Online Gaming Bill 2025: New Rules to Protect Players and Regulate Digital Gaming in India
Similar rulings have been made in other cases involving platforms like Dream11, where the courts have upheld that such fantasy sports are games of skill, not gambling. The industry has yet to comment publicly, but has appealed in mostbet official website a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah for reprieve from the ban. Probo, an “opinon trading” firm permitting wagers on outcomes of a variety of events, decried the Bill as “unfortunate,” and announced that it would suspend its real money gaming product. In India, there is no unified law that regulates different activities of gambling whereas its legal status is complex and varies depending on the specific type of gambling and the laws of different states. It is largely a state subject and comes under the State list of the7th Schedule of the Constitution. This means that only the state has the right to regulate laws (State-specific) related to gambling activities in their territory.
- These guidelines aim to strike a balance between promoting digital gaming as a sector and addressing social concerns like gambling addiction and financial exploitation.
- Consumer protection policies are also vital, requiring operators to implement responsible gambling measures.
- Many jurisdictions are actively updating their legal frameworks to keep pace with the rapid advancements in digital platforms and to enhance consumer protections.
- However, the Act is limited in scope and does not address the complexities of online gaming, a sector that emerged long after the Act was promulgated.
- The evolving landscape of online gaming and gambling in India highlights the urgent need for a more cohesive and modern legal framework.
- Probo, an “opinon trading” firm permitting wagers on outcomes of a variety of events, decried the Bill as “unfortunate,” and announced that it would suspend its real money gaming product.
Legal causation: proximate cause and remoteness in tort law
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act replace colonial-era laws, including the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. However, these reforms have sparked debate, with critics raising concerns over potential constitutional violations and the risk of police excesses under the new arrest and custody provisions. The Explanation clarifies that “any place” includes “computer resource, virtual digital space, electronic records or electronic storage device,” with power to “override any access control or security code” when necessary. Subsection (1) establishes that when companies commit offenses, “every person who…was in charge of, and was responsible to, the company” faces personal liability alongside the corporate entity. The Online Gaming Bill looks to address these issues by establishing an all-encompassing legal structure, balancing growth and protection.
If it can be listed on Monday since it’s listed for interim orders before the Karnataka High Court,” the lawyer said. A “short” notification would be issued shortly after the Bill’s enactment, Mr. Vaishnaw said, bringing it into force immediately. The Ministries of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would take steps to promote e-sports, the government said in a statement. The Central Government may authorise officers to investigate, search and seize both digital and physical property linked to offences. In certain cases, officers will have the power to enter premises and make arrests without a warrant.
Real money gaming ban Bill passes Rajya Sabha
The Indian Parliament has passed the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, also known as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, marking a historic shift in the country’s gaming and digital economy. After being cleared in the Lok Sabha and subsequently in the Rajya Sabha, the bill effectively bans real-money gaming platforms, including Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, and RummyCircle, which form the backbone of India’s $3.7–3.8 billion gaming industry. Additionally, central legislations like the Public Gambling Act of 1867 and the Information Technology Act of 2000 influence gaming activities by addressing key issues such as illegal gambling and cybersecurity. The recent amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, signify a growing recognition of online gaming’s economic potential while ensuring a safe gaming environment through robust governance. Karnataka’s government has changed its gaming regulations to prohibit citizens from participating in online games of chance, such as gambling, betting, and wagering. Online gaming has grown exponentially in India, owing to rising internet penetration, smartphone usage, and a growing youth population with a taste for digital entertainment.
The balance between regulation and accessibility ensures a safer environment for participants while promoting responsible gaming practices. Stakeholders, including players, operators, and regulatory bodies, all play vital roles in the governance of online gambling. Players should be aware of their rights and the protections afforded to them by these regulations. In addition to local bodies, international organizations also contribute to the framework of online gambling regulations. Collaborative efforts among these entities foster a comprehensive regulatory landscape, addressing issues such as cross-border gambling and ensuring compliance across jurisdictions.