Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a significant move, the Indian Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, aimed at banning online games played with money. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote, a day after it was cleared in the Lok Sabha.

Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to stop the operation, facilitation, and advertisement of online money games. These include fantasy sports, poker, rummy, card games, and online lotteries where users deposit money with the hope of winning more money.

Under this law, playing online money games can lead to imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both. The legislation also makes repeated offences more serious, with penalties reaching up to five years in jail and fines up to Rs 2 crore.

Government’s Stand

Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, compared online money gaming to drug addiction. He said the people behind such games often exploit users, and the money from these games could be used to support illegal activities, including terrorism.

The bill also bans all forms of advertising related to online money games. Anyone found promoting such games can face up to two years in jail or a fine of Rs 50 lakh, or both. Banks and other financial institutions are barred from transferring money for these games.

Opposition Concerns

The passage of the bill faced strong protests from the Opposition. Leaders claimed that the bill was passed without proper discussion. Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighted that the Parliament did not have a full debate on the bill. Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned whether a debate could have taken place during the Opposition’s continuous protests.

Apart from the bill, the Opposition was also seeking a debate on the special revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, but the focus remained on the online gaming legislation.

What Constitutes Online Money Gaming

According to the bill, an online money game is any game where a user deposits money expecting to win monetary or other rewards. The law is strict about all kinds of online betting and gambling, aiming to curb addiction, financial loss, and misuse of money.

Key Penalties

• Advertising online money games: Up to 2 years imprisonment or fine up to Rs 50 lakh.

• Facilitating financial transactions: Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to Rs 1 crore.

• Repeat offences: 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2 crore.

• Cognizable and non-bailable offences: Key sections of the bill make it easier for law enforcement to act against offenders.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill marks a major step in curbing online gambling in India. By targeting operators, advertisers, and financial facilitators, the law aims to protect citizens, especially the youth, from addiction and financial harm.

While the bill has stirred debate in Parliament, it shows the government’s intent to regulate online gaming strictly and hold accountable those who profit from such activities.

This legislation will have a wide impact, affecting millions of online gamers, platforms offering games with monetary stakes, and advertisers promoting them.