The government estimates that 45 crore Indians lose nearly Rs 20,000 crore annually in online real money gaming. A new bill seeks to ban such platforms, promote eSports and social gaming, and penalise illegal operators, sparking pushback from industry bodies
The Union government introduced the Online Gaming Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha, banning real-money gaming platforms and ads, empowering warrantless searches and arrests. It promotes e-sports, imposes strict penalties, and restricts financial transactions, despite potential Rs 20,000 crore tax revenue loss
