On Wednesday, online sports promotion and regulation Bill-2025 was passed by the Lok Sabha. The government has made strict provisions against the companies involved in betting and gambling under the guise of online gaming in this bill.
Under this, a provision of a fine of Rs 1 crore has been made with a sentence of three years. Also, complete ban on online ‘money gaming’ or its advertisements will be applicable.
Crisis on apps related to other sports including cricket
According to experts, Fantasy Games apps can still run on ‘subscription model’. Suppose you pay 100 rupees for a gaming app and look at your skills in fantasy gaming, but the actual money gaming is banned according to this bill, in which money is earned by paying.
The impact of the online gaming bill can also be seen on the ongoing cricket app in the name of ‘fantasy gaming’. The bill advocates banning the online platform with real funds, which is a share in the sponsorship market of Indian Games, especially cricket.
The bill is a matter of creating a regulatory body, which will look at the four diverse fields of e-Sports, educational gaming, social and casual gaming and real transactions of money. Of these, ‘online money games’ will be banned. Cricket is a game in which the trend of real money gaming has increased and the title sponsor of the Indian team is Dream 11. At the same time, the official fantasy sports partner of the Indian Premier League is ‘My 11 Circle’.
Online Money Game ‘Today is a matter of great concern in society
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, while introducing this bill, said that ‘Online Money Game’ has become a matter of great concern in society today. There are many people who get addicted to it and blow up in a saving (online) game of life. He said that ‘fraud and cheating algorithm are such that it is not known who is playing with whom.
Necklace is sure
There are vague algorithms. Necklace is certain. Financial disadvantages occur. Many families were ruined, suicides have also taken place. Vaishnav, citing an English newspaper report, said that 32 suicides have taken place in such cases in 31 months. Online gaming, money gaming is having serious impact on families.
Gaming companies and officers will be responsible
If a company brings an app or digital platform to feed online money games, in such a situation the company and its officials will be responsible for the crime. Under the Bill, the central government can give the rights to the officials to investigate, search and seizure digital/physical assets related to crimes. Officers will have the right to entry, search and arrest without warrant in some cases. Under this Act, the Indian Civil Protection Code, 2023 will be applicable for investigation.
Full ban on these games and rules for companies
– There will be complete ban on any type of online money games (skill based, luck based or both).
Under this, online betting and gambling activities such as fantasy sports, online gambling (poker, rammi and other card games), online lottery have been banned.
– This ban will be applicable to computer, mobile apps or internet online ‘money game’
– Online money games operated from abroad will also be completely stopped
– Advertisement and promotion of money games will be banned on all mediums.
– Banks and payment systems will not be allowed to transactions related to such sports.
– IT Act-20000 will have the right to block access to illegal gaming platforms.
– Crimes under major sections in the bill will be serious and non-bailable.
What provision for punishment and fine
Gaming companies screws
– Purgered up to three years for offering or facilitating online money games and fined up to one crore
– Banks and financial institutions providing financial transactions for money games also imprisoned up to 3 years and a fine of up to one crore
– Three to five years imprisonment for repeated crime and fined up to 2 crores
Strictness on advertisements of celebrities
– imprisoned up to two years for advertising money games and fined up to 50 lakhs
– At present, many famous film personalities and players are advertising the gaming app involved in betting
No action against players
As far as the game players are concerned, they are suffering, they will not be punished.
Action will only be on those who provide platforms or provide transactions services
Establishment of online gaming authority
According to the bill, the central government will set up an authority at the national level or nominate any current agency. The work of the authority will be to classify and register online sports. Along with this, the authority will also do the task of settlement of complaints and disputes.
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said, “This bill has been introduced to avoid the huge evil in the society due to online gaming. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always chosen the welfare of the middle class family. Never compromised it. This bill has also given priority to the welfare of the society.”