On August 22, 2025, India’s President signed into law the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, shaking up the country’s booming online gaming industry. This law puts a complete ban on all online real-money games, including popular platforms like Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, online poker, rummy, and more.
What’s Banned and Why?
The law makes it illegal to offer, operate, advertise, or promote any online game involving money or entry fees. Serious jail time and hefty fines await anyone, platforms, celebrities, or banks caught breaking the rules. The government says these games were fueling addiction, causing family issues, and becoming a national security risk.
They highlighted shocking stories: between 2019 and 2024, Tamil Nadu reported 47 suicides related to online gaming. Top Indian officials also worry about money laundering, terror financing, and tax evasion tied to these platforms.
India’s Gaming Market Was Giant
Before the ban, India was the world’s largest online gaming market, with 568 million users one in five online gamers globally. Most of the industry’s cash came from real-money games, which made up 85.7% of total revenue in 2024. The sector was worth $3.7 billion and supported over 200,000 jobs.
With this law, experts say India could lose around $2.4 billion in potential growth and 130,000 skilled jobs. Many gaming platforms have already switched to free-to-play versions, leaving thousands unemployed nearly overnight.
Wider Impact: Advertising & Taxes
The ban hurts advertisers, influencers, and even the government’s tax income. The government was set to lose about ₹20,000 crore (nearly $2.5 billion) a year in taxes. Now, many players might turn to risky offshore or underground sites where safety isn’t guaranteed.
How Does This Compare to the USA?
Unlike India, the USA regulates most online gaming and fantasy sports platforms. States like New Jersey and Pennsylvania legally allow real-money online games, with rules to protect players. In fact, America’s online gambling market is projected to reach $23 billion by 2028—much bigger than India’s was. Strict bans are rare; instead, US regulators focus on responsible gaming and anti-addiction measures.
Interesting Facts and Stats
- India had 568 million online gamers in 2025, which is 1 out of 5 global players.
- Real-money gaming made up 85.7% of India’s gaming revenue in 2024.
- The sector supported over 200,000 jobs before the ban.
- India’s government could lose $2.5 billion in annual tax income from the gaming ban.
- 47 suicides in Tamil Nadu were linked to online gaming addiction in five years.
What’s Next for Players?
While Indian gamers and companies face sudden change, US players can still legally enjoy online fantasy sports and other money games with more safety checks than ever before. As India pivots toward e-sports and social gaming, the world watches to see if other countries will follow suit.
