Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with officials, on Monday met online gaming industry representative to discuss the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Sources said the talks mainly focused on promoting e-sports and social games. The discussions also covered measures for a smooth transition and safeguarding users’ money. Industry representatives informed the minister that they are taking steps to follow the law.
President Approves Online Gaming Bill
Only service providers, advertisers, promoters, and financial supporters will be held accountable; players of online money games will not face any kinds of penalties. The legislation is designed to legally recognise e-sports and give them formal support.
On August 22, President Droupadi Murmu gave her approval to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which was recently passed by Parliament. The law aims to promote e-sports and online social games while banning risky online money gaming services, their advertisements, and associated financial activities.
Rules for Online Money Games
The bill bans providing, running, or supporting online money games, whether based on skill, luck, or both. The Lok Sabha passed it on Wednesday, followed by the Rajya Sabha a day later.Players of online money games will not be punished; instead, responsibility will fall on service providers, advertisers, promoters, and those who fund such games. The law is intended to officially recognise e-sports and provide them with legal backing.
Promoting Safe Gaming
The Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry will set up a special framework to promote and support competitive gaming. Online social games will also be promoted. The government believes banning harmful online money gaming can prevent addiction, financial losses, and even extreme outcomes such as suicides.
Union Minister Vaishnaw said, “Our goal is to promote the good parts of gaming and make India a hub for game development. Through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), we focus on supporting positive gaming while reducing its harmful effects. Meanwhile, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said that nation will soon have new regulations for online gaming. Speaking to ANI at the ICEA-Semiconductor Product Design Leadership Forum 2025, he said the official notification will be issued shortly. “I cannot provide a specific date, but it will come into effect soon, and all necessary preparations are underway,” he added.
