Govt plans ban on online money games

As per reports, the Online Gaming Bill if passed can bring into effect penalties of up to Rs 1 crore and 3 years of imprisonment

by e4m Desk
Published: Aug 19, 2025 7:38 PM | 2 min read

The government is preparing to introduce the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which could impose a blanket ban on online money games and related services in India, media networks have reported.

As per reports, the draft Bill proposes to prohibit offering or advertising online money games, and restrict banks and financial institutions from processing payments linked to such platforms.

MIB crackdown

If introduced, the bill may bring into place penalties of up to Rs 1 crore and up to 3 years’ imprisonment.

For advertising online money games, offenders can face up to 2 years’ jail and Rs 50 lakh fine.

In March this year, the MIB issued 1,298 blocking directions related to online betting/gambling/gaming websites between the year 2022-24.

The policies of the Central Government are aimed at ensuring an open, safe, trusted and accountable Internet for its users, said the ministry.

The government had also notified stakeholders about amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules”) under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”) to address various socio-economic concerns emanating from online games.

The Advertising Standards Council of India has been taking strict measures to prevent addiction of online gaming and betting.

Under the updated rules, online gaming platforms and social media platforms must follow strict guidelines. They cannot host, store, or share any content that violates the law. They must also act quickly to remove illegal content, especially if it harms children or promotes money laundering or gambling.

ASCI's action