Online Gaming Bill 2025- President Draupadi Murmu on Friday approved the ‘Online Gaming (Promotion and Regulation) Bill 2025’. This bill was passed by both houses of Parliament this week. The purpose of this law is to promote e-sports and social games, but to completely ban online money games.
The government says that this step will prevent dangers like addiction, financial loss and suicide. Also, e-sports will now get legal recognition and a new field of sports will open up for the youth.
What changes will happen under the bill?
- Now e-sports will be recognized as a sport. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will prepare a separate framework for this.
- Social games will also be promoted so that players can play safely and responsibly.
- Earlier e-sports did not have any legal recognition, but now players will get better opportunities.
Government’s strictness on money games
Under this law, running, advertising or making transactions related to money-based online games will be a crime. However, there will be no punishment for the players. But those running such games, advertising them or providing financial support may have to face jail and fine.
What can be the punishment?
Those running such games can face up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.
Advertisers can face up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
Transactions involving money can attract a jail term of up to 3 years and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
Repeat offenders will face a jail term of up to 5 years and a fine of up to Rs 2 crore.
The government has also empowered the officials to seize online or offline assets and arrest without warrant if needed. According to sources, this law can cause the government to lose GST of Rs 15 thousand to 20 thousand crores annually. But, the IT Ministry says that keeping the society safe is more important than the loss of revenue.