New Delhi, August 20 (HS): Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday introduced the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, aimed at curbing the misuse of technology while ensuring safe digital innovation. The move comes amid alarming estimates that nearly 450 million Indians have lost ₹20,000 crore to online gaming-related risks.

Balancing Growth with Safety

According to the government, advancements in Digital India, UPI, 5G and semiconductors have propelled India as a technology leader. However, these strides have also exposed society to new risks. The Bill seeks to protect citizens—especially youth and families—from financial loss, addiction, fraud and even suicides linked to online money gaming, while still promoting e-sports and social games.

Key Provisions of the Bill

E-sports Recognition:

E-sports will be officially recognized as a legitimate sport. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will issue guidelines, establish training centers, research institutions and promote e-sports under the National Sports Policy.

Promotion of Social & Educational Games:

The Centre will have powers to classify, register and regulate such games, integrating them with cultural, educational and skill-development initiatives.

Ban on Online Money Games:

All money-based online games—whether skill-based, chance-based or hybrid—have been completely banned. Advertising, promotion, or any financial transactions linked to such games will be deemed illegal. Banks and payment systems will be mandated to block such transactions.

Regulatory Authority: .A National Online Gaming Authority will be set up to register games, classify platforms, address complaints and determine whether a game falls under the “money game” category. It will also frame codes of conduct and compliance rules.

Tough Penalties and Enforcement

The Bill provides strict penalties:

-Offering money-based online games will attract up to three years in prison and fines up to ₹1 crore.

-Advertising banned games could mean two years in prison and fines up to ₹50 lakh.

Repeat offenders face harsher punishment

Authorities will have powers to seize digital and physical assets and, in serious cases, make warrantless arrests.

Aiming for Safe & Responsible Gaming

By curbing financial fraud, gambling addiction and unlawful use of platforms for money laundering and terror financing, the government hopes to create a secure digital ecosystem. At the same time, the Bill seeks to promote India as a global leader in responsible gaming and digital innovation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar