President Droupadi Murmu has officially given her assent to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which was recently passed by Parliament. This new legislation marks a significant step, as it seeks to completely ban the offering, operating, or facilitating of online money games.

The Bill's primary objective is to address various social harms linked to such gaming, including addiction, financial losses, and extreme consequences like suicides. Reports of money laundering and terror financing associated with these games were also cited as concerns. While prohibiting money-based games, the law simultaneously aims to promote e-sports and online social games. Officials have clarified that the law targets service providers, advertisers, promoters, and financial supporters, with players themselves not facing penalties.

Violations can lead to severe consequences, with offering or facilitating online money games carrying penalties of up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1 crore. Advertising these games can result in up to two years imprisonment and/or a £50 lakh fine. The government plans to establish a dedicated framework under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to support e-sports.