India plans ban on online money games amid fears of addiction
India’s government is preparing legislation to ban online games played with real money, which could deliver a major setback to an industry that has drawn billions of dollars in foreign investment.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, reviewed by Reuters but not yet released publicly, states that no person “shall offer, aid, abet, induce or otherwise indulge or engage in” online money games or related services.
The bill defines an online money game as one where users deposit money in expectation of monetary or other rewards. It also warns that “such games often use manipulative design features, addictive algorithms … while promoting compulsive behavior leading to financial ruin.” The measure proposes penalties of up to three years in jail and fines for violation.
The real-money gaming sector in India is expected to reach US$3.6 billion by 2029, according to venture capital firm Lumikai.
Endorsements by leading cricketers and aggressive marketing have boosted real-money apps such as Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, which allow users to build fantasy teams for as little as INR8 and have prize pools of up to INR1.2 million.
Authorities have also expressed concern about the addictive nature of such platforms, particularly during the Indian Premier League cricket season.
India’s IT ministry, which drafted the bill, did not comment. Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, valued at US$8 billion and US$2.5 billion, respectively, also declined to respond.
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