President Assents to Online Gaming Regulation Bill, 2025

On 22nd August 2025, President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, a day after it was passed in Parliament. The law seeks to prohibit online money gaming services while promoting e-sports and safe online entertainment.

Key Points

Strict Prohibitions: All online money gaming services are banned, with penalties of up to 3 years’ imprisonment and ₹1 crore fine for facilitators.
Advertising Ban: Promoting such platforms can attract 2 years’ imprisonment and fines up to ₹50 lakh.
Government Rationale: Union Minister said over 450 million players have collectively lost ₹20,000 crore to online money gaming platforms.
Industry Concerns: Sector bodies representing the ₹31,000 crore industry termed the ban a “death knell”, warning it will push players to offshore operators and hurt compliant Indian firms.
Economic Impact: The industry employs over 200,000 people and has attracted ₹25,000 crore in foreign investment since 2022, raising concerns over potential job and revenue losses.