Lok Sabha passes Bill banning all forms of online real-money gaming

The legislation was passed by a voice vote after brief remarks from Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, even as Opposition members staged protests.

The House was later adjourned for the day.

What the Bill bans

The Bill defines an ‘online money game’ as any game requiring an entry fee or monetary deposit, regardless of whether it is skill-based or chance-based. It prohibits individuals or companies from offering, aiding, or promoting such platforms.

Advertisements for online money games are also banned, and financial institutions will be barred from processing payments linked to these platforms.

Criminal penalties

Once enacted, violations could attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to ₹1 crore, or both.

The move is part of the government’s wider push to regulate the digital gaming sector and curb financial as well as psychological risks linked to such platforms.

The Union Cabinet had earlier cleared the Bill, which will now be taken up by the Rajya Sabha.

Lawmakers backing the legislation cited the rapid growth of online gaming apps, some associated with scams and addictive behaviour, as justification for imposing a blanket prohibition.