The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025
The Indian government is set to introduce "The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025" in the Lok Sabha. This initiative aims to provide a structured regulatory framework for the burgeoning online gaming industry in India.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Establishment of an Authority: A dedicated body will be responsible for policy support, strategic development, and regulatory oversight.
- Ban on Online Money Games: Prohibition of offering, operating, facilitating, advertising, and promoting online money games. Particularly targets games operating across state borders or from foreign jurisdictions.
- Protection of Users: Aim to safeguard individuals, especially youth and vulnerable groups, from harms linked to online gaming. Addresses social, economic, psychological, and privacy-related risks.
- Responsible Digital Usage: Ensures safe adoption of technology while maintaining public order, financial integrity, and national security.
- National-level Legal Framework: Provides a uniform regulatory structure to mitigate state-level inconsistencies. Addresses cross-border challenges.
Wider Implications
- Addresses concerns over online gaming addiction, financial frauds, and data privacy risks.
- Aims to distinguish between recreational gaming and gambling-like activities.
- Marks the first centralized, national-level framework for India's online gaming ecosystem.
- Balances industry growth with consumer protection and national security interests.
- Follows a rise in fraud cases, with increased action against celebrities promoting such applications.
