New Delhi: Amid the rise in crimes linked to online rummy and other real-money games, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The legislation seeks to ban online games played with money in a bid to curb addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud through such applications.

The bill also prohibits advertisements related to online money games and bars banks and financial institutions from facilitating or transferring funds for such activities.

It outlaws all forms of online betting and gambling (satta and jua) — including fantasy sports, online poker, rummy, other card games, and online lotteries.

Once cleared by both Houses of Parliament, offering or facilitating online money gaming will be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine of up to ₹1 crore.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to a PTI report, the bill was passed by a voice vote after brief remarks by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, amid opposition protests in the House.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after the passage of the bill.

ADVERTISEMENT

An “online money game” is defined as a game played by a user, where money is deposited with the expectation of winning monetary or other rewards.

TAGS

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.