PM Modi hails passing of Online Gaming Bill: ‘Encourage e-Sports, social games’

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the online gaming bill amid protests by the Opposition leaders, a day after the legislation was passed in the Lok Sabha.

Updated on: Aug 22, 2025, 04:58:08 IST

By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which was passed by both Houses of the Parliament, saying that it will encourage e-sports and save society from the harmful effects of online games.

PM Modi said the Online Gaming Bill highlights the government's commitment towards making India a hub for gaming, innovation and creativity. (PTI)

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the online gaming bill amid protests by the Opposition leaders, a day after the legislation was passed in the Lok Sabha.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "This Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, highlights our commitment towards making India a hub for gaming, innovation and creativity. It will encourage e-sports and online social games. At the same time, it will save our society from the harmful effects of online money games."

ALSO READ | Online Gaming Bill 2025 passed: Which Indian apps are likely to be impacted after Rajya Sabha nod?

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, clearing its first legislative hurdle amid criticism from the gaming industry.

While the gaming industry cited thousands of crores in investments and revenues involving the online gaming sector, the government believes that the benefits of banning such games outweigh the costs.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha passed the bill within seven minutes of Union minister for electronics and information technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, introducing it.

The Rajya Sabha also cleared the legislation after rejecting amendments proposed by the Opposition members.

Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025

The Online Gaming Bill aims to ban all forms of online money games while promoting e-Sports and online social gaming. It also prohibits advertisements of online money games and bars banks and financial institutions from facilitating or transferring funds for such activities.

ALSO READ | Online gaming bill gets LS approval within 7 minutes

“People lose their life’s savings in online money gaming," Ashwini Vaishnaw told the MPs in the Parliament.

"Our purpose of this bill and this exercise has been ongoing for almost three plus years, where we have deeply engaged with industry to see how the harmful impact can be prevented, contained and reduced," he added.

ALSO READ | Real Money Out, Esports In: Online Gaming Bill Set To Become Law | 5 Key Points

In a brief explainer on the online gaming bill in an X post, Vaishnaw said that the legislation gives legal recognition to e-Sports. He said that the government will launch schemes and programmes to promote them.

The bill aims to promote online social games, which is recognised as a safe way to interact and learn. "Government to support game makers & creators – part of India’s creator economy & software growth," Vaishnaw added.

The Online Gaming legislation aims to keep a balanced approach, penalising service providers, advertisers and fund transfer platforms.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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