India Bans Online Gambling Keeps E-Sports Safe
India Bans Online Gambling, But E-Sports and Educational Games Are Safe
New Delhi: India has moved to ban online gambling platforms, including card games, poker, and the country’s hugely popular fantasy cricket apps. The move comes after reports that nearly a third of the nation’s population had lost money through online betting.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill was passed by both houses of parliament late Thursday. The legislation makes offering, promoting, or financing such games a criminal offense, with offenders facing up to five years in prison.
“This law is designed to tackle addiction, financial ruin, and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that lure users with false promises of quick wealth,” a government statement said.
India’s gaming sector is one of the largest in the world, but the law exempts e-sports and educational games, which the government says will be promoted as part of the country’s growing digital economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the legislation will “encourage e-sports and online social games” while protecting society from the harmful effects of online money-based games.
Industry groups had called for regulation and taxation rather than an outright ban, warning that players might turn to illegal offshore platforms. However, supporters of the law say the social and financial costs of online gambling are too high to ignore.
Officials cited rising cases of addiction, financial distress, and even suicide linked to gambling platforms. The government also flagged connections to fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the law distinguishes between online social games and those played for money. “It encourages e-sports, which are organized competitive video games, and promotes safe online social and educational games,” a government briefing note said.
“It clearly separates constructive digital recreation from betting, gambling, and fantasy money games that exploit users with false promises of profit.”
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