Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with representatives of the online gaming industry to discuss compliance with the newly passed online gaming law and to promote eSports and social games. The meeting focused on protecting users’ funds and ensuring a smooth transition for the industry.
The discussions come soon after Parliament approved The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans all money-based online games while supporting eSports and skill-based games. The legislation has received the President’s assent and will take effect once officially notified by the government.
Officials explained that several gaming firms have already begun adjusting their platforms to follow the new rules. Last week, banks and fintech companies also held talks with the Department of Financial Services and the Ministry of Electronics and IT to seek clarity on implementing the law. They requested time to create systems to track and block transactions linked to money-based games.
The Act prohibits advertisements for money-based games and bars banks and financial institutions from processing related payments. Violations can lead to two years in prison and fines up to ₹50 lakh, while facilitating such transactions may result in three years’ imprisonment and fines up to ₹1 crore. Repeat violations could attract even stricter punishments, including three to five years in jail and fines of up to ₹2 crore.
Some major online gaming platforms have already shut down their money-based services voluntarily. However, challenges remain in dealing with offshore gaming companies that continue to operate in India.
Industry figures estimate that nearly 45 crore people in India lost close to ₹20,000 crore last year through money-based online games. Officials said this highlights the urgent need for strong regulations to protect players and support safe gaming practices in the country.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
