India Bans Online Money Games to Promote E-Sports

The Lok Sabha has approved The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which aims to foster the growth of e-sports and online social games while banning online money gaming. This landmark decision came after the Bill was introduced in the lower house on Wednesday.

The legislation is designed to prohibit all operations, advertisements, and financial transactions related to online money gaming, regardless of whether they are based on skill, chance, or a combination of both. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized the government's commitment to societal welfare, urging all members, including the Opposition, to support the Bill.

In his address, Vaishnaw outlined the distinctions between e-sports, which require strategic thinking and promote cultural exchange, and online social games like Solitaire and Sudoku. However, he identified online money games as a major societal concern, with instances of addiction leading to financial ruin and even suicides. The government will penalize facilitators, advertisers, and financial supporters of such games, providing a legal shield for e-sports.

(With inputs from agencies.)