Tech Desk 
Aug 20, 2025
India's government is preparing to outlaw online games with money, citing concerns over addiction and financial harm. A draft of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 says that no person "shall offer, aid, abet, induce, or otherwise indulge or engage in" the offering of online money games or related services.
According to Reuters, the bill defines online money games as games in which users can deposit money and are offered money for winning games or otherwise being enriched. It also warns that violations could send you to jail for as long as three years and impose fines.
Authorities are arguing that money-based gaming apps often include “manipulative design features” and “addictive algorithms” which encourage compulsive behaviour that can sometimes lead to financial disaster.
The Indian real money gaming market is projected to be valued at $3.6 billion by 2029, according to venture capital firm Lumikai, and this industry has attracted substantial foreign investment.
Popular apps, such as Dream11 and Mobile Premier League (MPL), are valued at $8 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, and have boomed, thanks to endorsements from the best cricketers.
Popular apps like Dream11 and Mobile Premier League (MPL), valued at $8 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, have grown rapidly, boosted by endorsements from top cricketers.
India’s IT ministry, which drafted the bill, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while Dream11 and MPL have declined to comment over this controversy.
If passed, the new legislation could deal a major setback to India’s booming online gaming industry.
