By our Reporter
India’s parliament has approved a landmark law banning online gambling, following revelations that around 450 million citizens collectively lose $2.3 billion every year on betting apps.
The ban targets card games, poker, and fantasy sports platforms, including the country’s hugely popular fantasy cricket apps. Government officials estimate that nearly one-third of India’s population has lost money through online gambling.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, passed late Thursday in both houses, criminalises the offering, promotion, or financing of money-based games. Violators now face up to five years in prison.
According to a government statement, the legislation aims to combat addiction, financial hardship, and social distress fueled by predatory platforms “built on false promises of easy wealth.”
While India remains one of the world’s biggest gaming markets, the new law makes exceptions for e-sports and educational games, which authorities say will be promoted to boost the digital economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that the law will both encourage “healthy e-sports and social gaming” and shield society from the “damaging impact of money-driven online games.”
Industry groups had lobbied for regulation and taxation rather than a blanket prohibition, warning the ban could push players toward unregulated offshore sites. But lawmakers in support of the bill argued the social costs were too severe to ignore, citing rising cases of debt, addiction, fraud, and even suicide linked to gambling apps.
The government also flagged links between online betting platforms and fraud, money laundering, and terror financing.
Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the law draws a clear line between games played for money and those designed for competition or learning. A government briefing noted that the policy will promote e-sports and safe online social games while outlawing gambling-based platforms.
