LS Passes Bill Encouraging E-Sports, Online Social Gaming, Etc
The Lok Sabha has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 today.
This legislation supports e-sports and online social games while banning dangerous online money gaming services.
It includes provisions for establishing an Online Gaming Authority to ensure coordinated policy assistance, strategic growth, and regulatory oversight of the industry.
The bill aims to safeguard individuals, particularly the youth and vulnerable groups, from the negative effects of such games.
In his presentation of the Bill, Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned the significant growth observed in the digital technology sector over the past 11 years.
He noted that many start-ups are engaged in the digital technology field. The Minister stressed that online money gaming represents a major societal issue due to its potential to lead to addiction, resulting in financial fraud and deception.
He pointed out that numerous families have experienced financial hardship as a result of online money gaming. Vaishnaw indicated that some online games are linked to money laundering and financing terrorism.
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Citing a report, the Minister revealed that in the last 31 months, there have been 32 reported suicides associated with online money gaming. He explained that the bill comprises three components: E-sports, online social games, and online money games.
He expressed the government's intention to foster the growth of e-sports and the online social games industry. He stated that an authority would be created to assist game developers.
Previously, Speaker Om Birla referred to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 as significant legislation, highlighting the country's ongoing issues with suicides and financial losses. He encouraged the protesting members to engage in discussions regarding the bill. He noted that multiple members had raised concerns about online gaming and urged the government to establish pertinent legislation.
The rise of information and communication technologies in recent years has facilitated the emergence of new digital entertainment options, particularly through online gaming. These activities have become a vital outlet for engagement among the youth in the country. The lack of a suitable legal framework has hindered the advancement of the online gaming sector.
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The unchecked and rampant spread of online money games, which promise monetary returns in exchange for investments, has resulted in severe social, economic, and psychological impacts across the nation. Online money gaming platforms frequently encourage compulsive and addictive behavior, leading to financial ruin, mental health issues, and increasing cases of fraud and exploitation.