India has officially banned its multi-billion-dollar online gambling industry, a move that will shake up the country’s massive digital gaming space.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill was passed by parliament this week, making it illegal to operate or promote online betting platforms. This includes poker, card games, and fantasy sports apps—among them India’s hugely popular fantasy cricket platforms.
The decision follows alarming government data showing that around 450 million Indians were collectively losing over $2.3 billion every year on online gambling apps. Officials say the crackdown aims to protect citizens from addiction, financial hardship, and the predatory nature of money-driven games.
“This legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin, and social distress caused by platforms that lure people with false promises of easy wealth,” the government said in a statement.
What the Law Allows—and Bans
Banned: Any online game involving real-money betting, including fantasy sports.
Allowed: E-sports, educational games, and social games that don’t involve gambling.
Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that the new framework separates “constructive digital recreation” from harmful gambling practices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed this, saying the law would encourage e-sports and online social gaming while shielding society from the dangers of online money games.
Why the Ban Was Necessary
Officials linked the rapid rise of online gambling to addiction, financial distress, fraud, and even suicides. The industry has also been tied to money laundering and terrorism financing, making regulation a national security issue as well as a social one.
Pushback from Industry Players
Gaming companies and industry groups had urged the government to regulate and tax the sector instead of imposing a blanket ban. They argue that the move could drive millions of players to offshore and unregulated platforms.
But supporters of the bill believe the social cost of gambling outweighs its financial benefits.
With this sweeping ban, India has drawn a hard line between healthy digital entertainment and dangerous money-driven gaming, reshaping the future of one of the world’s largest online gaming markets.
-Deeprows News
For Latest Gists,
