The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed in India on 21st

August, marking a historic step in tackling the serious issues caused by online money

gaming. The law follows some recent disturbing details, such as 32 suicides in 31 months in

Karnataka alone, where young people who were addicted to such real-money games went

into debt and committed suicide. The detrimental effects of gaming disorder on mental

health and family stability have already led the World Health Organization to classify it as a

public health concern. India's action shows a commitment to ensuring that technology

advances society rather than undermines it, as well as a reaction to recent tragedies.

The Bill mainly focuses on three main aspects. First of all, it formally acknowledges e-sports,

fostering a burgeoning sector by sponsoring competitions, establishing training facilities,

and incorporating it into India's larger sports landscape. Second, even if kids use money in

regulated, open environments, it encourages safe online social and educational games,

especially those that develop skills and digital literacy. Third, it outright forbids exploitative

online money games that deceive participants with promises of profit and cause them to

become bankrupt, regardless of whether they are skill-based or chance-based. By doing this,

the government shields millions of homes from addiction, debt, and hopelessness while also

bolstering the digital economy.

Article by - Adv. Akshatha Deepak