The Lok Sabha has cleared The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which seeks to ban the offering, facilitation, advertisement, and participation in online money games. The Bill, approved by a voice vote on August 20, targets platforms that allow users to deposit and wager money through fantasy sports, card games, and poker.
Government estimates suggest such platforms drain nearly ₹19,000 crore annually from close to 45 crore users across India. The legislation comes amid rising concerns over debt, addiction, and suicides linked to online gaming. Offenders under the proposed law could face imprisonment of up to five years.
The move has cast uncertainty over several high-profile sponsorships, including that of the Indian cricket team, which currently has Dream11 as its lead sponsor. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said it will follow government policy on the matter.
Meanwhile, Dream11 announced that all cash contests on its platform have been discontinued with immediate effect following the passage of the Bill in Lok Sabha.
The Bill now awaits the President’s assent before it can come into effect.
