Online money games ban shakes India’s fantasy gaming industry—Parliament passes bill outlawing games with financial stakes, triggering fears of massive job losses and app shutdowns.
India’s Parliament has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online money games Gaming Bill, 2025, imposing a blanket ban on any online games involving real money—covering the game itself, related advertisements, and financial transactions Reuters+1The Times of IndiaWikipedia. The measure, already cleared by both houses, now awaits the president’s signature—a largely ceremonial step ReutersWikipedia.
The ban comes as a shock to India’s rapidly expanding fantasy Online money games industry, valued at an estimated $3.6 billion by 2029, with heavy investment from firms like Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners Reuters+2Reuters+2TechCrunch. Major players such as Dream11 ($8B valuation) and Mobile Premier League ($2.5B valuation), along with platforms like Zupee and Games 24X7, now face potential shutdowns, massive job losses, and a sharp drop in foreign investment Reuters+2Reuters+2VCCircle. Stocks in affected sectors, such as Nazara Tech and Delta Corp, have already seen notable declines Reuters.
The government justified the ban by pointing to the psychological and financial harm posed by real-money Online money games Reuters+1The Times of India. The bill is part of a broader effort to support e-sports, educational, and social gaming—sectors deemed safer and more constructive—while providing a safer digital environment for citizens The Times of India+1Wikipedia. Additionally, concerns over addiction, fraud, money laundering, and extremist financing were cited as motivations The Economic TimesTechCrunchNews on Air.
The new law imposes strict penalties: individual promoters or platforms that violate the ban are liable to face hefty fines and imprisonment The Times of IndiaNews on Air. According to related drafts, offenses may carry penalties of up to 3 years in prison and fines reaching INR 10 crore (USD ~$1.1 million), with enhanced consequences for repeat offenses. Even celebrity promoters could face up to 2 years in jail or significant fines TechCrunchNews on Air. The legislation also seeks to establish a regulatory authority to provide nationwide oversight, licensing, and classification of games The Times of IndiaWikipedia.
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