New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, calling it a transformative step to boost India’s e-sports ecosystem while safeguarding society from the harms of real-money gaming. Passed by both Houses of Parliament, the bill bans online real-money games due to their psychological, financial, and social risks, while officially recognizing e-sports and social gaming as creative, educational, and legitimate digital platforms. Modi emphasized that the legislation reflects the government’s vision of making India a global hub for gaming, innovation, and creativity, while ensuring the digital economy grows responsibly. The bill also provides for a dedicated regulatory authority, promotes e-sports through structured training and infrastructure, and introduces safeguards to protect youth and vulnerable groups from addiction, exploitation, and cyber threats. Experts say the move strikes a balanced approach—encouraging innovation while protecting public health and financial integrity.
