To regulate the rapidly growing online gaming sector, the Lok Sabha today passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
The bill, tabled by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeks to ban money-based online games while establishing a legal framework to monitor and govern digital gaming platforms across India.
The legislation comes amid rising concerns over addiction, financial exploitation, and the lack of oversight in the online gaming industry. The bill proposes the creation of a central regulatory authority to oversee licensing, compliance, and consumer protection measures.
While the government maintains that the bill will protect users and prevent criminal misuse, opposition leaders like Congress MP Shashi Tharoor have criticised the move, warning that banning online gaming could drive the industry underground and empower illegal networks.
The bill will now move to the Rajya Sabha for further debate and approval.
