A new bill passed in India to ban online gaming platforms has become a hot topic of discussion. The Rajya Sabha recently gave its nod to a bill that was earlier introduced in the Lok Sabha, aiming to shut down any online gaming platforms that involve money, whether it’s through betting, entry fees, or in-app purchases.
The main goal behind this bill is to protect people who have been falling into the trap of unethical gaming apps, many of which have led users to lose their hard-earned money. Over time, these platforms have been blamed for increasing addiction and financial stress in households across the country.
So, what does this actually mean?
It means that any online platform offering games involving financial transactions could now be considered illegal. If these companies are found violating the rules, they will face strict regulations and heavy penalties under the new law.
But it’s not all bad news. The bill makes it clear that the government isn’t against gaming entirely. Esports and casual gaming that don’t involve real money will still be allowed and even encouraged in a safe, healthy environment.
Simply put, the government is drawing a clear line between entertainment and exploitation and it’s the money-based games that are now being pushed out.
Who’s affected?
There are well-known platforms like Dream11, Games24x7, Winzo, GamesKraft, 99Games, KheloFantasy and My11Circle which run on real-money gaming models. All these will likely have to shut down their services in India unless they run on non-monetary formats.
According to government sources, the rise of these platforms has led to serious concerns about addiction, financial ruin, and family distress. The ban is being positioned as a step toward protecting citizens and bringing peace of mind to many households.
That said, there’s also a financial angle. These platforms are reported to have contributed nearly ₹20,000 crore annually to the government through both direct and indirect taxes.