Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, emphasizing its role in shielding society from the adverse effects of online gambling. The bill, which was approved by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, is also intended to encourage e-sports and online social games, according to the Prime Minister’s statement on X.
“This Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, demonstrates our commitment to making India a center for gaming, innovation, and creativity. It will boost e-sports and online social games. At the same time, it will protect our society from the harmful effects of online money games,” PM Modi stated.
The Rajya Sabha passed ‘The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025’ on Thursday despite ongoing opposition. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had previously presented the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, where it was passed by voice vote. The Union Minister clarified that the government’s objective is to promote online social games and esports.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 seeks to ban online games that involve financial risks, addressing issues such as financial losses and addiction. The bill puts a complete ban on all types of online betting and gambling. During his address in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw said online gaming is an important sector in the digital world, it has three segments – the first is e-sports, which fosters teamwork and strategic thinking. The second segment is online social games, like solitaire and Sudoku, which the bill aims to promote.