Lok Sabha passes bill to ban online games played with money

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aimed at banning online games involving money, in a bid to curb rising cases of addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud.

The Bill was passed by voice vote amid protests from opposition members, following a brief statement by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The House was adjourned for the day soon after the Bill’s passage.

The legislation defines an online money game as one in which a user deposits money with the expectation of winning monetary rewards or other benefits. It proposes a complete ban on online betting and gambling, including fantasy sports, online card games such as poker and rummy, and online lotteries.

In addition to banning such games, the Bill also prohibits advertisements promoting online money games and bars banks and financial institutions from facilitating transactions related to them.

Once enacted into law -- pending approval from the Rajya Sabha -- those found offering or enabling online money gaming could face up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to ₹1 crore.

The move comes amid growing public concern and legal scrutiny over the online gaming industry, which has seen a rapid rise in users and revenue, but also mounting criticism over its social and financial impact.