The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which seeks to prohibit and regulate online gaming, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed bill, cleared by the Union Cabinet on Tuesday, prohibits online money gaming or its advertisements, and prescribes imprisonment or a fine, or both, for those offering or advertising them, as it seeks to differentiate such games from e-sports or online social games, according to a source.
The bill proposes that any person offering an online money gaming service in violation of the stipulated provisions will face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine that may extend to Rs 1 crore, or both.
VIDEO | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on the online gambling bill says “I had written an article earlier stating that by banning online gaming, we are simply driving it underground, whereas it could actually serve as a useful source of revenue for the government if legalised,… pic.twitter.com/tGLsSNhCtS
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 20, 2025
The provisions also stipulate imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both, for those indulging in advertisements in contravention of the rules. Additionally, those engaging in any transaction or authorisation of funds will be liable for up to three years' imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both, according to the source. With the ban on the immensely popular Player Unknown's Battleground (PUBG), now known as BGMI, fresh on the minds of many gamers, they worry that the proposed bill will bring a ban on popular games like eFootball, FIFA Mobile (EA Sports FC) and Real Cricket.
Will eSports suffer under new bill?
The bill's targets are "online money games" where it is possible for users to deposit money with the expectation of earning big returns. Both Real Cricket and eFootball (PES Mobile) fall under the category of 'e-sports', which are explicitly promoted and regulated under the new bill. While the bill proposes a blanket ban on real-money gaming (RMG), regardless of whether it is based on skill or chance, it is expected to affect platforms for fantasy sports, rummy, poker, and the like. On the other hand, the government of India is more interested in regulating and promoting e-sports.
What about online purchases of packs?
What is coming on the tomorrow & Next Thursday in efootball 2024 mobile // new epic pack & free coins❣️#eFootball2024Mobile#eFootball2023 pic.twitter.com/AzPXvc3gMV
— HiikeY 🌟 (@Updyfatahm38786) September 10, 2023
However, online purchases of elite player cards and other features are part of both games. eFootball coins are sold by Konami, using which users can buy players and add-ons. Such skins, packs, and the like are classified under "in-app purchases," which at times are only accessible through financial payments.
However, as things stand, this is not considered gambling. When the National Online Gaming Commission is set up to license and monitor platforms, a third-party platform hosting cash prize tournaments for eFootball Mobile where registration fees are collected from interested participants may face an issue. But the ecosystem and core of both games are likely to remain unaffected.
