India’s Online Gaming sector is in danger of losing its worth because of the Online Gaming Bill introduced in the Parliament. As the saying goes, what glittered like gold, now rusts like iron, will be the situation of India’s digital gaming sector if the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 is cleared by both the houses of the Parliament. Lok Sabha cleared the bill on 20th August and is now moved to Rajya Sabha. This article briefly discusses its meaning for gamers, investors and the industry.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 – Copy
Why this Bill was introduced
With the growth of the Online Gaming Sector in India, the concerns over the growth of gambling, money laundering, frauds and even suicides were also high. The government, through this bill, eliminated the concerns over the misuse of online gaming platforms throughout the nation.
In a media statement, it said “The harms of addiction, financial loss, and even extreme consequences such as suicides associated with online money gaming can be prevented by prohibition of such activities. Additionally, online money gaming platforms are often misused for financial fraud, money laundering, terror financing, and messaging activity that compromise national security.”
Salient Features of Online Gaming Bill 2025
Promotion of Esports
- With the introduction of Online Gaming Bill 2025, esports is believed to have given a special recognition as a legitimate competitive sport.
- The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is held responsible for conducting esports tournaments, establishing research centres, launching incentive schemes and much more.
- Esports shall also be included in the broader sports policy as well.
Promotion of Safe & Appropriate Games
- The Online Gaming Bill 2025 proposes to promote safe and age appropriate games for all. The games promoting Indian culture, education and development shall be prioritised.
- The Ministry of Electronics & IT and Information and Broadcasting is held responsible for encouraging platforms supporting digital literacy and youth engagement.
Online Money Games Banned
- The bill introduces the ban of online games involving money, betting and gambling. The bill does not consider whether it is skill based, chance based or both. All the games falling under the category are banned.
- Major gaming brands like Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Games24x7, My11Circle, KheloFantasy and others are completely banned. The prohibition also includes card games like Poker and Rummy as well.
- Banks are restricted from performing transactions related to these games. Also, the advertisement of these games are prohibited on social media as well. These are blocked under the IT Act, 2000.
Establishment of a Centralised Authority
The bill proposes to establish a centralised regulatory authority called National Gaming Authority for managing the regulation of games with sweeping powers. The body is bound to function for carrying out some functions.
- Managing and classifying games on the basis of their nature.
- Determining whether the game should be banned or not.
- Handling disputes, grievances and complaints
- Issuing guidelines and framework for improvement and further classification wherever necessary.
- The decision of the authority shall be final in classifying the game as a social game, esports or money game.
Penalties
The bill also introduces a large amount of penalties for the violators as well.
- Jail of 3 years and INR 1 crore fine for those who offer or facilitate banned games.
- 2 years of Jail or INR 50 lakh fine for those who advertise money games.
- 3 years in Jail and INR 1 crore fine for those who will be found conducting financial transactions for money games.
- 3-5 years of Jail and INR 2 crore fine for repeating the offences.
All these offences are termed as non-bailable and cognizable. The investigating teams are free to seize property, investigate and arrest without warrant.
Economic Impact
- Major players of this online gaming industry included Dream11, MPL and Games24x7. These were the ones who were majorly responsible for taking the worth of this industry to whooping $3.8 billion USD. With this bill, the worth of the industry is set to impact adversely.
- The projected revenue of the industry is set to touch $9.1 billion USD by 2029 at a CAGR of 20% annually. But with this ban, the major earning of the industry – the money games – will be paralysed.
- Huge risk of FDI made into the online gaming sector is at risk with the implementation of the bill. It has been estimated that around 2 lakhs jobs are at risk and INR 25,000 crore in FDI is at risk.
- Various gaming bodies like All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E Gaming Federation (EGF) and others have opposed the bill and hinted about the possible initiation of offshore illegal operators.
- Some leaders have hailed this bill as considering it an excellent opportunity for the esports gaming to grow over gambling.
- With the bill partially passed in the Parliament, the bill and the future of the Online Games industry now hangs in balance. It will be interesting to note how the dynamics of the bill will unfold in real life if it gets the clearance from the Parliament.
Are Video Games Really Important?
The magnitude of the gaming industry can be carefully imagined from its market value easily. The introduction of a specialised bill for the regulation of games speaks in volumes about its growing impact. But, have you ever thought — are video games really important? Can playing video games solve any of our problems?
The answer to these questions is No. Video games are entirely responsible for establishing anger, unrest and distracting us regularly from any concentrated subject. Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has been tirelessly imparting the importance of this rare human birth and how vital is the attainment of inner fulfilment and everlasting peace. Activities like video games keeps us diverted from aligning ourselves to our primary purpose.
Today, even the parents think that these video games are diverting their children from major studies. Earlier, children used to play in the parks and playgrounds, now the generation has transformed their smartphones into battlefields. This transformation is ruining their lives, making them intellectually disabled. This is why Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has banned the playing of video games in His devotee community.
For more spiritual insights about the true spiritual knowledge of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, visit www.jagatgururampalji.org or watch ‘Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’ Youtube channel for more videos.
