India Takes Drastic Action: Real-Money Online Gaming Banned

In a shocking move that has left many in disbelief, the Indian government has just passed a controversial law that bans all real-money online games, advertisements, and related financial transactions. This sweeping decision, announced yesterday, targets one of the most booming sectors in India today – online gaming.

With a population of 1.46 billion, India is the world’s most populous country, and this move will impact millions of gamers who use their phones for online gambling and real-money games.

The new law, officially called the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, was passed by the Indian parliament under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Officials argue that online gambling presents severe risks to players, including financial loss and long-term psychological harm. Federal IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that it is the duty of the government to act decisively against such ‘social evils’ that continue to plague society.

The legislation has caused a huge stir within the gaming industry, which was once valued in the billions and expected to grow to $3.6 billion by 2029. With major investors backing platforms like Dream11, PokerBaazi, and Mobile Premier League, India’s fantasy sports and real-money gaming sectors had been expanding rapidly. These platforms had attracted millions of users who enjoyed playing cricket, poker, and rummy, or participated in prize pools. But now, the future of these companies seems uncertain, as the government’s decision has left industry executives scrambling.

Following the ban, popular platforms like Dream11 and PokerBaazi halted their real-money gaming features. Industry insiders are now bracing for significant layoffs, potential business closures, and the collapse of an ecosystem that had drawn billions in foreign investments and provided tens of thousands of jobs. At the same time, gaming associations and company leaders are preparing to challenge the law in court, arguing that the bill was rushed without sufficient consultation. They claim that the ban’s broad scope unfairly targets skill-based games, such as poker, and could devastate an otherwise legitimate and thriving industry.

As someone who sees both sides of the argument, I can empathize with the concerns. While it’s undeniable that online gambling can be a destructive force for many, it also seems unjust to prevent responsible adults from enjoying a harmless game of poker or two. However, the question remains: how can a government regulate something as vast and complicated as online gambling, other than by banning it altogether? In a digital age like ours, finding a balance is far from simple.