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| The Indian Parliament has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025: Sansad TV |
Online Gaming Bill 2025: After Passing in Lok Sabha
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has been passed in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill bans real-money online gaming to curb addiction, money laundering, and fraud.
Government data shows 45 crore people lose around ₹20,000 crore annually in such games.
While gaming companies oppose the move, the Bill promotes e-sports and social gaming.
Strict penalties, including jail terms and heavy fines, are proposed for violations.
₹20,000 Crore Lost Every Year
Government data reveals that nearly 45 crore people collectively lose about ₹20,000 crore every year in online real-money gaming. The government believes real-money online gaming has become a larger social problem than drug addiction. Therefore, despite possible revenue loss, public welfare has been prioritized in bringing this legislation.
The gaming industry argues that such a ban will negatively impact employment and revenue. However, the government maintains that protecting people from financial losses is the top priority.
E-Sports and Social Gaming to be Encouraged
According to the Bill, e-sports, educational, and social gaming will be promoted. The government plans to allocate a dedicated budget, schemes, and establish an authority for this purpose. This is expected to create new employment opportunities and strengthen the legitimate online gaming industry.
Strict Penalties
The Bill prescribes stringent penalties to curb online real-money gaming and its advertisements:
- Service providers offering banned real-money gaming can face up to 3 years of imprisonment or fines up to ₹1 crore, or both.
- Those promoting illegal advertisements can face up to 2 years of imprisonment and/or fines up to ₹50 lakh.
- Misleading or fraudulent advertisements for such games will also be treated as an offense.
India embraces the positive power of gaming! 🇮🇳
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) August 20, 2025
The Online Gaming Bill, 2025 aims to boost eSports and social gaming — while taking a firm stand against harmful money gaming practices.
A bold move for a safer, smarter gaming future! pic.twitter.com/mzmnCOK4Lq
Online Gaming Addiction: Why the Government Says It’s Worse Than Drugs
The Indian government, while introducing the Online Gaming Bill 2025, compared online money gaming addiction to drug abuse, claiming it is an even bigger social challenge.
Reports suggest that online betting apps lure users, including teenagers, with flashy ads and quick money schemes. But instead of profit, most players end up losing money — ₹20,000 crore annually, according to government estimates.
Health experts say gaming addiction impacts not just finances but also mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies in extreme cases.
By banning real money gaming but promoting e-sports, educational, and social games, the government hopes to protect young Indians while allowing healthy online entertainment to grow.
Online Gaming Ban: Parents and Teachers Raise Alarm Over Rising Addiction
As Parliament debates the Online Gaming Bill 2025, voices from parents and educators across the country have grown louder. They say children are increasingly falling prey to online money-based games, often spending hours on mobile apps and secretly using family savings.
According to government data, nearly 45 crore Indians are losing money annually, and a large section of that population is youth under 25.
The Bill proposes not only strict punishments for illegal gaming platforms but also regulations on advertisements, which often target young audiences. Misleading ads will attract up to 2 years imprisonment or a ₹50 lakh fine.
With e-sports and social gaming to be supported, the government argues that safe alternatives will remain available while curbing the financial exploitation of minors.