Real money online gaming in India is potential facing a total shutdown, as a newly proposed bill aims to completely eliminate the activity in the country.
According to Reuters, a 13-page bill with the objective of eliminating real money play in online games has not yet been made public.
The bill was drafted by India’s IT ministry and proposes potential penalties of up to three years in jail and a fine for non-compliance.
This is the latest series in efforts to shut down gambling in the country, including a proposed 40 percent ‘sin tax’ on gambling.
Regarding the online sector specifically, the bill states that ‘Such games often use manipulative design features, addictive algorithms […] while promoting compulsive behavior leading to financial ruin’.
The Indian market for real money online gaming is estimated to be worth $3.6 billion, according to cited research.
Online money games are defined as being played by a user by depositing money in expectation of winning monetary and other enrichment.
The bill is entitled the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025.
It states that no individual ‘shall offer, aid, abet, induce or otherwise indulge or engage in’ offering online money games and related services.
