New Delih, Aug 22 (V7N) - India’s parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, effectively banning online games involving real-money betting. The bill aims to curb financial and psychological harms linked to such games, with penalties including up to three years imprisonment and fines for violations.

The sudden move has shocked India’s booming fantasy gaming sector, valued at $3.6 billion by 2029 and backed by major investors such as Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners. Popular platforms like Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, which attract millions of users through cricket-based fantasy sports and skill games like poker, now face an uncertain future.

Federal IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s responsibility to tackle social evils causing harm to citizens. The bill has already passed both houses of parliament and awaits presidential assent, which is expected to be a formality.

Industry representatives are considering legal action, arguing that some games banned under the law involve skill and should be exempted. The ban threatens significant job losses and the shutdown of many app-based gaming businesses that have attracted billions in foreign investment.

Dream11, valued at $8 billion, allows users to create virtual cricket teams with entry fees as low as 29 rupees (33 cents) and prize pools reaching hundreds of thousands of rupees. Other major players include Mobile Premier League ($2.3 billion valuation), Games24X7, Zupee, and WinZO.

The bill prohibits money gaming services, related advertisements, and financial transactions, signaling India’s firm stance against the risks posed by online gambling.

This regulatory shift comes amid growing concerns over the social impact of digital betting, marking a significant policy change in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing gaming markets.

END/WD/SMA/