“Real Money Gaming Ban: Online Gaming Bill 2025 Passes Rajya Sabha, Industry Faces Major Shakeup”
In a landmark decision that could disrupt India’s booming online gaming industry, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (August 21, 2025) passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, paving the way for a nationwide real money gaming (RMG) ban. The bill now awaits the signature of President Droupadi Murmu to become law — a move likely to trigger immediate enforcement.
This swift and decisive passage of the Online Gaming Bill 2025, within just 72 hours of introduction, highlights the government’s urgency in curbing what it calls a “malpractice destroying families.” If enacted, the law would make pay-to-play, stakes-based games such as fantasy sports, online poker, and opinion trading illegal, potentially upending companies like Dream11, MPL, and PokerBaazi, which rely heavily on real money gaming for revenue.
Government’s Hardline Stance on Real Money Gaming
Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance approach:
“It is the responsibility of Parliament to take strict action against malpractices in society. Problems due to online money games have led to several families being destroyed.”
The bill was passed clause-by-clause in the Upper House, despite disruptions by opposition MPs who attempted to raise unrelated concerns. The rapid legislative push is in stark contrast to the lengthy deliberations seen with previous tech regulations, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Mr. Vaishnaw clarified:
“This is not regulation; this is prohibition. With a prohibition, you can’t do consultations.”
Immediate Enforcement and Industry Fallout
Unlike other legislations that take months or even years to be enforced, the RMG ban will come into effect immediately following the President’s assent. A short notification will be issued to make the law active, signaling the government’s intention to shut down real money gaming platforms without delay.
Gaming platforms have already begun to react. Probo, a firm known for opinion trading, announced it would suspend its real money product, calling the bill “unfortunate.” Meanwhile, leading players like Dream11, MPL, and PokerBaazi have sent urgent appeals to Home Minister Amit Shah for reconsideration, though no official response has been issued.
Market Reaction: Stocks Slide Amid Gaming Ban Fears
The stock market reflected the growing uncertainty in the sector:
Nazara Technologies Ltd., which has an indirect stake in PokerBaazi, saw its shares fall 2% on the day the bill was passed and is down nearly 15% since it was introduced.
Delta Corp Ltd., owner of Adda52, another RMG platform, experienced a 3.14% decline
Nazara clarified in a regulatory filing:
“Nazara has no direct exposure to RMG businesses. Our 46.07% stake in Moonshine Technologies (PokerBaazi) does not impact our consolidated financials.”
E-Sports Gets Government Backing
While real money games are being outlawed, the government plans to promote e-sports and digital gaming under the Ministries of Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting. This signals a shift in focus towards non-monetary, skill-based gaming sectors — a possible lifeline for some companies to pivot their business models.
The Road Ahead for Online Gaming in India
With the Online Gaming Bill 2025 nearly law, India’s RMG industry faces an uncertain future. The once-booming sector, which attracted millions of users and billions in investment, must now reinvent itself or risk extinction.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on the President’s assent and the government’s next moves — especially the implementation timeline and enforcement mechanisms that will shape the post-RMG era in India’s digital economy.