The bill has been designed to enhance the benefits of technology under Digital India and safeguard against its risks. Over the past 11 years, Digital India, UPI, 5G, and semiconductors have given India a new global identity. However, the addiction to online money games, financial losses, and even suicides have raised serious concerns. This bill therefore aims to promote creativity while ensuring societal safety.
1. Promotion and Recognition of E-Sports
The bill recognizes e-sports as a legitimate and competitive sport in India.
The Ministry of Sports will set guidelines and standards for e-sports events.
Training academies, research centers, and technology platforms will be established.
E-sports will be included in incentive schemes and sports policies.
Benefit: Youth will get a creative and competitive platform, making India a leader in global e-sports.
2. Encouragement of Social and Educational Games
The bill promotes online social games that enhance entertainment, education, and social interaction.
The government will recognize, categorize, and register social games.
Platforms will be developed for age-appropriate safe games.
Games promoting Indian culture and educational values will receive support.
Benefit: Children and youth will develop digital literacy and skills while staying connected to cultural values.
3. Strict Ban on Online Money Games
All online money games, whether based on skill or luck, will be completely prohibited.
Ban on gambling, fantasy sports, poker, rummy, and lotteries.
Ban on advertisements and promotions of such games.
Banks and payment systems will be barred from processing related transactions.
Benefit: Families will be protected from addiction, financial loss, and fraud.
4. Establishment of Online Gaming Authority
A national authority will be created to monitor gaming regulations.
The authority will categorize and register games.
It will decide which games qualify as money games.
It will address complaints related to gaming.
Benefit: Transparency and compliance in the gaming industry will be ensured.
5. Provisions for Crimes and Penalties
The bill prescribes strict punishments for violators.
Offering or facilitating money games: up to 3 years imprisonment and/or ₹1 crore fine.
Advertising money games: up to 2 years imprisonment and/or ₹50 lakh fine.
Financial transactions related to money games: up to 3 years imprisonment and/or ₹1 crore fine.
Repeat offenses: 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹2 crore.
Benefit: Illegal activities will be curbed strictly.
6. Corporate and Institutional Accountability
Companies and their officials will be held accountable for illegal activities.
Companies will be penalized unless they prove their innocence.
Non-executive directors not involved in decision-making will be protected.
Benefit: Companies will act responsibly.
7. Investigation and Enforcement Powers
Government officials will have the power to investigate and take action.
Authority to search, seize, and investigate digital and physical assets.
Power to conduct search and arrest without warrant in suspicious cases.
Indian Citizen Security Code, 2023, will apply.
Benefit: Immediate action against illegal activities will be possible.
8. Power to Frame Rules
The government will have the authority to make rules for implementing the bill.
Rules for promoting e-sports and social gaming.
Rules for recognition, classification, and registration of games.
Guidelines for the functioning of the authority and other essential matters.
Benefit: Effective implementation of the bill will be ensured.
Boost to Creative Economy: The bill will make India a global leader in gaming exports, employment, and innovation.
Youth Empowerment: E-sports and skill-based games will provide youth with a creative platform.
Safe Digital Environment: Families will be protected from addiction and financial losses caused by money games.
Global Leadership: India will emerge as a leader in responsible gaming and digital policy.
The Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025 is a step that can take Digital India to new heights. It promotes innovation and creativity while protecting society from the threats of online money games. It is a strong move towards a safe, secure, and innovation-driven digital India. The bill will not only provide new opportunities to youth but also protect families from financial and psychological harm. It is believed that this effort by the Government of India will bring a new dawn in the digital world, where technology will be used with responsibility and creativity.