Online Gaming Bill, 2025 Referred to Joint Committee

Why in the News?

1. The Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was passed by the Rajya Sabha without discussion after being cleared by the Lok Sabha a day earlier.
2. On the last day of the Monsoon Session, the Rajya Sabha also adopted a motion to refer the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament.
3. The Online Gaming Bill seeks to regulate online gaming and curb addiction to money gaming, which is seen as a public health risk.

Key Highlights

1. Passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025
   2025. Passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in August 2025.
   2026. Passed without discussion due to disruptions in Parliament.
2. Main Provisions of the Online Gaming Bill
   1. Promotes e-sports and online social games as growth sectors.
   2. Regulates online money games, which are linked to addiction and financial loss.
   3. Imposes penalties:
      1. Up to 3 years imprisonment.
      2. Fine up to ₹1 crore for violations.

• Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, including imprisonment between three to five years and fines up to Rs. 2 crore.

3. Establishment of an Online Gaming Authority
   1. A key provision of the Bill is the establishment of a statutory Online Gaming Authority, which will serve as the central regulatory body for the sector. Its core responsibilities include:
      1. Facilitating coordinated policy support for the online gaming industry
      2. Overseeing and regulating gaming platforms to ensure compliance and integrity

• Promoting e-sports and legitimate online social gaming ventures

1. Addressing and mitigating harmful practices such as money laundering, manipulative algorithms, and fraudulent gaming operations
2. The Authority is designed to provide consistent legal oversight, fostering a secure and sustainable environment for the growth of online gaming.

4. Rationale for the Bill
   1. Online money gaming is becoming a public health risk, similar to drugs.
   2. Causes psychological disorders, compulsive behaviour, violent behaviour, and financial losses for families, especially middle-class youth.
5. Significance for India’s Digital Future
   1. The Online Gaming Bill 2025 strikes a vital balance between fostering innovation and protecting public interest. Its significance spans multiple dimensions:
      1. Youth Protection: It safeguards young gamers from the risks of addiction and financial exploitation.
      2. Industry Advancement: It offers regulatory clarity and formal recognition to e-sports and social gaming start-ups, paving the way for growth and investment.

• Societal Well-being: It tackles pressing issues such as online fraud, money laundering, and the mental health impact of gaming.

1. Governance Reform: It introduces a long-awaited, unified national framework to replace the previously fragmented regulatory landscape.
2. By promoting e-sports, the Bill also supports India’s strategic goal of becoming a global leader in digital entertainment; especially as the nation gears up to host major international events like the proposed 2036 Olympics.

Implications

1. For Digital Economy
   1. Regulation provides clarity for gaming companies.
   2. Promotes e-sports sector growth, making India a global hub.
   3. Prevents misuse of gaming platforms for illegal betting or fraud.
2. For Public Health and Society
   1. Addresses gaming addiction among youth.
   2. Reduces financial distress in families due to gambling losses.
   3. Helps prevent mental health issues caused by compulsive gaming.
3. For Governance and Law Enforcement
   1. Sets up a legal framework for monitoring online platforms
   2. Imposes strict liability on operators, ensuring accountability.
   3. Requires strong enforcement mechanisms for effective compliance.
4. For Federal Structure and Political Accountability
   1. Referring constitutional amendment bills to a joint committee allows deeper scrutiny.
   2. Strengthens checks on ministers accused of corruption, promoting accountability.
5. For Parliamentary Functioning
   1. Repeated disruptions undermine deliberative democracy.
   2. Passing significant bills without debate erodes legislative scrutiny.
   3. Raises concerns about parliamentary ethics and transparency.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

The passage of the Online Gaming Bill, 2025 marks an important step in regulating the rapidly growing online gaming sector in India. While the bill aims to curb addiction and protect vulnerable sections of society, its success will depend on effective enforcement, balanced regulation, and public awareness. At the same time, frequent parliamentary disruptions highlight the urgent need to restore deliberative processes for healthy democratic functioning.