The Centre will introduce ‘The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025’ in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. It aims to establish rules for India’s growing gaming sector.
Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will present the legislation, which will focus on the promotion of E-Sports, educational, and social gaming, placing restrictions on money-based online games. The bill was approved by the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday. The bill officially cited online betting as a punishable offence.
ALSO READ: Lok Sabha to Table Key Bills on Removal Norms for PM, CMs and Ministers Today
Key Provisions of the Bill
The legislation proposes to create a dedicated Authority to oversee policy coordination, industrial growth, and regulatory compliance, as per the draft. The objectives of the BILL are:
Ban on Online Money Games: The bill prohibits the operation, advertisement, or promotion of such games, especially those crossing state boundaries or those which are being operated by foreign jurisdictions.
User Protection: The bill protects vulnerable groups, including youth, from socio-economic, psychological, and privacy-related risks that come with online gaming.
Responsible Digital Adoption: The bill ensures a safe use of gaming technology without compromising financial integrity, public order, or national security.
Uniform National Framework: The bill establishes a central legal system to avoid inconsistent state laws and address cross-border operational challenges.
ALSO READ: IIM Amendment Bill Passed in Lok Sabha Despite Opposition Uproar
Broader Context and Implications
The legislation arrives amid the growing financial fraud, breach of data privacy, and gaming addictions, issues that target youngsters.
The bill encourages E-Sports and separates it from online gambling activities.
If the bill is passed, it will become India’s first national-level law to oversee the online gaming networks while keeping a balance between user safety, industry growth, and national security.
