Ajit Kumar
The Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, with the Lok Sabha clearing it on Wednesday , 20th Aug 2025 and the Rajya Sabha approving it on Thursday , 21st Aug 2025. The bill bans money-based online gaming apps where users pay to win cash, awaiting only the President’s assent to become law.
Offenses & Penalties
- Entities running or facilitating online money gaming face up to 3 years’ imprisonment and/or ₹1 crore fine.
- Advertising such games can lead to 2 years’ jail or ₹50 lakh fine.
- Financial transactions linked to money games carry up to 3 years’ jail and/or ₹1 crore fine.
- Repeat offenders will face tougher punishment: 3–5 years’ imprisonment and fines up to ₹2 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, noting it reflects India’s commitment to becoming a hub of gaming, innovation, and creativity. He said the bill will promote e-sports and social games while safeguarding society from harmful money-based gaming.
Responding to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s X post on the bill’s passage, Prime Minister Modi said:
“This Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, highlights our commitment towards making India a hub for gaming, innovation and creativity. It will encourage e-sports and online social games. At the same time, it will save our society from the harmful effects of online money games.”
