Why in News?
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 is in news as the government plans to ban online real money gaming due to money laundering and societal concerns, while promoting e-sports and game development as legitimate competitive and economic activities.
Description:
Objective of the Bill
- Provide a uniform national legal framework for online gaming.
- Ban money-based online gaming and related advertisements.
- Distinguish real-money gaming from eSports and social/casual games.
- Protect users as victims of exploitation, while penalising promoters, operators, and enablers.
Definition
- Online Money Game: Any game (skill, chance, or both) played by paying fees/deposit/stakes with expectation of monetary returns.
- Excludes: eSports & casual/social online gaming.
Prohibited Activities
- Offering online money gaming services.
- Advertising or promoting such platforms.
- Processing or transferring funds linked to online betting through banks/financial institutions.
Penalties
- Operators of illegal money games: Jail up to 3 years and/or fine up to ₹1 crore.
- Advertisements/promotions: Jail up to 2 years and/or fine up to ₹50 lakh.
- Financial transactions: Jail up to 3 years and/or fine up to ₹1 crore.
- Repeat offenders: 3–5 years imprisonment + higher fines.
Regulatory Framework
- Designated Regulatory Authority to decide whether a game qualifies as an “online money game”.
- Due inquiry to ensure clarity for players, operators, and enforcement agencies.
Why was the Bill Needed?
- Fragmented laws: Different state-level rules created confusion.
- Addiction risks: Monetary incentives leading to compulsive gaming.
- Fraud & scams: Users cheated through deceptive apps.
- Mental health issues: Financial losses linked to depression & suicides.
Key Features
- Treats players as victims, not criminals.
- Penalises promoters, advertisers, financial enablers.
- Creates India’s first comprehensive national law for online gaming.
Significance
- Helps curb online gambling disguised as gaming.
- Encourages safe growth of eSports & non-monetary digital games.
- Ensures uniformity across States and Union Territories.
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