Online Gaming Bill Gets President’s Assent, Becomes Law

New Delhi: The ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill’ has officially become law after receiving the President’s assent, a day after being passed by Parliament. The legislation seeks to impose a blanket ban on all money-based online games while encouraging the growth of e-sports and online social gaming. A government notification will shortly announce the date of its enforcement.

The Centre has maintained that online money gaming poses a grave social and public health challenge, with evidence of widespread addiction, financial distress and destructive behavioural consequences. Simultaneously, it aims to position India as a global hub for innovation in e-sports and social gaming.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the law as a safeguard for society against predatory gaming practices.
“This Bill highlights our commitment to making India a hub for gaming, innovation and creativity. It will encourage e-sports and online social games, while protecting society from the harmful effects of online money games,” he said.

Following the passage of the Bill, several platforms, including WinZO and Nazara Technologies-backed Moonshine Technologies (PokerBaazi), suspended their real-money operations.

Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described online money gaming as a “public health risk”, noting that nearly 45 crore Indians have been affected, with losses exceeding ₹20,000 crore. He warned of its linkages to psychological disorders, compulsive behaviour, financial ruin and even terror funding through money laundering. “Just like chit funds ruined families in the past, online money games are destroying lives today. The Modi government has acted decisively in the interest of the middle class and youth,” he said.

The legislation is designed to curb the rising menace of gambling-style online games and shift focus to a regulated, innovation-driven gaming industry in India.