India Proposes Ban on Online Money Games, Threatening Billion-Dollar Industry
The Indian government is preparing to ban online games played with money, according to a draft of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 reviewed by Reuters. The bill, which cites the potential psychological and financial harm caused by such games, proposes to prohibit individuals or companies from offering or engaging in real-money online gaming services. Violators could face up to three years in jail and fines.
India’s online gaming sector has grown rapidly, attracting billions in foreign investment and endorsements from top cricketers. Popular fantasy sports platforms like Dream11, valued at $8 billion, and Mobile Premier League (MPL), valued at $2.5 billion, have fueled this surge, particularly during the Indian Premier League season. The market is projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2029, according to venture capital firm Lumikai.
The proposed bill describes online money games as those requiring players to deposit cash with the expectation of winning monetary or material rewards. It warns that such platforms deploy “manipulative design features” and “addictive algorithms” that encourage compulsive behaviour, often leading to financial distress. Both Dream11 and MPL declined to comment, while India’s IT ministry has yet to respond to queries.
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