India’s parliament has taken an unprecedented step to rein in its increasingly dangerous digital landscape. They did, however, pass a bill banning online gambling. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill has now been approved by both houses of parliament. This legislation is poised to revolutionize how the entire country treats online money games.
The Tobacom law passed in September 2022 criminalizes the promotion and financing of online gambling activities. For offenders, the law has strict consequences, with a minimum of five years in prison. Given the increasing concerns over the social and financial effects of internet gambling, this move is a step in the right direction. According to government statistics, approximately one-third of India’s population has experienced financial losses as a result of these activities. New reports show that large corporations operating with impunity in the internet gambling space have siphoned off an estimated $2.3 billion a year from upwards of 450 million workers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed support for the new law, stating it will “encourage e-sports and online social games” while simultaneously aiming to “save society from the harmful effects of online money games.” The Prime Minister’s statement reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting healthier forms of online leisure. None of these forms will have any real money at stake.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Technology, made an important point. The new law specifically distinguishes between online “social” games and games that are played for profit. The legislation focuses solely on platforms that host card games, poker, and fantasy sports – all of which have surged in popularity among users over the past few years. Just days after the bill’s initial passage, Dream11, India’s biggest fantasy sports gaming platform, went big. They released a statement saying that they would end all “cash games and contests.”
“It encourages e-sports, which are organised competitive video games, and promotes safe online social and educational games.” – Al Jazeera and news agencies
To those ends, the government has promised to support the development of e-sports and educational games as part of their overall digital economy strategy. This project looks to make our collective online experience a better one. It protects the line between recreational video gaming and gambling.
“This legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth.” – Government statement
Though the bill has been passed, it still needs to be formally ratified through an ordinance by the President of India before becoming effective. The federal government is doing all it can to take bold and swift action to keep citizens safe. This action marks their increasing acknowledgement of the harms posed by online gambling.
