Why in news?
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill was passed by Parliament in August 2025. The Bill seeks to protect citizens from the dangers of online money games while supporting the growth of e‑sports and recreational gaming.
Key motivations
- Protecting public health: Global health bodies have recognised gaming disorder as a mental health issue. Online money games have led to addiction, financial distress and even suicide.
- Ensuring fair play: Unregulated platforms have been linked to fraud, money laundering and manipulation. A clear legal framework is necessary to maintain trust.
- Promoting innovation: E‑sports and casual online games are part of a dynamic digital economy. The Bill aims to support this sector while keeping harmful gambling in check.
Classification of games
- E‑sports: Competitive digital sports where skill determines the outcome. These games are treated like traditional sports and are encouraged.
- Online social games: Casual games played for fun, often with friends, that involve skill but no monetary stakes.
- Online money games: Games that involve real money, betting or wagering. The Bill separates skill‑based money games from chance‑based gambling.
Main provisions
- Ban on gambling and betting games that rely predominantly on chance. Skill‑based money games are allowed but regulated.
- Creation of a National Online Gaming Authority to licence platforms, monitor compliance and handle consumer complaints.
- Mandatory age verification and self‑exclusion tools to prevent minors and vulnerable individuals from participating in money games.
- Restrictions on advertisements, particularly those targeting children or making misleading claims about earnings.
Significance
By distinguishing between different types of games, the law protects players from exploitation while enabling legitimate businesses to thrive. It also aligns India’s regulations with global best practices and sends a clear message against predatory gaming models.