The Indian government, through a bill proposed on Tuesday, hinted that it may ban online games that require money to be played. If the government moves forward with the bill, it will be a huge blow to a sector that has attracted billions of dollars in foreign investment over the past few years.
Dubbed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, the government cited psychological and financial harm caused by such games to justify the bill. According to it, no person “shall offer, aid, aibet, induce or otherwise indulge or engage in” offering or playing money games and any such service that includes financial risks.
According to Reuters, which has reviewed the bill, the bill describes an online money game where a user deposits money in hopes of winning more money and other rewards, much like Dream 11 and Mobile Premier League.
This will be a huge blow for the sector as it was only recently gaining traction due to the marketing efforts by the platforms, which included endorsements by top Indian cricketers. The Indian market for such gaming apps is expected to reach $3.6 billion, with popular fantasy cricket games operated by startups Dream 11 and Mobile Premier League being worth $8 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.
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The Indian government has raised concerns over the addictive nature of online money-based games. A proposed bill warns that operators could face up to three years in jail and fines. Games like fantasy cricket on Dream11, where users can enter with just 8 rupees for prize pools worth over 1.2 million rupees, are especially popular during the IPL. The draft highlights manipulative features and addictive algorithms that may fuel compulsive behaviour and financial distress.
