BS EDIT: A blunt ban

By Business StandardPublished On Aug 21, 2025

The new Online Gaming Bill bans money games, citing social and financial harms, but leaves the industry facing deep uncertainty

Thousands of jobs and billions in enterprise value are at stake. The outright ban risks derailing India’s fast-growing gaming sector

Addiction, fraud, and exploitation are real concerns. Yet prohibition may push activity underground, making regulation harder

Industry associations note ₹2 trillion in enterprise value and ₹25,000 crore in FDI—resources now at risk

A consultative, regulated framework could have balanced consumer protection with industry growth and tax revenues

While the Bill promotes esports and social games, its ban on money games undermines the very framework it sets out to build