social gaming, while implementing a complete ban on online games that involve monetary stakes. Additionally, the Bill prohibits any advertisements related to the banned games.
Introduced by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Bill outlines the creation of a central regulatory authority tasked with providing policy guidance, ensuring compliance, and fostering innovation in the industry.
According to the financial memorandum, the authority will require an initial funding of approximately Rs.50 crore, along with an annual recurring expenditure of Rs.20 crore from the Consolidated Fund of India.
The Bill formally acknowledges e-sports as a valid competitive sport and mandates government support for training centers, research institutions, and technology platforms to stimulate growth in this area. It also aims to promote social and educational games by implementing measures to guarantee safe, age-appropriate content and incorporating gaming into educational and skill enhancement programs.
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Moreover, the Bill prohibits financial institutions and intermediaries from facilitating transactions related to money gaming services and bans all types of advertisements, endorsements, and promotions associated with these games.
Offenses in this category will be classified as cognizable and non-bailable.
The government defended the ban by noting a rise in fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and potential links to terrorist financing through overseas gaming platforms. The Statement of Objects and Reasons underscores the manipulative algorithms and addictive features of these platforms, which frequently result in compulsive behavior, financial devastation, and mental health crises, especially among youth and economically disadvantaged groups.
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The Bill grants designated authorities and officials the power to investigate, search, and confiscate property linked to online money gaming activities, both physical and digital, without a warrant. Any failure to comply may also lead to the blocking of online money gaming platforms under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
With the President's recommendation obtained under Article 117 of the Constitution, the Bill is set for in-depth discussions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. If passed, it will signify a significant change in India’s digital policy, positioning the nation as a potential global frontrunner in regulated online gaming while eliminating channels for money-based gaming.