India Passes Bill to Ban Real Money Gaming (RMG) Outright

On August 21, 2025, the Indian Parliament passed a bill banning online real money gaming. Real money gaming is defined as any digital game that requires a player to deposit money or place a bet in order to receive a reward. Esports and social gaming are not included in this category.

The bill would prohibit banks and other financial institutions from conducting transactions related to real money gaming. Violating the law could result in:

1. Imprisonment for up to 3 years.
2. A fine of up to INR 10 million (around $115,000).
3. Both.

Celebrities promoting such games on any media platform could also face:

1. Imprisonment for up to 2 years.
2. A fine of 5 million Indian rupees (about $57,000).

Official statements explain this measure by national security, the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. However, there is another large-scale problem that India faces - the growth of gambling addiction. Ordinary citizens have become more addicted to such games, suffering huge financial losses or even committing suicide.

Indian Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Pshvini Vaishnav said: "This bill gives priority to the welfare of society and preventing great evil that penetrates into society."

The bill has already faced criticism from market participants. Experts warn that the innovation will only contribute to the growth of illegal offshore gambling operations, while Indian companies will close. The ban on real money games could lead to the loss of more than 200 billion rupees in taxes, 200,000 jobs and the closure of 400 companies.