The Rajya Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, a landmark move aimed at shaping India’s booming digital gaming sector. While the Opposition staged protests during the discussion, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted why this legislation is crucial.
The bill classifies online gaming into three key segments—E-Sports, Online Social Games, and Online Money Games—while striking a balance between promotion and regulation.
Focus on Growth: E-Sports and Online Social Games
According to the Union Minister, two-thirds of the online gaming industry falls under the category of E-Sports and Online Social Gaming, both of which will be encouraged and promoted.
- E-Sports – Competitive gaming where teams play in a structured format, improving coordination, strategy, and discipline. Indian players have already won international medals in this segment. Under the bill, E-Sports will gain legal recognition, and a dedicated authority will be established to regulate and promote it.
- Online Social Games – Popular games such as chess, sudoku, and solitaire fall in this category. These will also receive government support, with a regulatory authority to ensure growth and fair play.
Strict Action Against Online Money Gaming
The third segment, Online Money Games, has been identified as a public health risk. Minister Vaishnaw warned that this form of gaming, often involving real-money gambling, has led to:
- Addiction among youth, particularly in middle-class families.
- Loss of savings, with an estimated ₹20,000 crore already destroyed due to compulsive gambling.
- Health risks, including psychological disorders, compulsive behavior, and aggression.
- Money laundering and terror financing risks, adding a national security concern.
He added that around 45 crore Indians are affected, and even the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized excessive online gambling as a gaming disorder.
Protecting Families & Youth
Vaishnaw compared the menace of online gambling to chit fund scams, which destroyed many families before being tackled with new laws. He stressed that the government has a duty to safeguard middle-class families and youth, even if it means prioritizing social stability over revenue.
“Whenever the interests of youth and middle class are at stake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed their welfare above revenue concerns,” the Minister said.
Opposition Protests & Government’s Stand
Despite protests and sloganeering from the Opposition benches, the Minister insisted that the bill was a responsible step to address irregularities in society. He argued that opposing this legislation would mean ignoring the concerns of families and the future of Indian youth.
Key Takeaways of the Online Gaming Bill
- Promotes: E-Sports & Online Social Games with legal recognition and dedicated regulatory authorities.
- Regulates & Restricts: Online Money Gaming, which poses health, social, and financial risks.
- Addresses Addiction: Targets nearly 45 crore affected people across India.
- Protects Families: Prevents savings destruction and tackles compulsive gambling.
- National Security Aspect: Seeks to curb money laundering and links to illegal activities.