The Union government is expected to introduce the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in Parliament. The proposed law seeks to impose a complete ban on online money gaming — platforms where users stake money in expectation of monetary returns. This move will eliminate the long-standing distinction between games of skill and games of chance, effectively outlawing real-money fantasy sports, rummy, poker, and similar platforms.
The bill cites growing mental health risks, financial losses, and links to fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion as primary concerns. Operators found violating the law could face up to three years imprisonment and fines of ₹1 crore, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Advertising such platforms has also been criminalised.
By introducing this bill, the government aims to close regulatory gaps across states, establish a central authority to oversee compliance, and protect vulnerable users, especially children and young adults. This marks one of the most consequential regulatory interventions in India’s digital gaming landscape.
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