Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, asserting that it will protect society from the adverse effects of online gambling. The bill, passed by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, is also designed to promote e-sports and online social games.
“This Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, highlights our commitment to establishing India as a hub for gaming, innovation, and creativity. It will encourage e-sports and online social games. Simultaneously, it will safeguard our society from the damaging consequences of online money games,” PM Modi stated.
The Rajya Sabha approved ‘The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025’ on Thursday, despite the opposition’s protests. The Online Gaming Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and it was approved by voice vote. The minister outlined the bill’s aims, stating that the government seeks to foster online social games and esports.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 bans online games that involve financial stakes, addressing concerns such as financial losses and addiction. It imposes a complete ban on all forms of online betting and gambling. During his speech in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of online gaming in the digital landscape. He identified three segments: e-sports, promoting teamwork and strategic thinking; online social games like solitaire and Sudoku; and highlighted the bill’s goal to promote and legally recognize these activities.