India’s parliament has passed a sweeping law banning online gambling, targeting platforms for card games, poker, and fantasy sports, after government figures revealed that around 450 million people collectively lose $2.3 billion annually on such apps.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, approved late Thursday, criminalizes the offering, promotion, and financing of money-based online games, with offenders facing up to five years in prison.
Officials said the measure was necessary to address growing financial distress, addiction, and even suicides linked to online gambling. The government also cited risks of fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the new law would protect society from “the harmful effects of online money games” while promoting e-sports and educational games as part of the digital economy.
The legislation makes clear distinctions between competitive e-sports, social and educational games — which are encouraged — and gambling or fantasy money games, which are now banned.
Industry groups had called for regulation and taxation instead of a blanket ban, warning it could push users toward illegal offshore platforms. However, supporters argue the social costs are too high to ignore.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, approved late Thursday, criminalizes the offering, promotion, and financing of money-based online games, with offenders facing up to five years in prison.
Officials said the measure was necessary to address growing financial distress, addiction, and even suicides linked to online gambling. The government also cited risks of fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the new law would protect society from “the harmful effects of online money games” while promoting e-sports and educational games as part of the digital economy.
The legislation makes clear distinctions between competitive e-sports, social and educational games — which are encouraged — and gambling or fantasy money games, which are now banned.
Industry groups had called for regulation and taxation instead of a blanket ban, warning it could push users toward illegal offshore platforms. However, supporters argue the social costs are too high to ignore.
