New Delhi, August 22: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday gave her assent to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, paving the way for a clear legal framework in India’s online gaming sector. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, August 21.
The new legislation seeks to strike a balance between encouraging e-sports and online social gaming, while imposing a blanket ban on online money-gaming platforms, which the government has linked to addiction, financial losses, and even cases of suicide.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Ban on money gaming platforms: Running or facilitating such platforms can lead to up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹1 crore.
Advertising ban: Even promoting online money-gaming services through advertisements can invite two years in jail and penalties of up to ₹50 lakh.
Promotion of e-sports: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will create a dedicated framework to nurture and regulate e-sports, which previously lacked legal recognition.
Boost for online social games: The government will actively encourage non-monetary, skill-based online gaming.
Implementation Roadmap
S. Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and IT, told ANI that the Bill would soon be notified following the President’s assent.
“We also have to draft the rules under the Bill and issue them. Even without rules, some provisions can come into force immediately, but that is a decision we will take,” Krishnan said.
Government’s Rationale
The Centre has argued that prohibiting money-based online games is essential to curb the harms of addiction, financial ruin, and extreme consequences such as suicides. Officials also cited reports linking online money gaming to money laundering and terror financing.
By contrast, the law gives a much-needed boost to India’s growing e-sports industry, ensuring it receives legal recognition and structured support for the first time.