The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, a day after the Lok Sabha cleared it during the monsoon session. Piloted by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the law aims to encourage e-sports and casual gaming while banning real-money gaming and online betting.

With approval from both Houses, offering or promoting money-based online games will now attract up to three years in jail, a fine of up to ₹1 crore, or both. The bill also bans advertisements for such games and prevents banks from transferring funds linked to them.

“People lose their life savings in online money gaming,” Ashwini Vaishnaw told MPs. He said the law seeks to control addiction and financial harm while ensuring a safe push for e-sports and social gaming.

The minister also flagged serious risks, saying many platforms have been used for money laundering, terror financing, and even as communication channels for terrorist groups.

Vaishnaw added that several online money gaming companies operate from offshore locations to escape Indian state regulations and taxes. This, he said, has also created enforcement issues due to cross-border operations.

Apps likely to be affected

India’s real-money gaming market is projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2029, according to venture capital firm Lumikai. Popular apps expected to be hit by the ban include:

  • Dream11 (fantasy cricket, valued at $8 billion)

  • Mobile Premier League (MPL) (valued at $2.5 billion)

  • My11Circle, Howzat, SG11 Fantasy, WinZO

  • Games24x7 (My11Circle, RummyCircle)

  • Junglee Games (Rummy, Poker)

  • PokerBaazi, GamesKraft (RummyCulture)

  • Nazara Technologies (investor in PokerBaazi)

Following the announcement, Nazara Technologies’ shares fell nearly 13% in Mumbai, though casino operator Delta Corp Ltd. managed to recover after an initial dip.

The bill also recommends creating a regulator for e-sports, educational platforms, and social gaming. It now awaits the President’s assent before becoming law.

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