The Online Gaming Bill 2025, officially known as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, has been passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, marking a historic turning point for India’s digital economy. Once the President’s assent is given, the law will enforce a nationwide ban on real-money gaming (RMG) apps, including fantasy sports, rummy, and poker platforms.
With India’s gaming industry valued at $3.7–3.8 billion in 2025, and nearly 86% of revenue driven by real-money formats, this decision will impact millions of users, gaming startups, and investors.
Key Highlights of the Online Gaming Bill 2025
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Ban on Real-Money Gaming: Any online game involving money deposits with the expectation of monetary rewards is now prohibited.
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Ban on Advertisements: No promotion of fantasy sports, rummy, or poker apps; celebrities endorsing such apps face penalties.
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Payment Block: Banks and financial institutions are barred from processing payments for banned apps.
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Severe Penalties:
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Offering RMG → Up to 3 years jail + ₹1 crore fine.
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Advertising RMG → 2 years jail + ₹50 lakh fine.
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Repeat offenders → 3–5 years jail, fines up to ₹2 crore.
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Offences are cognizable and non-bailable.
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Regulatory Authority: The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) will regulate online gaming, while a new body will promote eSports, casual, and educational games.
Why the Government Passed This Bill
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that the law was needed because:
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Addiction & Financial Losses – Millions of Indians lost savings on money gaming apps.
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Fraud, Money Laundering & Terror Financing – Platforms were misused in scams like the Mahadev betting case.
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Cross-Border Regulation Issues – State-level bans were ineffective against foreign-based apps.
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Balanced Growth – The bill bans gambling-style apps but supports eSports and casual/social gaming.
Full List of Indian Apps Likely to Be Banned
Fantasy Sports Apps
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Dream11 (India’s largest fantasy platform, valued at $8B)
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Mobile Premier League (MPL) ($2.5B valuation, multi-game platform)
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My11Circle (Games24x7, celebrity endorsements)
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Howzat (growing fantasy app, also mentioned in multiple reports)
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SG11 Fantasy (smaller but emerging competitor)
Rummy & Poker Platforms
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RummyCircle (Games24x7)
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Junglee Rummy (Junglee Games)
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PokerBaazi (Moonshine Tech, backed by Nazara)
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GamesKraft (RummyCulture)
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Adda52 (popular poker app)
Other Real-Money Game Platforms
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WinZO (skill-based real-money games)
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Games24x7 (operator of My11Circle & RummyCircle)
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Nazara Technologies (investor in PokerBaazi’s parent, though most revenue is eSports & casual gaming)
Stock Market & Investor Impact
The bill has already shaken India’s listed gaming ecosystem:
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Nazara Technologies (NSE: NAZARA)
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Holds 47.7% stake in PokerBaazi’s parent (Moonshine Tech).
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Shares fell 12–13% after bill approval.
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May now pivot toward eSports & non-monetary gaming.
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Delta Corp Ltd. (casino operator)
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Shares dropped 7% intraday after the announcement.
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Analysts expect investor pullback from Indian gaming startups, mass layoffs, and consolidation in the sector.
What Remains Legal Under the Bill ✅
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Esports tournaments (BGMI, Valorant, Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile).
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Casual & Social games (Ludo King, Candy Crush, Subway Surfers).
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Educational & skill-based games (non-monetary formats).
Not Legal: Fantasy sports apps (Dream11, Howzat, My11Circle), poker (PokerBaazi, Adda52), rummy (RummyCircle, Junglee Rummy), and betting apps.
Industry Impact
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India’s $3.8B gaming market could shrink sharply with 86% revenue coming from RMG.
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Job losses across fantasy sports, rummy, and poker startups.
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Ecosystem shift: from gambling-style platforms → regulated eSports & casual gaming.
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Global Opportunity: India may emerge as an eSports hub & game-development center, attracting international investment.
Conclusion
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 is a watershed moment for India’s digital gaming ecosystem. While it delivers a death blow to real-money apps like Dream11, MPL, Howzat, RummyCircle, and PokerBaazi, it simultaneously creates a regulated pathway for eSports, casual, and educational gaming.
For millions of users, startups, and investors, this law represents both an existential threat and a chance for reinvention. Companies that successfully pivot to non-monetary models may thrive in India’s new gaming economy.
FAQs
Q1. Which apps are banned under the Online Gaming Bill 2025?
Apps like Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, Howzat, WinZO, RummyCircle, Junglee Rummy, PokerBaazi, Adda52, GamesKraft, and SG11 Fantasy are expected to be banned.
Q2. Is Dream11 banned in India in 2025?
Yes, Dream11 and other fantasy sports apps will be banned as they involve real-money betting and wagering.
Q3. Can I still play BGMI, Valorant, or Ludo King?
Yes ✅. Esports and casual/social games remain legal under the new law.
Q4. What are the penalties for violating the bill?
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Offering RMG → Up to 3 years jail + ₹1 crore fine.
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Advertising RMG → 2 years jail + ₹50 lakh fine.
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Repeat offences → 3–5 years jail + ₹2 crore fine.
Q5. What is the future of online gaming in India?
The focus will shift from real-money fantasy/poker/rummy apps to eSports, casual gaming, and game development, opening new opportunities for developers and investors.
source: Online Gaming Bill 2025 passed
