Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday received delegates of India’s online games sector and talked about the recently enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Key points of discussion were delineating online money games—that are currently prohibited under the legislation—from other verticals such as e-sports and social gaming, about which the government has vowed to foster and sponsor.
Authorities added that the conference was aimed at facilitating an orderly change of gaming outfits, particularly those targeted by the money-based ban on gaming. Safeguarding of user funds and preparation for compliance were main points of focus. It was claimed that several platforms have already initiated changes pre-emptively expecting enforcement of the legislation.
The Bill, passed after presidential assent on August 22, bans all online money games whether or not they give cash awards or convertible virtual currencies. Offenders can face up to three years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹1 crore. Moreover, advertising or promoting such online money game-banned platforms may attract a two-year imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh.
During an industry meet on Monday, the IT Secretary S. Krishnan assured that the government is now finalizing a fast-track schedule of implementation. “The law is going to come very soon and all steps are being initiated in that direction,” he added.
Authorities assured that the legislation puts the interest of social welfare before other considerations of finances by discouraging risky money gaming while encouraging safer segments like skill games and e-sports. Industry associations, like the All India Gaming Federation, the E-Gaming Federation, and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, have urged the government not to put a blanket ban. They warned that excessively stringent controls can drive game play underground and put both players and honest operators at risk.
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