New Delhi [India], September 1 (ANI): Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with officials, met with representatives of the online gaming industry on Monday. The discussion focused on promoting eSports and social games, as well as ensuring the orderly transition and protection of users’ money. Industry representatives noted that steps have been taken to comply with the law.
On August 22, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament earlier this week. The bill aims to encourage e-sports and online social games while prohibiting harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and related financial transactions.
The legislation seeks to completely ban the offering, operating, or facilitation of online money games, whether based on skill, chance, or both. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and by the Rajya Sabha the following day. Sources clarified that the bill does not punish individuals playing online money games; only service providers, advertisers, promoters, and financial supporters of such games will face consequences. The law is intended to provide legal recognition and support to e-sports, which previously had no formal backing.
To further promote e-sports, recognized as a legitimate competitive sport in India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will establish a dedicated framework. The government will also encourage online social games, while preventing harms associated with online money gaming, including addiction, financial losses, and extreme consequences such as suicides.
Speaking about the legislation, Union Minister Vaishnaw said, “Our objective has been to promote and encourage the good parts of it, making India a game-making hub. We have set up the IICT, the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, and gaming is one of the verticals. Our focus is on making sure that the better parts, the good parts which are not harming society get promoted and encouraged, whereas the harmful impact on society can be contained and reduced.”
Meanwhile, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan stated on Monday that online gaming in India will soon be subject to new rules. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the ICEA – Semiconductor Product Design Leadership Forum 2025, he said the notification would come into effect shortly. “As I had already mentioned, I cannot set an exact date right now, but it is something which will come into effect fairly quickly, and we are taking all necessary steps in that regard,” he said. (ANI)
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