New Delhi – The government has estimated that nearly 45 crore Indians lose around Rs 20,000 crore every year through online real-money gaming, highlighting what it calls a growing social concern.
The data was shared on Wednesday as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to ban all forms of real-money gaming while promoting e-sports and social online games.
Govt Prioritises Welfare Over Revenue
An official source said that while the government acknowledges the revenue contribution of the online gaming industry, it has chosen “welfare of society over revenue”. Lawmakers across party lines reportedly raised concerns about the harmful effects of real-money gaming, which the government described as a “major problem for society.”
Strict Provisions in the Bill
The bill provides for strict penalties against those running or promoting money gaming platforms:
- Up to 3 years’ imprisonment and/or Rs 1 crore fine for operators.
- Up to 2 years’ imprisonment and/or Rs 50 lakh fine for those advertising such services.
Importantly, players who lose money will not face punishment. Action will be targeted at gaming companies, intermediaries, and payment facilitators.
Industry Impact
The new law separates e-sports and social gaming—which account for nearly two-thirds of the industry—from real-money gaming. The government plans to support these segments with budgets, schemes, and a dedicated authority, creating new job opportunities in the sector.
Officials noted that earlier attempts to regulate money gaming through GST and proposals for a separate regulatory body were bypassed or stalled by conflicts of interest. The fresh legislation, they said, was shaped after receiving numerous complaints from citizens and public representatives.
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